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Mental Health Awareness Month: A Neuropsychological Perspective

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: A Neuropsychological Perspective

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: A Neuropsychological Perspective

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

Mental Health Awareness Month: A Neuropsychological Perspective

Queer Mental Health in South Africa in Mental Health Awareness Month

by | Oct 21, 2024 | Community and Engagement, Mental Health Advocacy, Mental Health Calendar, Sexuality and Gender Division (SGD)

Queer* mental health in South Africa in Mental Health Awareness Month

Written by Pierre Brouard, Research Associate at the Centre for Sexualities, AIDS and Gender (UP), SGD secretary and PATHSA board member

Some would argue that in the face of cis-heteronormativity and ongoing acts of harm towards queer people, the idea of queer mental health is an oxymoron, unachievable in the face of systems and structures of exclusion. On the other hand, queer survival and queer thriving are acts of resilience and rebellion, to be welcomed and nurtured, especially by those who practice in the mental health space.

October is Mental Health Awareness Month in South Africa and World Mental Health Awareness Day is commemorated on 10 October. The South African Federation for Mental Health’s theme for 2024 is “Access and Inclusion: why community mental health is important”.

Through this lens we can ask pertinent, even troubling, questions about the nature of queer life in South Africa and whether queer people feel included in social and community life, are seen by politicians and policy makers, and have access to the personal, social and economic resources to live lives of dignity and wellness.

While queer people are not a monolith, inhabiting multiple identities across race, class, ethnicity, ability etc., they face significant marginalisation in [mental] health care planning and delivery (see Luvuno et al). Very few health facilities offer queer-targeted resources, and this is compounded by the lack of healthcare workers who are skilled in dealing with queer health issues. Further, there is erasure of queer people in the healthcare system through a lack of data on how queer people utilise public facilities, minimal practice guidelines and insufficient policies.

The lack of data extends itself to, for example, HIV prevalence (and its psychosocial sequelae) in queer people, because sexual orientation (and gender identity) data is not collected on large-scale, population-based HIV prevalence surveys and censuses. And the few studies conducted have small sample sizes and were often conducted in urban areas, disadvantaging queer people in rural spaces.  This lack of data on health, and arguably mental health, of queer people means that designing programmes and developing related policy guidelines is a challenge. South Africa’s recent census was critiqued for this very failing.

If queer people’s mental health is to be taken seriously a number of key steps should be prioritised.

Firstly, we need to acknowledge that while all people can experience challenges in mental health (for endogenous and exogenous reasons), the marginalisation of queer people through forms of stigma and prejudice, and acts of physical harm, add an extra burden. The Minority Stress literature provides an evidence base for this burden.

Secondly, we need to improve the training of providers of a range of mental and physical health services (in public and private settings) so that the care they offer moves beyond tolerance towards a focus on thriving and development. The Sexuality and Gender Division of PsySSA offers such training, with feedback showing significant shifts in attitude and practice. This should be bolstered by specific policies and programmes and not be seen as a “hoped for” outcome of general training in vague notions of ubuntu or [sometimes reluctant] “acceptance” of diversity.

And thirdly, we need to collect better data about queer mental health – its antecedents, its manifestations and the resources, skills and human assets needed to make it a reality.

Queer mental health is more than a “nice to have”, it’s a marker of a society that attends to the needs of everyone. How we treat minorities speaks volumes about the perils of majoritarianism, noting that the mental health of a society is a collective venture.

*I use ‘queer’ as both an umbrella term for people on the spectrums of sex, sexuality and gender, and as a way to describe those who challenge the dominant social norms, values and conventions of mainstream society.

World Trauma Day – 17 October 2024

World Trauma Day – 17 October 2024

by | Oct 17, 2024 | Community and Engagement, Mental Health Advocacy, Mental Health Calendar, Trauma and Violence Division (TVD)

World Trauma Day

Trauma is a significant contributor to disability and mental disorders, as highlighted by the World Health Organization (WHO, 2023), which reports approximately 5 million deaths annually due to violence and trauma. Low- and middle-income countries bear a disproportionate burden of trauma-related fatalities and injuries. In South Africa, the lifetime prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) stands at 2.3% among the general population (Swain, Pillay, & Kleiwer, 2017). Trauma manifests as an emotional response to events perceived as life-threatening, causing extreme distress and compromising an individual’s bodily and psychological well-being (Hatcher et al., 2019). Such experiences can adversely affect personal functioning, relationships, and occupational performance, leading to various mental health challenges. The impact of trauma intensifies when access to care and treatment is limited, a situation faced by many South Africans living amidst high levels of violence and insufficient mental health resources (Kola et al., 2021). South Africa’s reality is marked by pervasive violence and trauma, compounded by a lack of accessible mental health services, particularly for those affected by socio-economic disparities (Felitti et al., 2019). This vulnerability, rooted in the nation’s traumatic history of racial division, exacerbates mental health disorders. Unaddressed trauma risks further perpetuating cycles of suffering, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach to reduce violence and promote mental health support across various societal sectors, ultimately fostering hope for a more equitable future.

Reference list

Hatcher AM, Gibbs A, Jewkes R, McBride R-S, Peacock D, Christofides N. Effect of childhood poverty and trauma on adult depressive symptoms among young men in peri-urban south african settlements. J Adolesc Health. 2019;64(1):79–85.

Kola L, Kohrt BA, Hanlon C, Naslund JA, Sikander S, Balaji M, et al. COVID-19 mental health impact and responses in low-income and middle-income countries: reimagining global mental health. The Lancet Psychiatry. 2021;8(6):535–50.

Felitti VJ, Anda RF, Nordenberg D, Williamson DF, Spitz AM, Edwards V, et al. Reprint of: relationship of childhood abuse and household dysfunction to many of the leading causes of death in adults: the adverse childhood experiences (ACE) study. Am J Prev Med. 2019;56(6):774–86.

Swain, K. D., Pillay, B. J., & Kliewer, W. (2017). Traumatic stress and psychological functioning in a South African adolescent community sample. South African Journal of Psychiatry, 23.

World Health Organisation (WHO). (2024). Injuries and violence. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/injuries-and-violence

Mental Health Awareness Month: A Neuropsychological Perspective

Mental Health: A Journey, Not a Dichotomy

by | Oct 16, 2024 | Community and Engagement, Mental Health Advocacy, Mental Health Calendar, The South African Association for Counselling Psychology (SAACP)

Dr Daniel Page

Dr. Daniel Page is a South African entrepreneur, researcher, and global mental health advocate. As the founder and CEO of Psyche Innovations, he develops digital tools to make mental health care accessible, affordable, and evidence-based globally, particularly for underserved communities. With a PhD in Psychology from the University of Queensland, Dr. Page’s research focuses on building resilience and promoting mental well-being in youth and adults. Driven by the personal loss of his brother to suicide, his mission is to transform how mental health is addressed globally. Dr. Page is a multi published researcher and grant recipient, and is recognised as a leader by the American Psychological Association​​​​​.

Mental Health: A Journey, Not a Dichotomy

by Dr Daniel Page

Many of us mistakenly think of mental health as something binary—you’re either mentally healthy or you’re not, right? But mental health isn’t just the absence of illness or the presence of happiness. It’s an essential part of overall well-being, just as vital as physical health. Like physical health, it exists on a continuum—ranging from thriving on one end to struggling on the other.

Unfortunately, many people still view mental health as a polarity: either you’re “fine” or you’re “in crisis.” In reality, it’s much more nuanced. Throughout life, we move up and down this continuum, shifting as we encounter stressors, challenges, and moments of joy. So, what does this mean for you?

Most of us approach mental well-being reactively, seeking help only after warning signs have turned into crises. It’s like going to the doctor only after ignoring symptoms for months—or being surprised by health issues after never exercising or eating well. Just as we don’t wait for a heart attack to start exercising, we shouldn’t wait for a mental breakdown to take care of our mental health.

Think about it: when you brush your teeth, eat a balanced diet, and stay active, you’re not just preventing illness—you’re investing in long-term health. The same principle applies to mental well-being. By managing stress, working on emotional regulation, and building resilience, you create a buffer that helps you navigate life’s inevitable storms. So why don’t we treat mental health with the same care?

The Shift Towards Proactive Mental Well-being

Thankfully, the world is waking up to the importance of proactive mental health. More people now see the benefits of improving their mental well-being before issues arise. So, when asked, “If your life could be healthier, happier, and more harmonious, wouldn’t you want to pursue it?” the response is always, “Yes, but where do I start?”

That’s where things get tricky. We live in a world that offers quick-fix solutions—whether it’s a trendy ice bath or a miracle pill—but the truth is, mental well-being is more like maintaining a balanced diet. There is no instant remedy. Real improvement takes time, effort, and consistency.

The Building Blocks of Mental Health

Understanding the building blocks of mental health is the first step. These elements can be strengthened through learning new skills, developing competencies, and making positive behaviour changes.

At Psyche Innovations, we emphasise evidence-based approaches to help individuals develop these skills and take control of their mental health journey.

Mental Skills Training

Developing mental health is about building a psychological toolkit—skills that apply in everyday life. These might include managing stress, practising mindfulness, or building confidence through self-talk. Like tools for physical tasks, these mental skills help you handle emotional challenges, foster focus, and build resilience.

Goal-Setting for Success

A key part of mental well-being is setting goals that feel achievable. Using SMART goal-setting, individuals break larger objectives into manageable steps, stacking smaller wins for visible progress.

Resources for Growth

For those looking to take the next step in their mental health journey, we offer a range of tools and resources to guide the way. Check out the Psyche: Mental Health app and see what we are up to on social media.