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01 October 2019 | Story Prof Francis Petersen | Photo Pixabay
Mental Health


During October, the national focus is on mental health. Mental Health Awareness Month also coincides with a time when our students prepare for the end of the year exams, making it a particularly valuable time for us to think about how we can continuously assist them during their time at university. The value of peer support and genuine care can never be overstressed; that is why I want to encourage our students to reach out to their support networks such as our Department of Student Counselling and Development, as we move towards the end of the year.

Mental health is an equally important matter for our staff. During this month, I want to encourage our staff to also take cognisance of their own well-being. There is a lot of wisdom in the old adage: Healthy body, healthy mind. Many of the initiatives of our Division of Organisational Development and Employee Wellness are focused on the value of physical activity and the negative impact that inactivity can have on one’s productivity and mental health. They also present regular lunch-hour sessions for our staff, where experts share information and practical tips for mental wellness. I want to encourage our staff to attend these sessions and to make use of the services the university has to offer in this regard. It is important to note that suffering from mental and anxiety disorders is not weaknesses and it is not always indicative of a deeper psychological issue; it is an illness and hence can be treated.

On 20 September 2019, a 21-member team was sent off on their run of 1 075 km to Stellenbosch to raise awareness for mental health. The run was organised by the Division of Organisational Development and Employee Wellness and the Faculty of Health Sciences. The team ran in relay format throughout the night and handed the baton of hope to Stellenbosch University on 25 September 2019. I admire and thank them not only for their commitment and stamina, but also for addressing this crucial matter in the public domain and for raising awareness in the many towns and communities along the way.

This is an  excerpt from a message by Prof Francis Petersen.

Mental Health Awareness Campaign

News Archive

Small-town girl dreams big
2017-02-16

Description:Andiswa Methu   Tags: Andiswa Methu   longdesc=

Andiswa Methu, a first-year
BCom Accounting student at
Kovsies and one of the
top-achieving matriculants
in the country.
Photo: Siobhan Canavan

Andiswa Methu will miss her mother, but will work hard to send her first salary to the woman who raised her to stand proud as one of the top-achieving matriculants in the country.

Excited to make new friends at UFS

The 17-year-old Andiswa, from Petrusburg in the Free State where she attended Ipetleng Secondary School, is a first-year student at the University of the Free State in 2017. She is studying BCom Accounting and will become part of the Welwitschia female residence on the Bloemfontein Campus.

Although she was not too keen on moving away from home, Andiswa is excited about making new friends and loves meeting new people. “I’m going to miss my mother so much and I know that this will be a different environment for me, but I’m excited for the journey that lies ahead.”

Working hard to make her mother proud

The first-year, who loves working with numbers, says she will work hard to make her mother, Nozibonelo Methu, proud. “I am going to study accounting,” she says. “My first salary will definitely go to my mother.”

 

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