MHM Magazine

Suicide Crisis Helpline 0800 567 567 Substance Abuse Helpline (24 HOURS) 0800 12 13 14 Dr Reddy’s Mental Health Helpline 0800 21 22 23 Pharmadynamics Trauma & Police Helpline 0800 20 50 26 ADHD Helpline 0800 55 44 33 HDI- It Starts Today Helpline 0800 33 33 77 Adcock Depression & Anxiety Helpline 0800 70 80 90 Destiny Helpline 0800 41 42 43 UCT Helpline (24 hrs) 0800 24 25 26 UP Careline (24 hrs) 0800 747 747 PND Helpline 082 882 0072 U CT Staff Helpline 0800 171 171 UWC (Afterhours) 0800 222 333 Discovery Medical students Helpline (24 hrs) 0800 323 323 TUT 0800 687 888 Cipla Mental Health Helpline (24hrs) 0800 456 789 Cipla WhatsApp Chat Line 076 882 2775 TOLL-FREE HELPLINES www.sadag.org 42 | MENTALHEALTHMATTERS | Issue 2 | 2021 MHM • Knowledge is power, so finding out as much as they can about their loved one’s physical or mental condition, as well as about the resources available to assist you and your family. • The carer should know their limits and not be afraid to seek assistance and help if they need it. • Trying to work on developing strong support systems. Having the ear of a good friend, or members of a support group, can assist in preventing you from feeling isolated and reduce anxiety. • Self-nurturing ‘me time’ activities, such as shopping, reading and going for a walk can be surprisingly restorative. • If concerned about their own mental health, they should consider consulting a mental health practitioner such as a psychologist, therapist, or psychiatrist when medication may be of assistance. • Considering learning deep relaxation techniques and mind- body practices like yoga, tai-chi, mindfulness and meditation which can meaningfully assist to reduce stress levels. • Should the loved one they’re taking care of have a mental disorder and say hurtful things, try to remember this is not intentional and it’s more than likely the ‘illness speaking’. Self-care makes it possible for the caregiver to be more effective as they are more balanced, focused, regulated and rested. It may be difficult to justify this to oneself as feelings of guilt and selflessness often over-rule the need for self-care. Yet, as much as compassion for the carers loved one is important, self-compassion is just as important. References available upon request