Tel: +27 11 486 3322 info@psyssa.com
16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Girls – 25 November-10 December 2024

16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Girls – 25 November-10 December 2024

by | Nov 25, 2024 | Community and Engagement, Mental Health Advocacy, Mental Health Calendar

All it takes

Written by Leonie Vorster, Trauma and Violence Division Executive Committee Member 

If you talk to just three children and three women in South Africa, you are highly likely, statistically speaking, to come face-to-face with gender-based violence (GBV). Long after the six conversations, two survivors and those close to them will be living with the impact of GBV, while the perpetrators reoffend, unchallenged and unchanged.

GBV (violence perpetrated against any person based on their gender) can lead to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, obsessive behaviour, compulsions, anger, antisocial behaviour, anxiety, stress, depression, dissociation, self-injury, body issues, gastro-intestinal issues, somatic complaints, substance abuse, relationship issues, sexual difficulties, and a host of serious physical and psychological disorders (Vorster, 2021).

Addressing the scourge of GBV does not lie with the one in three survivors, though they are a stark, statistical reminder that we are failing to tackle GBV. Health professionals are justified in supporting GBV survivors and, understandably, that is where the focus has been. However, helping the perpetrators of GBV is the best way to prevent GBV, and we have failed at this (Vorster, 2021).

Working with perpetrators of violence against women and children can be challenging, and prevention is complex. Perpetrators often have gender role strain issues, resorting to violence to cope with feelings of inadequacy (Baugher, 2015). Furthermore, violence against women and violence against children intersect, emphasising the need for collaborative efforts to address both (UNICEF, 2024). The definition and acceptability of what constitutes GBV also varies significantly across diverse cultures and contexts, underscoring the importance of culturally sensitive approaches in research, intervention, and prevention programmes (Perrin et al., 2019). Nonetheless, exposure to various forms of violence has adverse health outcomes for victims, regardless of cultural context (Rivara et al., 2019).

Interventions based on “naming and shaming” perpetrators may not be effective in reducing violence or enhancing safety for women and children. Arguably, isolating perpetrators (as opposed to reintegrating them) can reinforce negative self-perceptions and perpetuate violent behaviour. In contrast, approaches that focus on holding perpetrators accountable in a way that encourages rehabilitation and offers alternative, non-violent models of behaviour are more promising when it comes to prevention (Camp, 2019).

What will it take to create a world free from violence towards women and children?

Effective prevention requires multi-sectoral approaches, community involvement, and long-term strategies; addressing underlying social drivers like gender inequality, harmful societal norms, and patriarchal values; psychological health interventions, parenting programmes for perpetrators, and reducing reoffending; and policy changes, systemic thinking, and system-wide interventions (Fernández-Conde et al., 2024).

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence annual international campaign kicks off on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day. This year’s campaign theme is UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls. The campaign calls on citizens to show how much they care about ending violence against women and girls by sharing the actions they are taking to create a world free from violence towards women. This year’s campaign also calls on governments worldwide to share how they are investing in gender-based violence prevention.

There is #NoExcuse.

World Diabetes Day – 14 November 2024

World Diabetes Day – 14 November 2024

by | Nov 14, 2024 | Community and Engagement, Health Psychology (HP), Mental Health Advocacy, Mental Health Calendar

 

PsySSA Commemorates World Diabetes Day – 14 November 2024

 

World Diabetes Day (WDD) is an awareness campaign aimed to enhance awareness of one of the most prevalent global health problems. The World Health Organization (2023) describes the purpose of WDD as an opportunity to educate people about diabetes, implement better prevention strategies, and improve the management of the condition. Striving towards better diabetes care and prevention should be a collective goal. The theme for 2024-2026 is “Diabetes and Wellbeing” with a focus on empowering people living with diabetes to live a full and happy life. It is a reminder to all people living with the condition that they are not alone. Ultimately, WDD is an initiative to improve the overall wellbeing of all people living with diabetes.

Click the links below for more information on World Diabetes Day:
International Diabetes Federation: https://worlddiabetesday.org/about-wdd/
International Diabetes Federation: https://worlddiabetesday.org/
International Diabetes Federation: Diabetes and wellbeing: https://idf.org/events/webinars/diabetes-and-well-being-more-than-access-to-care/
World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-diabetes-day

 

 

 

Mental Health Awareness Month: Setback or Progress

Mental Health Awareness Month: Setback or Progress

by | Oct 30, 2024 | Community and Engagement, Mental Health Advocacy, Mental Health Calendar, Society for Educational Psychology of South Africa (SEPSA)

Mental Health Awareness Month: Setback or Progress

written by Dr N Chetty, vice chair of the Society for Educational Psychology of South Africa

October is the tenth month of the year.  In the psychological space it is time to draw awareness to Mental Health. Two months before the so-called “silly season”. The  pragmatist  will argue that it is that time when there is need to prepare for the rollercoaster of emotions that characterize this unpredictable period. The cynical will contend that Mental Health is  so quintessentially vital that its place should be located earlier in the year and in fact possibly throughout the year.

I am neither a pragmatist nor a sceptic. If a choice is to be made will opt to be rooted in the real world. Mental Health awareness should be a perennially enduring subject and sharply in focus perpetually.  Not enough attention is afforded to promoting Mental Health. To have a holistic well-being,  Mental alertness forms an integral component.

Mental Health is non-discriminatory No individual is spared, regardless of age, gender or socioeconomic status. Key  WHO (2022) pointers make for interesting reading

  • Mental Health affects one in four worldwide.
  • 50% of Mental Health issues begin by age fourteen.
  • 75% of Mental Health issues remain untreated.

Some major Mental Health issues WHO(2022).

  • Anxiety Disorders: 301 million
  • Depressive disorders: 271 million
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder:  55 million

The success of Mental Health programmes lies in addressing the destigmatisation of the condition. Major Mental Health issues are neither silent or invisible. It is a daily occurrence. Discrimination against those that are afflicted by a Mental condition can also be barriers to recovery.

There are two major  Mental Health imponderables. Firstly inequitable access to Mental Health services. Secondly this is particularly significant when it comes to the provision of Mental Health services in rural areas. As long as this imbalance is not addressed, the possibility exists that the Mental Health scenario may be far more serious than it appears.

Psychologists are challenged to be creative in making Mental Health opportunities available to a wider audience.

Reference:

  • WHO (2022). Mental Health

 

 

Mental Health Awareness Month: Setback or Progress

Mental Health Awareness Month: A Neuropsychological Perspective

by | Oct 28, 2024 | Community and Engagement, Division of Neuropsychology and Forensic Psychology (DNFP), Mental Health Advocacy, Mental Health Calendar

Mental Health Awareness Month; October 2024

by Prof T Lazarus on behalf of the PsySSA Division of Neuropsychology and Forensic Psychology.

Mental health is affected by multiple factors, both biological and socio-economic in nature. Communities from disparate social and economic backgrounds are not immune to mental health challenges, and this may occur across the lifespan. With respect to brain changes resulting from disease or trauma, the ensuing mental health changes encompass multiple domains of functioning, including cognitive, emotional, behavioural and social. Far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the patient, impacting personal, interpersonal, family and work activities are often evident. In the case of brain trauma, it is now recognized the injury to brain, even minor in nature, may impact education and work activities, and personal relationships.

The sequelae may be managed with various forms of interventions such as cognitive rehabilitation but persisting difficulties are found years beyond the post-acute recovery period. Apart from trauma, the impact of brain diseases such as stroke leaves residual problems not only in the physical domain (such as weakness of a limb or loss of speech), but in thinking and emotional functioning. More recently, research has suggested that the COVID virus does enter the brain, impacting various domains of functional capacity, leaving patients who had this infection with persisting problems of thinking (commonly referred to as ‘brain fog’) and emotional difficulties (more often depression and anxiety). Neuropsychologists are called upon to determine to what extent functional capacity is affected in long-term COVID conditions. Thus, long-term care is now commonplace for victims of brain injury and disease, with patients experiencing difficulty returning to employment and resuming relationships.

In addition to the clinical implications of brain disease, the potential impact of brain related disorders is becoming more evident in legal matters. Acting impulsively and displaying aggressive or violent behaviours, showing poor judgment in managing self-behaviours in public and private contexts, and the inability to manage one’s personal affairs is common in brain injury and/or disease. In these instances, neuropsychologists possess the training and skills to formally assess patients with brain disease or injury, providing recommendations in regard to individuals’ functional capacity to return to work, ability to manage their personal affairs such as financial matters, as well as investigating whether a brain injury impacted judgment in cases of violent behaviour or instances suggesting poor judgment or insight into their behaviour. With the increasing burden of disease and injury impacting the brain structurally and its functioning, neuropsychologists are well-placed to offer the South African community expertise in identifying brain dysfunction, make diagnoses and management, and offer pertinent opinion on the impact of brain injury and/or disease on behaviour in medicolegal and forensic settings.

Mental Health Awareness Month: Setback or Progress

A Call to Action: October is Mental Health Month!

by | Oct 25, 2024 | Community and Engagement, Division for Research and Methodology (DRM), Mental Health Advocacy, Mental Health Calendar

A Call to Action: October is Mental Health Month!

written by Prof Theo Lazarus, Fatima Peters, and Dr Kyle Bester for the Division for Research and Methodology

Mental health challenges leave no age, socio-economic, gender, educational or occupational group unscathed. From young children to the elderly, mental health challenges, generally referred to as stress, anxiety, or depression, have increased exponentially and it is time to act with conviction and fervour.

Although mental health has been recognised as a critical part of human life, a stark realisation of the vulnerability of individuals to stressful events became evident during and following the COVID-19 pandemic. The global COVID-19 pandemic has led to a widespread increase in depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, particularly due to the sudden and untimely loss of loved ones and high levels of uncertainty. As we look ahead, providing support to one another and striving to promote mental well-being for people around the world are paramount.

The recent spate of athletes who have either left their respective sporting pursuits permanently or temporarily or resorted to self-destructive behaviours, is unprecedented. The adage that ’good physical health equals good mental health’ is being challenged daily. The impact of mental health challenges on individuals and families, as well as on employers, has become pervasive in modern societies. Furthermore, the technological uptake of online interaction for work and learning has added to the burden on people’s mental health and finding new ways to manage school and work environments contributes to the mental burden. At an individual level, self-care is important especially when managing demanding work and learning environments. Economical but high reward physical and social activities can enhance work life balance and address aspects of stress, anxiety, and depression.

Like physical health, mental health requires regular ‘maintenance’ sessions to identify areas of potential emotional or relational difficulties. Without regular self-appraisal by the individual (in the case of an adult) or by a parent (for a child) or a partner in adulthood, mental health challenges may quickly escalate into crises of daily life that impact health, educability, relationships, employability, and society as a whole.

Ongoing strife between countries and ethnicities continue across the globe, filtering across media platforms and leaving a sense of doom, helplessness, and despair. There is likely to be a numbing of emotions at the continuous and increasing destruction of people, leaving a sense of despair that plays out in aberrant behaviours in daily life.

It has been long recognised that mental health difficulties are at the core of most physical illnesses, often described as the psychosomatic component of health and disease, and therefore constitute a foundational pillar of all health programmes. Against this background, a call is made for individuals and families to protect and enhance their mental health as well as that of their loved ones, particularly in the pervasively traumatic circumstances that confront societies worldwide. In light of these living conditions, access to psychological services should become part of all healthcare provisions across countries, and increased attention to training mental health professionals should be given utmost urgency.

Therefore, mental health professionals, and particularly health care professionals in South Africa, should consider availing their services, where possible, to communities where they work, to include financially disadvantaged communities in their service offerings. Group interventions and activities that facilitate affordable psychological wellness would meaningfully connect people to each other for support and further the creation of sustainable support networks.

To achieve the above, we call on the South African government to make available suitable and appropriate compensation, treatment, and recovery environments to mental health professionals. In addition, a significant effort should be made to destigmatise psychological interventions in communities by showcasing the impact appropriate interventions have on individual and family functioning and society in general. Furthermore, the South African government should consider making available funding instruments for mental health care professionals to provide psychological support services with the aim of initiating interventions that can be sustainable for the communities most vulnerable and in need in South Africa.

Mental Health Awareness Month: Setback or Progress

From Couch to Clarity: Exercise as Intervention for Mental Health Disorders

by | Oct 23, 2024 | Community and Engagement, Mental Health Advocacy, Mental Health Calendar, The South African Association for Counselling Psychology (SAACP)

Willem Pieters

Willem, a registered biokineticist currently completing his internship as a counselling psychologist at Life Hunterscraig Hospital in Gqeberha, is researching how exercise is being integrated by South African psychologists when working with clients experiencing mental illness and general distress. He is interested in exploring new approaches to incorporate physical activity and exercise prescription as part of treatment for mental health disorders.

From Couch to Clarity: Exercise as Intervention for Mental Health Disorders

 

The numerous physical and mental health benefits of exercise have been recognised for centuries. Plato (427-347 BCE) is quoted as saying, “lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise save and preserve it” (n.d., as cited in Cooper, 2015). Although pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy are the primary treatments for many mental disorders, there is growing interest in using exercise as both a complementary and stand-alone intervention.

A substantial body of evidence now supports the positive outcomes of physical activity and exercise interventions for people with mental illness. Furthermore, exercise has a wide range of health benefits outside of those related to mental health outcomes, so it should be considered an intervention that has general health-promoting benefits over and above any desired changes in mental health outcomes. While exercise regimes appear to be feasible and effective as therapeutic interventions that carry low risk in both inpatient and outpatient mental health settings, exercise is generally not included in treatment programs.

The recommendations for individuals with depressive and anxiety disorders are similar to those for healthy individuals, but with consideration for lower-intensity activities when moderate-intensity activities are too challenging. It is important to note that even small amounts of physical activity can still provide mental health benefits, especially since people with mental health disorders are more likely to be physically inactive (Teychenne et al., 2020). Therefore, sedentary individuals may have more to gain by increasing levels of physical activity compared to those who are already active.

It has also been suggested that the most benefits in terms of exercise and depression are realised when moving from no activity to at least some (Pearce et al., 2022). This is an encouraging finding, especially for those who may find it daunting to start an exercise program. Furthermore, while most benefits related to exercise are achieved through regular and sustained practice, research has shown improved executive function, enhanced mood states, and decreased stress levels arising from even a single bout of exercise (Basso & Suzuki, 2017).

The point is this – something is better than nothing, and don’t let great be the enemy of good. Aim to do physical activity that you enjoy, at a moderate intensity, on most days of the week, for about 30 minutes if you can, and if you can’t do 30 minutes – 10 minutes is ok too! It is not about pounding away on a treadmill at the gym with headphones on and wearing the latest active gear, but rather, it is about becoming more active, moving our bodies in the way they were made to and taking advantage of the benefits that a more active life has to offer.

References

Basso, J. C., & Suzuki, W. A. (2017). The Effects of Acute Exercise on Mood, Cognition, Neurophysiology, and Neurochemical Pathways: A Review. Brain Plasticity, 2(2), 127–152. https://doi.org/10.3233/BPL-160040

Cooper, J. M. (2015). Plato’s Theaetetus. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315694740

Pearce, M., Garcia, L., Abbas, A., Strain, T., Schuch, F. B., Golubic, R., Kelly, P., Khan, S., Utukuri, M., Laird, Y., Mok, A., Smith, A., Tainio, M., Brage, S., & Woodcock, J. (2022). Association Between Physical Activity and Risk of Depression. JAMA Psychiatry, 79(6), 550. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2022.0609

Teychenne, M., White, R. L., Richards, J., Schuch, F. B., Rosenbaum, S., & Bennie, J. A. (2020). Do we need physical activity guidelines for mental health: What does the evidence tell us? Mental Health and Physical Activity, 18, 100315. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mhpa.2019.100315