The World Health Organisation estimates that one in four people worldwide live with a mental health condition, and the South African Federation for Mental Health reports that one in five South Africans live with a mental health issue which is severe enough to significantly affect their lives.
Unfortunately, though, says the World Health Organisation, only a small minority of those affected by mental health issues actually receive care – many are simply too afraid to admit they have a mental health disorder, fearing stigmatisation and discrimination.
Says the South African Federation for Mental Health, a mental health disorder occurs when the brain or a part of the brain doesn’t work well, or in the wrong way, disrupting thinking, feelings, physical functions or behaviour. When a person’s life is significantly disrupted by these functions, we say that they have a mental health condition. Common mental conditions include:
- Depression
- Panic disorders
- Phobias
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Substance abuse
- Anxiety disorders
Living with a mental health disorder can be bewildering, confusing and emotionally and physically taxing – both for the patient and his/her family. Much of the confusion stems from a lack of knowledge about the condition – but better understanding your mental health condition; its causes and symptoms; how it can affect your life and, importantly, what positive steps can be taken, will help you manage your condition successfully.
Medihelp’s ‘Living with’ DVD series shares real-life stories of people facing the challenges of living with a mental health disorder. Each DVD in this 13-part series unpacks a particular psychiatric condition – with an information guide and expert advice from clinicians in the field, who provide clinical insight into the person’s experiences and behaviour and discuss appropriate medicine and therapy. In addition, the DVDs offer an intimate glimpse into the lives of real people living with a mental health condition and provide profound insight into what they go through on a daily basis. By sharing their courageous and inspiring stories, they show that it is possible to live a happy, productive and successful life, despite the challenges of their condition.
The Medihelp ‘Living With’ DVD series was produced by well-known South African film-maker Katinka Heyns, producer of the acclaimed Fiela se Kind. The DVD series has also been featured as part of a successful television series, ‘n Lewe met, on DSTV channel, Kyknet, hosted by ex-Carte Blanche presenter Ruda Landman.
Titles in the ‘Living With’ DVD series include:
- Living With ADHD
- Living With Alcoholism
- Living With Bipolar Disorder
- Living With Dementia
- Living With Down Syndrome
- Living With Drug Abuse
- Living With Major Depression
- Living With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Living With Panic Disorder
- Living With Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
- Living With Schizophrenia
- Living With Social Phobia
- Living With Tik Abuse.
Each DVD retails for R189. Medihelp members, order online or telephonically and pay just R130!