ADMIT: Medical aid schemes have recorded nearly 54 000 annual admissions at mental health facilities

By Thuli Zungu

There is  growing evidence that suggests that the incidence rate of mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, is on the rise in South Africa.

Dr Thabo Mogotlane a specialist psychiatrist at Mediclinic Legae, says mental illness is simply a disease of the brain and of particular concern is the fact that only a small group of those suffering with these issues seek treatment.

Mogotlane says stigmatisation and misconceptions around mental health often prevent individuals from seeking help – many, as a result, suffer in silence.

Improving social awareness and promoting educational drives can go a long way in tackling this major public health concern.

“It therefore needs to be viewed in the same light as conditions affecting other major organs like the heart or lungs.

The brain is as much a part of the human anatomy as any other organ and sometimes, medical intervention is a necessary part of treatment. We need to equate mental health with physical health and to normalise getting the appropriate treatment, just as we would treat any other illness.”

Mogotlane is the resident psychiatrist at Mediclinic Legae in Mabopane, Pretoria. The facility houses its own specialist Mental Health Services unit which assist members of the surrounding community.

For  Mogotlane and his team, providing these services to low-income populations is of particular importance, given the pressing need for greater access to mental health treatment within outlying communities.

In comparison to the rest of the world, South Africa sees relatively higher volumes of people suffering from depression, with 5% of the population being affected – 1.2% higher than the average global rate according to the World Health Organization.

Medical aid schemes have identified a notable increase in members accessing mental health services with approximately 54 000 annual admissions to mental health facilities.

These schemes also reported a higher spend on mental health, with a proportionally large number of claims relating to the treatment of anxiety and depression.

The upsurge in mental health disorders represents not only a significant social ill, but also has a far-reaching economic impact.

In light of Mental Health Awareness Month,  Mogotlane encourages South Africans to embrace the power of self-awareness and take a proactive stance on mental health. ‘’Remember that seeking help is an act of courage, and together, we can illuminate the path to healing and resilience’’.

Dewald de Lange, General Manager Mental Health Services for Mediclinic Southern Africa, these figures are indicative of a state of mental health decline – an issue of national importance.

“The pandemic years brought mental health issues into stark focus, particularly in workplaces. Unfortunately, there is still much work to be done to end the stigmatisation of mental health issues and educate the population on how medical intervention can make a meaningful difference.

For individuals suffering from conditions such as anxiety and depression, the first step is to move past the fear of judgment and shame and gain access to resources that can support them in their mental health journeys. There are many private and public resources available – tapping into them relies on the individual’s ability to reach out and ask for help.”

De Lange says there is currently a large network of private psychiatrists, psychologists and facilities that can provide individuals with assistance.

He says for people who have medical aid, mental health treatment is covered as a prescribed minimum benefit on most plans.

Psychiatrists sometimes have fairly long waiting lists, but a general practitioner has the expertise needed to help anyone make a start in the right direction.

“It is important for both men and women to have equal access to mental health treatment. The unfortunate reality is that even with greater awareness around these issues, many men still avoid seeking help for fear of ridicule. In this regard, educational programmes that address stigma across every level of society play a pivotal role in countering misinformation,” says de Lange.

Mediclinic currently has six dedicated mental health facilities and a number of mental health wards within its acute care facilities, with a total of just over 400 beds.

These facilities are staffed by multidisciplinary teams which include psychiatrists, psychologists, occupational therapists, specialist pharmacists and nursing care team members who deliver structured interventions to support patient mental wellbeing.

Mediclinic’s two larger standalone facilities, Mediclinic Denmar Mental Health Services and Mediclinic Crescent Mental Health Services offer a variety of more advanced therapies including electroconvulsive therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation, ketamine treatment and pharmacogenomic interventions in conjunction with Mediclinic Precise, the group’s genetics testing division.

NATURAL REMEDIES TO KEEP SPRING-TIME ALLERGIES AT BAY

HERBAL: Eight effective ways to prevent allergies from interfering with you

By Dr Jo Reed

The current spring means more pollen is in the air and that spring allergies are a real and present menace. These allergies cause unpleasant symptoms such as runny noses, sneezing, itchy eyes and nasal congestion.

Of course, you can take various synthetic medications for allergies, but many sufferers prefer to use natural remedies.

Here is a look at eight natural ways to prevent allergies from interfering with your enjoyment of life:

Butterbur

According to several scientific studies, this herb is an effective remedy for spring allergies. One study conducted by researchers in Switzerland showed that butterbur is a strong antihistamine that works well in controlling hay fever symptoms. It also does not cause drowsiness, unlike some over-the-counter allergy medications.

Green Tea

When spring allergies hit, try drinking a cup of green tea. Studies undertaken by Japanese scientists show that green tea contains a substance that blocks certain allergic responses in the human body. Regularly drinking green tea may reduce sneezing and itchy eyes, often associated with allergies.

Spicy Food

Some hot foods have the power to provide relief to allergy symptoms such as nasal congestion and watery eyes. For instance, cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, which is known to reduce congestion in the nasal passages.

Also, a compound in garlic, allicin, is an anti-inflammatory that can reduce swelling and inflammation caused by allergies.

Neti Pot

Using a Neti pot, a small pot with a long, thin spot that fits into your nostril, is an effective way to clear sinus passages that are clogged due to an allergic reaction, according to WebMD.

Fill the pot with warm water and salt and tilt your head back. Then you fit the snout into a nostril and allow the solution to enter your nasal passages. Continue the procedure until the solution flows out of the other nostril.

Humidifier

Dryness in your nose and sinuses caused by seasonal allergies can lead to congestion and swelling. One great way to counteract the dryness is to use a humidifier.

This device releases water vapor into the air and helps moisturize your dry nasal and sinus passages, resulting in less congestion and discomfort.

Eucalyptus oil

This natural substance, which comes from the leaves of eucalyptus trees, has been shown by various studies to reduce inflammation-caused allergies.

Add a few drops to a bowl of steaming water for best results and breathe in the vapors.

High-Efficiency Particulate Air Filter

Vacuuming your floor regularly can rid your home of the pollen that causes many spring allergy symptoms.

To do this effectively, ensure your vacuum has a high-efficiency particulate air filter. These filters effectively minimize the amount of symptom-causing pollen inside your house.

Protective Clothing

One of the easiest ways to reduce your exposure to pollen is to wear proper protective clothing when you go outside.

Wear sunglasses, a wide brimmed hats and long pants to keep pollen from getting on your skin.

Also, remember to remove your clothes at the end of the day and show to remove any signs of pollen.