SHINING A LIGHT ON MENTAL HEALTH
Mental Illness Awareness Month May marks Mental Illness Awareness Month , which aims to increase awareness of the difficulties faced by those with mental health conditions . It also promotes the importance of prioritising your own mental wellbeing .
In South Africa , mental illness affects millions of people with depression , anxiety and substance abuse being the most common disorders . According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group ( SADAG ), one in four South Africans will experience a mental health disorder at some point in their lives .
Despite the prevalence of mental illness in South Africa , many people still do not seek help due to the social stigma associated with mental health disorders . This leads to a lack of access , for many individuals , to the resources and support needed to manage mental health conditions .
Try Panda : The mental wellness app One solution is the Panda mental wellness app , which is available to all Bonitas members . It is designed to provide users with access to mental health resources and support , in a convenient and confidential way .
Panda is a ‘ FREE to download ’ mental health and wellness mobile app which offers a range of features , including guided meditations , mood tracking and text-based chat , support from an accredited wellness counsellor and more .
One of the main advantages of the Panda app is its accessibility , as the app can be used anywhere , at any time . This makes it an ideal resource for people who may not have access to traditional mental health services or who may be hesitant to seek help in person . Watch our short video about Panda and mental health by clicking here .
It is important to prioritise your mental health and to seek help when you need it . By using resources like Panda , you can take an active role in managing your own mental health , resulting in improved overall wellbeing and a better quality of life .
With a resource like the Panda app , you will always have the necessary support and resources on hand , to ensure that you receive the appropriate care at the right time .
16 Bonitas Member Magazine Issue 2 | 2023