UKZN’s Discipline of Psychiatry observed two important dates on the global health calendar on 10 October: World Mental Health Day and World Homelessness Day.
The Discipline was represented by specialist psychiatrist and lecturer of Psychiatry, Dr Sibongile Mashaphu, who said: “As we celebrate World Mental Health Awareness Day today, with the theme: ‘Mental Health in Emergencies and Catastrophes’, we are reminded of events that include destruction of buildings, loss of homes and other infrastructure resulting in a rising ‘epidemic’ of homelessness.
“Homelessness and mental illness have a bidirectional relationship, where one can induce or worsen the other.”
On the day, UKZN partnered with the private health sector, non-governmental organisations and eThekwini Municipality to provide mental health awareness services to a community of homeless people in Durban.
Participants enjoyed motivational talks by individuals with lived experiences of homelessness, mental healthcare workers and community leaders who support these shelters regularly. They participated in a variety of activities focused on health promotion, including recreational fitness and therapeutic art sessions.
The day ended with everyone enjoying snacks, drinks and gifts donated by the stakeholders.
“The take home message is for the homeless to consider this current situation as a pitstop – a passage to a better life ahead and not a destination,” said Mashaphu.
