CAMAF Member Option Guides & Info

Mental Matters

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Care Mental health disorders can be treated with a combination of counselling and medication in most cases. Counselling may involve psychologists, social workers, psychiatrists, family doctors, spiritual leaders, traditional healers, community members, and more. There are many effective medications, although expert professional assessment and prescription is an imperative to optimise efficacy and to minimise side effect and dependency risks. The treatment of most mental health disorders is effective and most patients do recover. There are challenges of course (e.g. results with drug and alcohol dependency are mixed) but the reality for most people is that treatment works 10 . Role for Employers In the workplace, where productivity-impact is a real concern for all parties, all of the above have bearing. There are specific opportunities in the work environment: • Stigma can be reduced through careful policies and communications, with the role of senior leadership critical. • Targetted campaigns can be deployed (e.g. stress management skills, depression awareness, alcohol abuse support, etc.) • Access to quality care can be provided. Some examples include: o Making medical scheme membership compulsory and or company-funded is really the only way to ensure access to comprehensive quality healthcare and as such, is sound corporate policy. o Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) have become widespread and they do provide access to professional psychosocial counselling, which can be of great value. o Workplace clinics offer convenient and affordable (low cost or no-cost depending on specifics) access to primary healthcare, which can offer screening & support services. Making wellness, and mental wellness, part of the "culture" and fabric of a company is really the goal here. Specific policies and programmes and services help a great deal but the active support of business leadership is pivotal – with it a great deal can be achieved and without it, initiatives are likely to under-perform 4 . Conclusion Mental health matters and while much can be done, much is yet to be done.

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