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The myths of mental health

12 October 2020 | Story Dr Cindé Greyling | Photo Supplied

Nowadays, people talk about mental health like it is the common cold – which is good! But do you know what it really means? Being mentally healthy does not only refer to the absence of a mental illness but includes your emotional and social well-being. One would almost want to add physical well-being too, since a healthy body does indeed support a healthy mind. However, since so many people consider themselves ‘mental health experts’, some myths have been sold as truths.

Myth #1 – You are doomed.
Nope. Never. You are never doomed. There is always help. Mental-health therapies range from self-help, talk therapy, medication, to hospitalisation in some cases. Somewhere on this spectrum of treatments, there will be something that works for you. But you must be willing to get the help and do the work. For starters, exercise and nutrition can work wonders – you do not even have to ‘feel like’ or ‘enjoy’ moving around and eating well for it to work – it does its thing anyway.

Myth #2 – It won’t affect you.
It may. Research suggests that one in five people may suffer from a mental illness at some point in their lives. Being well now does not mean that it will stay that way. Biological and environmental factors both impact your mental health. Hopefully not, but at some point, you may experience an event that affects your mental health.

To remain integrated in a community is always beneficial
for anyone suffering from a mental or physical condition.

Myth #3 – Someone struggling with mental health must be left alone.
Hardly! To remain integrated in a community is always beneficial for anyone suffering from a mental or physical condition. You do not need to fix them, but to remain a friend. Continue to invite them, even if they decline. Do not judge, and do not try to understand. Just stay around.

Go and be kind to yourself, and to those around you.

News Archive

Consideration of the future of Reitz Residence

2008-03-17

Against the background of the recent events surrounding the video produced in Reitz Residence and in terms of a resolution passed by the Council of the University of the Free State (UFS) on 7 March 2008, the Rector and the Management of the UFS are at present considering the future of the Reitz Residence on the main campus of the University.

According to the Council resolution, this may include the possible closure of the residence and its conversion into either a new residence or accommodation facility or a different type of facility for use by the University. The guideline by Council is that it should become a beacon of transformation, hope and liberation.

The substantive issues that will be considered in taking the above-mentioned decision include, among others: the necessity of utilising the residence for other needs; the promotion of transformation and diversity in residences and on the campus; the educational and career interests of future residents; safety and security on the campus; and the effective functioning and strategic objectives of the UFS, including the place and profile of the UFS in the national and international university context, the UFS’s co-operation with other universities, organisations and experts, the UFS’s community engagement, and strategic partnerships with the business sector.

No such decision will be taken before the persons who will be affected directly by such a decision have been afforded a reasonable opportunity to make submissions and proposals for consideration by the Management. These direct stakeholders, in law, have been identified as:

students residing in Reitz at present;
parents of students residing in Reitz at present; and
present staff of Reitz.

In addition, any stakeholder or group of stakeholders are invited to make proposals by way of written submissions on the basis of the above-mentioned before or on 14 April 2008.

The University gives its assurance that whatever is ultimately decided, reasonable notice will be given to all the above-mentioned direct stakeholders and that the implementation will take place in a fair and reasonable manner to avoid causing unnecessary disruption for students, parents and staff.

Please send written submissions to:
The Vice-Rector: Student Affairs
Reitz issue
University of the Free State
PO Box 339
Bloemfontein 9300

Fax number: 051 444-0740
Email address: voorstelle@ufs.ac.za

Prof. FCvN Fourie
Rector and Vice-Chancellor

Media Release
Issued by: Mr Anton Fisher
Director: Strategic Communication
Tel: 051 401 3422
Cell: 072 207 8334
E-mail: fishera.stg@ufs.ac.za
17 March 2008

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