On Friday, 09 June 2023, the Occupational Therapy Department in the Faculty of Health Science at the University of Pretoria held a Mental Health Awareness event for Community Health Workers (CHWs) at Atteridgeville Clinic.

The Community Health Workers (CHWs) from the surrounding area were invited to learn about various mental illnesses, helping them identify associated symptoms and management thereof. 

"CHWs play such a crucial role in our healthcare system, and thus it is important for them to be aware of their mental health and how to manage it so that they can perform their jobs optimally," said Liann Meyer, fourth-year Occupational Therapy student at the University of Pretoria. 

The event was organised by fourth-year occupational therapy students Liann Meyer, Kayla Dirks, Carmen de Kock, and Samatha Maila to combat the stigma often associated with mental illnesses. The students have been working with the CHWs for five weeks as part of their work integrated learning in the community. The students said this enabled them to learn a lot about what the CHWs do and how vital their role within the healthcare system is. 

"While working with CHWs, we realised they carry such a significant burden upon themselves because they care so much for the community. They care so much for others that they sometimes forget to care for themselves. That is why we wanted to raise awareness about mental health amongst them", explained Liann.

"We want to ensure they have the knowledge and tools to manage their mental health to perform their duties as CHWs to the best of their ability."

Students discussed mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and PTSD and explored resources that support the mental well-being of CHWs. In doing this, they equipped the CHWs to identify the symptoms in themselves and each other and to see it in the community they serve.

Eager to impart their knowledge and skill, the students separated CHWs into two groups, where they educated the CHWs on mental health before discussions, questions, and activities. The programme was fun, educational, and hands-on, with some practical exercises. The students provided information about mental health management and how to seek professional help.