March is known as Human Rights month in South Africa. Typically when we talk about Human Rights we tend to focus on violations that occurred during the Apartheid era glossing over current Human Rights infractions that need our urgent attention. It also happens to be International Women’s month and at AoS we are celebrating by highlighting women who are on the front-lines tirelessly advocating for our Human Rights.
Some of us grew up watching the SAFTA award-winning Sade Giliberti on Yo-TV. The vivacious TV Presenter, Actress and Media Personality currently resides in London and uses her voice and platform to advocate for Mental Health and LGBTQ+ rights amongst other local and global Human Rights issues.
Olwethu Leshabane sits down with Sade Giliberti for a very frank and informative conversation about the South African Mental Health crisis on this #WellnessWednesday.
As Sade told Olwethu, “We all deal with some form of mental illness at some point in our lives.” If you or any of your loved ones is dealing with a mental health issue, please do not feel isolated or ashamed to talk about it or reach out to the following organisations below.
Some South African Organisations and Resources
The South African Depression & Anxiety Group (SADAG)
Contact A Counsellor: Monday to Sunday, 8 am-8 pm
Call: 011 234 4837 / Fax Number: 011 234 8182
Suicide Emergency Contact: 0800 567 567
24hr Helpline: 0800 456 789
For counselling, queries please e-mail: za**@***ag.org
(011) 219 - 9000
28 Melle Street, 10th Floor, North City House, Braamfontein, 2001
Phone: (+27 11) 715-2000
Fax: (+27 11) 715-2001
Email: sa*********@**********rg.za
National Counselling Line: 0861 322 322
To learn more about mental health issues check out https://www.thespacebetweenus.africa/
Hi Olwethu, what a great insight into mental health. Please try and address other wide range of mental health issues eg. Anxiety disorders, Addictive disorders etc. So we educate ourselves and probably start identifying other behaviors when we see them. Thoroughly enjoyed this as a mom to 2 young adults.
Hi Judy!
Happy to hear that you not only found this conversational valuable but also pointing out the need for us to have more conversations about specific mental illnesses. We will definitely be having more of these conversations.
Thank you for chat, it was honest & insightful. Unpacking not just your own trauma but the trauma of those around is a downplayed mental health aspect.
Conversations must take place or a personal, family & community level inorder to unhinge it’s lock our individual lives.
Really insightful!