JHB North - Oct 2021
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Your mind Matters Medical doctor, keynote Samke, who founded speaker, author and If the last two years have taught an NPO called Sisters philanthropist – when it for Mental Health us anything, it’s the importance comes to changing the (sistersformentalhealth. mental health narrative of taking care of your mental co.za). ‘I saw the need in South Africa, is there to provide a safe anything Samke Ngcobo health … something close to space and platform to can’t do? Seeing that it is provide mental health Mental Health Awareness Samke Ngcobo’s heart. And she is education and support. Month in South Africa, we The organisation seeks spoke to one of the most well on her way to changing the to collaborate with prolific mental health other mental health advocates in the country. mental health narrative in SA. organisations in order If there is one thing to provide mental we have learned over the last two years, it’s the health resources more easily. I believe that the best importance of mental health. Being cooped up in storyteller about mental health struggles is one who lockdown, socially isolated from friends and family, is living with it.’ and having a ‘new normal’ forced upon us has Samke shares her experiences (and public speaking taken its toll – and those are just the mental health talent) through her motivational speaking. ‘It’s one difficulties that everyone faces. Many of us have had of my passions as I get to connect and authentically to fight additional mental health battles, and Samke relate with my audience. The platforms enable is no exception. me to visibly empower my audience through my ‘My bipolar diagnosis came at the age of 14 and confidence to be brave by being vulnerable. I enjoy my journey with it has evolved, from being one of connecting about our shared humanness.’ struggle and shame to one of triumph and activism. Her aim is to grow her public speaking in the I have been subjected to stigma from a cultural corporate sector as well as her community … and perspective as I was deemed bewitched and also she isn’t afraid to dream big either! ‘I dream of a from a religious perspective where I was deemed television talk show which is focused on mental to be demon-possessed. This stage of my illness led health awareness and advocacy. I’m currently hosting to shame and resentment of the illness. I also went Mindful Discussions on Woman Radio so my dream is through a stage of denial as I could not connect not too out of reach!’ with the reality of a mentally ill individual so I often Samke also shares her insights in her book, Reflections defaulted on my medication. My other struggle was of a Convoluted Mind: A Journey with My Mental related to the side effects of my medication. I have Illness. ‘This is my vulnerable and brave offering finally arrived at a place of acceptance and have where I narrate my story related to experiencing the empowered myself by being a student of myself and symptoms of my illness, my experience of stigma and my illness. I feel a responsibility to be vocal about this my life as a doctor who is also a mentally ill patient. My topic,’ Samke says. book is sold online on Amazon and in paperback at Mental health continues to be stigmatised, although Exclusive Books, Book Circle Capital and Protea Books.’ huge strides have been made in recent years. ‘I October is also garden month, and you can often believe that stigma has improved around mental find Samke in the garden or on a hike. ‘I love hiking health in the last decade as more robust platforms and meeting with friends on weekends. I believe have been created and people are more vocal about that being outdoors is important for my mental mental health and candid about the reality of mental well-being. Being one with nature is something health issues. I believe that the presence of Covid-19 that I find soothing and refreshing. It is an authentic has played a significant role in facilitating the environment which I find relaxing.’ urgency of mental health advocacy and support.’ Details: If you’d like to keep up with Samke’s journey, Mental health advocacy is a key concern for follow her on Instagram @_vocalmentality. 12 Get It Magazine October 21
How else can we support our mental health? Samke shares her top tips: • Identify your triggers which you believe pose a threat to your mental health. • Set boundaries in your relationships and deal with toxic connections. • Prioritise yourself by ensuring that you make time for yourself daily to reflect on the day gone by and to be more self-aware and mindful. • Manage your exposure to technology, especially social media. • Most importantly, own your reality and don’t be ashamed about your illness. • Empower yourself as much as possible with knowledge and connecting with people who are supportive of you and embrace you holistically. Text: TAYLA BLAIRE. Photographer: NICOLE MOORE. Details: nicolemoorephotography.co.za. Location: BEECHWOOD GARDENS. Details: beechwoodgardens.co.za October 21 Get It Magazine 13
- Page 1: JOBURG NORTHERN SUBURBS Take care o
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- Page 17 and 18: Stay abreast of your health October
- Page 19 and 20: We’re after soft, unashamedly del
- Page 21 and 22: Wild rose Wild rose is known as the
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- Page 29 and 30: Veggie of the month Tomatoes are by
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How else can we support our mental<br />
health? Samke shares her top tips:<br />
• Identify your triggers which you believe pose a<br />
threat to your mental health.<br />
• Set boundaries in your relationships and deal<br />
with toxic connections.<br />
• Prioritise yourself by ensuring that you make time<br />
for yourself daily to reflect on the day gone by and<br />
to be more self-aware and mindful.<br />
• Manage your exposure to technology, especially<br />
social media.<br />
• Most importantly, own your reality and don’t be<br />
ashamed about your illness.<br />
• Empower yourself as much as possible with<br />
knowledge and connecting with people who are<br />
supportive of you and embrace you holistically.<br />
Text: TAYLA BLAIRE. Photographer: NICOLE MOORE. Details: nicolemoorephotography.co.za. Location: BEECHWOOD GARDENS. Details: beechwoodgardens.co.za<br />
<strong>Oct</strong>ober 21 Get It Magazine 13
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