Local News
Mental health fun walk in BFN─── SABRINA DEAN 05:39 Fri, 24 Oct 2014
Bloemfontein - Mental illness can present as anything from mild depression to diseases such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder but sadly the stigma attached to mental illness means people often avoid getting the necessary treatment.
Removing the stigma and raising awareness is the main aim of a fun walk and open day being hosted by the Free State Psychiatric Complex in Bloemfontein on Friday.
Operational manager at the adult outpatient unit, sister Nyakallo Hoala, says there is no need for stigmatisation of mental illness.
She adds that leaving a condition untreated can have far-reaching consequences.
The march is expected to start from the provincial health department headquarters at Bophelo House in Bloemfontein around 10am and will end at the complex in President Brand Street.
There will also be an Open Day event at the Free State Psychiatric Complex recreation hall thereafter, which will include a talk by two patients who will share what it is like to live with mental illness.
According to Hoala, October is marked as Mental Health Awareness Month on the health calendar.
Operational manager at the adult outpatient unit, sister Nyakallo Hoala, says there is no need for stigmatisation of mental illness.
She adds that leaving a condition untreated can have far-reaching consequences.
The march is expected to start from the provincial health department headquarters at Bophelo House in Bloemfontein around 10am and will end at the complex in President Brand Street.
There will also be an Open Day event at the Free State Psychiatric Complex recreation hall thereafter, which will include a talk by two patients who will share what it is like to live with mental illness.
According to Hoala, October is marked as Mental Health Awareness Month on the health calendar.
Sabrina Dean/OFM News
Nyakallo Hoala:
Hoala:
