South Africa, Limpopo: Limpopo Health MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba is calling upon all people of Limpopo to join the global community in observing the WHO’s 75th anniversary wherein in addition to focusing on the journey towards achieving Health for all, this year’s theme is 75 years of improving public Health.
The World Health Organisation defines Health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
In observing this day, the Limpopo Department of Health would like to remind the public about another pandemic, which requires all of us to work together in order to defeat. We can not talk about improving Health for all without assessing the status of access to mental health, especially in our public facilities. Mental Health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being that is often overlooked and misunderstood. It is defined as a state of well-being in which an individual can realize their own potential, cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively, and contribute to their community, said Ramathuba.
Furthermore, Ramathuba said, “However, mental health often encompasses a range of different conditions, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other mood or personality disorders. Despite its importance, mental health is often stigmatized, and those who suffer from mental illness are often discriminated against.”
The impact of mental health on individuals, their families, and communities can not be overemphasized.
“Let’s use this day to reflect and start taking care of ourselves. Let’s start engaging in daily physical exercises, eating healthy, stopping smoking, and reducing alcohol intake. Let’s be kind to our minds. Our Health is our wealth, and our Health remains our responsibility. If you are troubled, stressed, or depressed, take your first step and seek professional help. Mental health care professionals are there, and their services are free in all our state institutions. Until such time we start elevating mental health as we do with other medical emergencies, we will continue to lose our loved ones,” concludes MEC Ramathuba.