‘Mamohaila Rampo
MASERU
Mental health problems exist in families, workplaces and communities, impacting every individual at different levels.
Although the specific societal impact of mental illness varies among cultures and nations, untreated mental illness has significant impairment on society.
In recognition of World Mental Health Awareness Month, which is celebrated in October in South Africa (SA), Informative Newspaper had a talk with the Global Foundation for Cyber Studies Researcher Rethabile Tšephe who also specializes in cyber mental health and cyber disorders. In this interview, Tšephe defined mental health as the ability to experience different emotions and feelings but still maintain a healthy thought process.
“For example, you can be extremely stressed but be able to look at your challenges from a different perspective in order to come up with effective interventions,” said Tšephe.
Analyzing Lesotho‘s state in addressing mental health issues, she believes that there is still a long way to go because Basotho still listen to misleading information about mental health. Also, different understandings of what mental health is and to some extent our uninformed understanding.
In Lesotho, Tšephe said identity crisis is the biggest mental health disorder trigger because there is generational trauma that is passed from one generation to the next followed by childhood traumas that are not addressed.
On the tips on how to keep calm, Tšephe said it is mandatory for an individual to identify what mental challenges they have before looking for interventions and triggers, “it could be family, friends or an individual themselves.” Afterward, people should learn to accept that they have that particular problem then seek help.
To avoid mental breakdowns, Tšephe advised individuals to be more involved in sports, with animals, arts and music therapy or Eco therapy which will also determine which rehabilitation would work best for them, and to consult professionals who offer that specific therapy.
Tšephe has published research a paper titled: Mental health and Technology: A case for Africa from the Observer Research Foundation in India, Kolkata. Also, she provides mental health content for Jabari International in Canada and Lesotho.
