#WomenUnlocked: A mental health check-in with Dr Khanyile
When was
the last time someone asked you, "How are you doing?" - and you offered a
truthful response?
If we are being honest, many of us are struggling with our mental well-being. The COVID-19 pandemic has been destructive in many ways, one of the more obvious has been the economic devastation.
Thousands of people have lost their jobs, whether it was through forced retrenchments by companies or a lack of demand for their services rendered. One cannot put into words the absolute desperation that has not only plighted our already struggling economy in South Africa, but the world in general.
This pandemic has also affected the mental state of millions of people around the world. This is why Stacey & JSbu, who normally project such a light, positive, and jovial mood on-air, wanted to have an honest conversation with KZN. The conversation starts with four simple words that get asked so often: "How are you doing?"
Once the pair peels off what is surface level, they reveal the heightened feelings of uncertainty, unrest, loneliness, and depression that they have been going through. In efforts to not only raise awareness on mental health and being vulnerable with KZN, the two wanted to encourage a safe space for the listeners to share their struggles, reminding them that they are not alone and that there is help should they need it.
To do this, Stacey & JSbu called on Dr Khanyile, a full-time medical officer that's passionate about mental matters. Dr Khanyile also happens to be the Vice President of a platform that encourages the conversations related to mental health called, Mental Matters.
Nokukhanya Khanyile, through her energetic and infectious personality, has built a huge following for herself on Instagram and played a key role in making what is often not acknowledged or made to be seemingly ‘uncool’ more accessible.
In an interview with Stacey, Dr Khanyile gave insights into what her first-hand experience as a medical practitioner has been of the devastating effects of COVID-19 that go beyond physical injuries. The two ladies also reflect on the state of their own mental well-being.
Listen to the full podcast with Dr Khanyile below:
Here are SADAG contact details for anymore dealing with depression
SADAG Mental Health Line - 011 234 4837
Whilst you are at it, catch up on the mental check-in with #StaceyandJSbu and KZN in the following podcast:
For more from #Stacey&JSbu, check out past episodes below: