Healthy Lifestyle Awareness Day is on 16 February and the New Year is a good time to reflect on your physical and mental health and get the help you may need. Not all people find it delightful to return to work in ‘Januworry’ after the festive period and for some it might even be nerve-wracking. New deadlines, economic stressors, overspending during the holidays, etc. all contribute towards feelings of anxiety and depression. If you are one of those people who suffer from an anxiety disorder, you are not alone. Depression and anxiety disorders have major cost implications to the economy.
When to seek help Seek help if you suffer from more than three of the following symptoms:
• Excessive anxiety and worry for a large portion of the day
• Difficulty controlling worry
• Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
• Restlessness or feeling on edge
• Being easily fatigued
• Being irritable
• Muscle tension
• Sleep disturbance (difficulty falling or staying asleep, or restless unsatisfying sleep)
• The anxiety, worry, or physical symptoms cause significant distress or impairment in social, work or other important areas of functioning • Financial stress requiring debt counselling
Life Mental Health is a leading provider of mental health services in South Africa at nine dedicated facilities across four provinces. The mental healthcare services offered at these dedicated facilities include general psychiatry, treatment for substance dependence or other addictions associated with psychiatric disorders. Treatments offered include evidence-based drug therapy, individual psychiatric consultations and psychotherapy, group therapy and, where needed, physical therapy.
If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health problems or needs urgent support, contact Life St Joseph’s