Stigma is the main stumbling block to success of mental health treatment

Although October was Mental Health Awareness month in South Africa, Professor Margaret Nair of the Psychiatric   Department at Nelson Mandela School of Medicine says mental health is still stigmatised by government, communities, medical aids and media who often resort to sensational headlines. Professor Nair stresses that   disorders like depression, anxiety, dementia, schizophrenia, substance abuse and eating disorders can affect anyone and need to be understood by society at large. Thandeka Teyise compiled this report.

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Healing for the heart

The legacy of apartheid has left many wounds – mental, physical and emotional. On November 11, the Eastern Cape town of Cradock will host the launch of a film about one of its former citizens who has travelled a long journey to come to terms with the pain and anger she felt following the murder of her husband. The film, “Nyameka’s Story” is based on the life of Nyameka Goniwe and the process she has undergone since her husband, UDF leader Matthew Goniwe, was killed by security forces in 1985. Thandeka Teyise spoke to her about her healing process.

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