#SUpport Mental Health Task team and The Centre for Student Counselling and Development’s (CSCD) schedules are filled with mental health awareness initiatives planned for 2019, aimed at breaking the stigma and bringing about awareness on campus.
#SUpport Mental Health Task team:
The #SUpport Mental Health Task team, a new initiative to the university established by SRC Student Wellness officer, Melt Hugo, have various initiatives on their agenda for the year.
From left to right, Faith Mashevedze (task team member), Melt Hugo (head of task team) and Zamafiso Sibande (head of task team’s events) PHOTO: Lucian van Wyk
The head of #SUpport’s events, Zamafiso Sibande, says the most recent event the initiative has coming up is the ‘Mac Miller’ event, aimed at promoting responsible drinking and improving the Stellenbosch student nightlife.
Mac Miller was an American rapper, singer, and recording artist, who accidentally overdosed on a combination of drugs, including fentanyl, cocaine and alcohol, late last year. He, like many students, turned to alcohol and drugs to deal with his mental health problems.
Sibande could not disclose more information on the event at this time, but classified it as a ‘raising awareness event’ that includes music and networking.
“We know there’s a correlation between alcohol and mental health. We are trying to get students out of the mind-set of using alcohol as an outlet to deal with their mental health problems. I think it’s one of the biggest issues we have among students, using alcohol to cope”.
Sibande adds that the team plans to make the ‘Mac Miller’ event an annual occasion.
Hugo states that proceeds of this event will go towards the funding of the team’s ‘Nightline’ app. The app, still in its infancy, will be an online listening and support platform for students by students that is non-counselling and non-advisory.
“What we envisage is a group of student volunteers trained with a short course in counselling, to sit on the other side of the cell phone line or instant messaging platform, speaking to vulnerable students assuring them that they are not alone, and providing them with contact details of relevant institutions and psychologists able to provide professional help if needed.”
The task team adds that mental health talks, workshops, and collaborations are also in the pipeline.
The Centre for Student Counselling and Development (CSCD):
According to the spokesperson of the CSCD, Elmarie Kruger, the institution will also be hosting a variety of initiatives during the year, with Pets as Therapy sessions already under way. The program will be open to the public with therapy sessions provided through interaction with therapy dogs.
These sessions take place every Thursday from 16:45 to 17:30 at Den Bosch in Victoria Street up until 16 May. According to Kruger, the sessions have proven to be very successful among students last year, with many saying it helps with their anxious and depressive feelings.
The Psychotherapy unit of the CSCD located on 49 Victoria Street, Stellenbosch PHOTO: Lucian van Wyk
Kruger states that the establishment of a Crisis Management Committee per campus Cluster are also in the works.
“We are awaiting the names of three individuals per residence and PSO in each cluster, who will be trained as the Crisis Management Committee of each Cluster.
“They will not be trained as counsellors or paramedics, but as a resourceful person that can assist a Cluster during an emergency while the professionals are containing the situation.”
She adds that a Facebook campaign will also be starting this month focusing on the wellness of students and provide them with practical tips on promoting mental health.
The CSCD’s services are all confidential and mostly free of charge, with some activities charging a basic fee.
Student reactions:
Students were eager to comment on the university’s various mental health awareness initiatives.
BA Humanities student, Cindy Arendse (23), says one can see the university is doing everything in their power to ensure students get the help they need.
“However, I do feel that not a lot of students are aware of these initiatives and that the university should have a better strategy at marketing their campaigns and initiatives.”
According to Masters student, Marishan Veldsman (23), the #SUpport task team and CSCD’s campaigns are really good initiatives.
“I hope more students will now learn how to cope with mental health issues in a healthy manner, and hope that this will in return lessen the amount of students who struggle with their mental health on campus.”
Students struggling with mental health issues can contact the CSCD’s 24 hour crisis service on 082 557 0880 or book an appointment with a licensed psychologist on 021 808 4994.