MHM Magazine

36 | MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS | 2022 | Issue 4 MHM SADAG has over 160 Support Groups around the country that deal with all manner of mental health related issues, as well as Support Groups specifically for family members and loved ones. SADAG guides and trains new Support Group Leaders on running a group step-by-step. We help with training webinars, materials, handouts, information and more. Most people spend much of their time in the workplace, yet mental health is often overlooked or stigmatised in this space. With growing demands and stress all around us, it has never been so important to prioritise our mental health at work. This month’s featured Group is the Mental Health Support Group for Managing Mental Health in the Workplac e hosted by Dieketseng “Dee” Ramaema. Dee’s Support Group is a safe space where anyone who is struggling with their mental health or general stress at work can find warmth, understanding and non- judgemental support from those in similar circumstances. One of the stress management tools the Group offers from time to time is the use of mindfulness practice, which has shown to be helpful in improving general wellbeing and reducing stress. Some words from Dee: Why did you start this Group? When I was new to my profession, seeking to prove my capabilities and desperate for validation and approval frommy superiors, I found myself under an insurmountable amount of pressure. The workload was intense, with strict deadlines. I eventually found myself overwhelmed and anxious all the time, to the point where I dreaded getting out of bed to go to work. I knew at that point I needed support and someone to talk to, as this was starting to affect my performance. There was however no available Mental Health support in the company structure What is the purpose of this Support Group? There is still stigma attached to mental health, especially in the workspace. Even in companies that have HR and outsourced mental health services, employees are still reluctant to reach out because they fear judgement and are doubtful of the confidentiality of those service providers. The purpose of this Support Group is to make available mental health support that is not linked to the internal structures of the workplace, where workers can feel safe and welcome. Who can join your Group? My Support Group is available to anyone in need of support in managing their mental health in the corporate workspace, be it anxiety, panic or depression. It’s also available to anyone feeling overwhelmed by their workload, deadlines, work relationships and just generally struggling to manage in the workplace for any reason. What are the benefits of joining a Support Group? While a Support Group doesn’t offer professional mental health support, it offers peer to peer support. This means that in certain circumstances one will have to be diagnosed and treated by a qualified mental health professional first before joining as a member of a Support Group. The benefit of a Support Group is that all members of the Group are facing the same challenges or have lived experience. The fact that members have shared experiences significantly reduces judgement and inspires confidentiality and trust between them. Members feel less alone and there is a strong sense of togetherness and solidarity which goes a long way in making members feel safe enough to open up. It’s also helpful getting tips and coping mechanisms from those who have used them first hand. In short, there is a pronounced sense of, "walking the journey together”, in Support Groups. If you have a patient that could benefit from this Support Group Please provide them with the Support Group leader’s contact details. MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP FOR LOVED ONES AND CAREGIVERS OF CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS Mental Health Support Group for Managing Mental Health in the Workplace