23 Aug 2023

Psychosocial support services are key in addressing mental health illnesses.

The observation was made by University Botswana’s Okavango Research Institute (ORI) director, Prof. Joseph Mbaiwa, when officiating at the Mental Health Psychosocial Support Forum in Shakawe on Monday.

Prof. Mbaiwa observed that mental health challenges affected people of different age groups and status.

He noted that psychosocial support services assisted people with mental health problems to have resilience to withstand such challenges.

Okavango District Health Management Team (DHMT) Chief Registered Nurse, Mr Boikaego Kgaodi, said the common mental illnesses in the Okavango region were schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. He indicated that at east there were about 350 patients with mental health disorders in the district.

He said some mental health disorders were associated with traditional beliefs such as witchcraft.

There was also stigma attached to people with mental health challenges.

“I encourage you to have a positive attitude towards mental health and seek professional help where necessary,” he said.

Mr Kgaodi said Botswana addressed mental health disorders with three interventions under primary health care: preventative, rehabilitative and curative.

Okavango Children’s Consultative Forum’s representative, Ms Kelapile Kanyodi, said that children faced challenges of being bullied by fellow learners and some teachers who used derogatory words in schools which negatively affected their mental health.

Ms Kanyodi said there was need for disability-friendly environment and facilities for children in schools as well as counselling services. ENDS