A message from our School Counsellor, Ms Loryn Davies
Mental Health Awareness Month in South Africa 2023
The month of October is declared Mental Health Awareness Month in South Africa with the objective of not only educating the public about mental health but also to reduce the stigma and discrimination that people with mental illness are often subjected to. Mental health cannot be separated from the human condition, and we are all impacted by mental health issues in some way or form.
World Mental Health Day 2023, as it is every year, is on 10 October. The theme for this year is “Mental health is a universal human right”.
Mental Health Awareness Month provides Maritzburg College with an opportunity to engage in creating awareness and encouraging all its College community members to take care of their mental health and support those around them in doing the same. The “#GoGREENforMentalHealth” campaign has the aim of encouraging conversation around mental health at Maritzburg College, normalising accessing support, reducing stigma attached to mental illness and suffering, as well as fundraising for local organisations that support our community by providing services.
The Green Ribbon Project was initiated at Maritzburg College in 2021. The green ribbon is the international symbol of mental health awareness. When worn during Mental Health Awareness Month, it serves to demonstrate our show of support and respect for those who suffer from mental illness or afflictions as well as showing a commitment to protecting our own as well as others’ mental health. Green Ribbons will be sold for a minimum of R5 and can be paid for and purchased from housemasters at the start of Term 4.
“Walk for Mental Health” events are held every year on World Mental Health Day. The idea behind these walks is to raise awareness and encourage holistic health as, of course, physical health and mental health go hand in hand. College will be hosting an exciting “#GoGREEN Colour Run/Walk” on 27 October. We hope to see many of our community members participate and “Paint College Green”!! Entries for this event will also open on the website from the start of Term 4.
All funds raised will be donated to Pietermaritzburg Mental Health.
