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Suicide – be aware!

Suicide – be aware!

Written by Mondia Corporate Care

18 September 2024

  1. 10 September 2024 is World Suicide Prevention Day. What is this all about?  

World Suicide Prevention Day is an awareness day always highlighted on the 10th of September every year, in order to provide worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides, with various activities around the world since 2003.

  • According to the World Health Organisation, more than 720 000 people die due to suicide every year.
  • Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds.
  • Seventy-three percent (73%) of global suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries.
  • The reasons for suicide are multi-faceted, influenced by social, cultural, biological, psychological, and environmental factors present across the life-course.
  • For every suicide there are many more people who attempt suicide. A prior suicide attempt is an important risk factor for suicide in the general population.

 

  1. Why do people consider suicide?

To those who have not experienced severe feelings of depression and hopelessness, it is often difficult to understand what drives so many individuals to take their own lives.  A suicidal person is in so much pain that they cannot see any other option.

Suicide is a desperate attempt to escape suffering that has become unbearable. Blinded by feelings of helplessness, hopelessness and isolation, a suicidal person cannot see any way of finding relief except through death.

Despite their desire for the pain to stop, most suicidal people are deeply conflicted about ending their own lives.  They wish there was an alternative to suicide, but they just cannot see one.

 

  1. What are the main reasons for suicide or suicide attempts?

Depression, Substance Abuse, Bullying, Trauma, Stress, Domestic Violence and Physical illness can be a reason for suicide or suicide attempts.

Suicidal thoughts do not happen overnight and are not caused by a single reason.  People become suicidal for multiple reasons.  It is very important to remember that people who feel suicidal and attempt to die by suicide may, not necessarily want to die.  They may feel like a burden to those around them and believe nothing will ever change.

 

  1. What are the typical risk factors to know about, when it comes to suicide?

Suicide does not discriminate, anyone of any race, gender, age or socio- economic status may feel suicidal.  Even someone who seems to have it all, can be vulnerable to suicide.

Risk Factors: 

  • Mental Health issues, like Bipolar Disorder, Depression and Anxiety disorders
  • Gender based violence and abusive relationships
  • Physical Health conditions like a terminal illness or chronic illness.
  • A recent Trauma or life crisis like the death of a loved one.
  • Work stress, unemployment, or job loss
  • Relationship issues – fights, separations, break-up divorce etc.
  • Financial problems or debts
  • History is an important contributor.  Previous suicide attempts and a family history of suicide.

 

  1. Can suicide be prevented?

THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT AT LEAST 75% of SUICIDES can be prevented.

There are a few things you can look out for.   See the warning signs.

In most cases, a person who is feeling suicidal will show some warning signs.   These should always be taken seriously and acted on immediately:

  • Long-lasting sadness and mood swings
  • Withdrawing from others or isolation
  • Loss of interest in things they used to enjoy
  • Changes in personality, appearance, sleeping and eating patterns
  • Self-harmful behaviour like drinking and daring, having unsafe sex, increased use of drugs and alcohol.
  • Making preparations, like putting personal business in order, making a will, visiting friends and family members, giving away personal possessions.
  • Talking about death – saying things like “I want to die” , “ the world would be a better place without me” , “what’s the point” , “nothing will ever change”.
  • Assessing lethal means like buying a gun or stocking pills.
  • Every threat of suicide should be taken seriously.

 

  1. What should you do, when you recognise some of these warning signs in your own life?
  • Get professional help.
  • Call a crisis helpline for advice and referrals to see a mental health professional such as a psychiatrists, psychologist, social worker or GP.
  • Follow up on treatment. If a doctor prescribes medication, make sure you follow the treatment plan.
  • Make positive lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet, getting plenty of sleep and getting out in the sun or into nature for at least 30 minutes each day.
  • Exercise is also extremely important as it releases good brain chemicals that make you feel well, relieves stress, and promotes emotional wellbeing.
  • Make a safety plan with steps to follow when you feel overwhelmed or suicidal again.  It should include contact numbers of your doctor or therapist, as well as friends and family members who will help in an emergency or who can help with coping strategies.

 

  1. Why we should not be afraid to reach out?
  • Talking about mental health show great strength.
  • It is okay to express how you are thinking or feeling.
  • It is okay to not feel okay.
  • It is okay to show you are struggling or want some help.

 

  1. How can you help a loved one, when you identify the warning signs?
  • Let the person know that you care about them, and that they are not alone.
  • Practice an empathetic response with a phrase like, “I can’t imagine how hard or painful this time is for you, but I’d like to try to understand”.
  • Avoid judgement – try not to criticize or blame the person. Avoid saying things like …”Why do you feel suicidal”, or “You shouldn’t feel this way”.
  • Ask about their reasons for living and dying and listen to their answer.  Try your best to explore reasons for living in greater detail.
  • Ask if they have a plan for ending their life.  If they have a plan, encourage them to seek help that they are comfortable with, e.g. see a therapist of doctor or contact a helpline.
  • If they do not have a plan, focus on the people they care about, who cares about them and reassure them that this feeling won’t last forever.
  • Be proactive.  People considering suicide often don’t believe they can be helped. So don’t wait for the person to reach out.  Drop by or call them.  Your support is vital.
  1. Where can you get help?

Please contact our 24-hour helpline at 076 509 4011 for immediate assistance or visit www.mondiahealth.co.za and get in touch for your nearest Mondia Health Facility, where you can be connected to a mental health specialist.

Sources:

www.mondiahealth.co.za

www.sadag.org (SADAG – South African Depression and Anxiety Group)

www.swho.int  (World Health Organization)

How to manage your stress during challenging times

How to manage your stress during challenging times

Written by Melissa Schoeman and Elizta du Plessis.  

Mondia Corporate Care

18 September 2024

Challenges are part of life. We cannot always choose the type of challenges we are faced with, or the date of their arrival, but we can be proactive and choose how we react and deal with them.

We often seek advice or outlets when we are amid a challenging time.

Imagine going grocery shopping, and only when you reach the cashier, you stop to ask yourself if you have money available in your wallet or in your bank account to pay for the groceries? We don’t, as it is too risky to show up unprepared. So, we usually make sure to take cash or take time to budget and check if we have funds available for the purchase.

Stress management should be approached in a similar way. Its about taking time to ensure you deposit coping skills and positive experiences into your “stress management account”. This account or store gives you a resource to rely on during challenging times.

If we start looking for resources to rely on when the challenge is already there, it makes it so much more difficult to figure out what coping skills work for you, as you are already overwhelmed, and your brain cannot take in new information.

At Mondia Health, we believe in using the 8 dimensions of wellness to establish a “stress management savings account” for yourself.

There are 8 dimensions of wellness:

  • Physical: Includes a lifestyle choice to ensure balance and being physically active in some way to avoid preventable diseases
  • Social: Making time for healthy relationships, social stability, and peace.
  • Emotional: Being aware of your emotions and motives, taking time to develop emotional intelligence.
  • Intellectual: Developing your knowledge and skills to live a stimulating life.
  • Spiritual: Give meaning and purpose to your life through connectedness with self, others, and a power greater than yourself.
  • Financial: Creating a sense of security. Finding ways to life within your means.
  • Occupational (work or school): Creating a healthy work-life balance, managing workplace stress, and building and maintaining relationships with your co-workers or peers.
  • Environmental: Interaction with nature and being more aware of your personal environment and the impact of it on your mood.

Just like planning your wardrobe and getting dressed every day, we suggest waking up every morning and intentionally planning an activity to promote one or more of your 8 dimensions of wellness.  This will accumulate savings into your wellness savings account.

For example: if you have 20 minutes that you usually spend on or driving, you can stack habits and use that time to invest in one of your wellness dimensions. During that 20-minute drive, you might phone a friend over your Bluetooth car speaker and invest in social wellness or listen to an interesting podcast for your intellectual wellness.

Worst case scenario, if a challenge should surface the following week, you can phone that same friend for support, as they are already filled in on your life. Perhaps the podcast you just listened to had great advice you can now practice.

Personally, I have first-hand experience that waking up 20 minutes earlier, and starting my day with 20 minutes stretching, or planning my day, sets the tone for my entire day.  If something unexpected happens that day, I can borrow some of the calmness from the gentle stretching and day planning from that morning.

Here are a few activity ideas for each dimension:

  • Physical: Jogging, Pilates, Stretching, ensuring enough sleep, Eating breakfast
  • Social: Spending time with friends, attending social events, phoning out of town relatives
  • Intellectual: Reading a good book, listening to a podcast, watching TEDx videos.
  • Financial: Budgeting, preparing lunches at home (spending responsibly).
  • Occupational: Planning your day ahead of time, drinking your coffee in a peaceful spot
  • Environmental: Declutter your desk, take a walk outside, listen to birdsong
  • Spiritual: Praying, meditating, volunteer work for a cause you believe in
  • Emotional: Reflecting on your day, time for selfcare and keeping a journal.

Stress management is very personal. What works for one person, does not work for another. Make sure you experiment with your 8 dimensions of wellness. Make a note of activities that made you feel lighter and keep it as a ‘cheat sheet’ for ideas to fall back on when life gets tough.

Sometimes professional help is needed to develop your personalized stress management plan, or if your situation is exceptionally challenging. You can reach out for help by contacting one of our national hospitals: https://www.mondiahealth.co.za

Post Partum Depression / Post Natal Depression

Post Partum Depression / Post Natal Depression

Written by Anne Wessels, Occupational Therapist, Mondia Health:  Dihlabeng

3 September 2024 

The birth of a baby can start a variety of powerful emotions, from excitement and joy to fear and anxiety. But it can also result in something you might not expect — depression. Having a baby is a life-changing experience. Being a parent is exciting but can also be tiring and overwhelming. It’s normal to have feelings of worry or doubt, especially if you are a first-time parent. However, if your feelings include extreme sadness or loneliness, severe mood swings and frequent crying spells, you may have postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is not a character flaw or a weakness. If you have postpartum depression, prompt treatment can help you manage your symptoms and help you bond with your baby.

What Is Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression affects 1 in 7 women due to physical, emotional, and behavioural changes following childbirth. There are three types of postpartum mood disorders: baby blues, postpartum depression, and, in much rarer cases, postpartum psychosis which may include hallucinations, delusions, dissociation, and disorganized thinking and behaviour.

“Baby blues”

After childbirth, 70% of new moms experience “baby blues,” which typically last up to two weeks whereafter the condition usually subsides without treatment. The best thing you can do is find support and ask for help from loved ones.

Symptoms of baby blues:

  • Mood swings
  • Anxiety
  • Sadness
  • Irritability
  • Feeling overwhelmed
  • Crying
  • Reduced concentration
  • Appetite problems
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Severe fatigue
  • Lower libido

Postpartum depression

Postpartum depression can be mistaken for baby blues at first, but the symptoms are more intense and last longer. They can interfere with your ability to care for your baby and handle daily tasks. Symptoms usually develop within the first few weeks after giving birth, but may start earlier (during pregnancy) or later (up to a year after birth). New fathers can also experience postpartum depression, with about 1 in 10 affected during the year their child is born.

Symptoms of Postpartum depression:

  • Depressed mood or feeling of emptiness
  • Severe mood swings
  • Crying all the time, often for no reason
  • Difficulty bonding with your baby
  • Withdrawing from family and friends
  • Loss of appetite or eating much more than usual
  • Inability to sleep, or sleeping too much
  • Overwhelming tiredness or loss of energy
  • Loss of interest and pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
  • Intense irritability and anger
  • Hopelessness
  • Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt or inadequacy
  • Reduced ability to think clearly, concentrate, or make decisions
  • Restlessness, excessive worrying or feeling on edge
  • Severe anxiety and panic attacks
  • Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
  • Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
  • Thoughts of hurting someone else

Postpartum Depression Risk Factors:

  • A history of depression prior to becoming pregnant, or during pregnancy
  • Age at time of pregnancy (the younger you are, the higher the chances)
  • Ambivalence about the pregnancy
  • Children (the more you have, the more likely you are to be depressed in a later pregnancy)
  • Family history of mood disorders
  • Going through an extremely stressful event, like a job loss or health crisis
  • Having a child with special needs or health problems or a baby who cries a lot
  • Having twins or triplets
  • Limited social support
  • Living alone or being a single parent
  • Financial struggles
  • Marital or relationship conflict
  • Pregnancy complications like health conditions, difficult delivery or premature birth.

 Postpartum Depression Treatment

Treatment options include anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications, psychotherapy, counselling, or participation in a support group. Hospital admission is also often necessary. You may also be admitted to a treatment centre for several days until you’re stable. If you are breastfeeding, talk to your doctor about medication for depression, anxiety, or even psychosis.

Postpartum Depression Complications

If left untreated, postpartum depression may lead to the following:

  • You can have trouble bonding with your baby and don’t establish a connection with them.
  • Children of mothers with postpartum depression are more likely to have problems with sleeping and eating, crying more than usual, and delays in language development.
  • Your child may have behaviour or learning problems.
  • Your child may be at higher risk for obesity or developmental disorders.
  • Your baby may have impaired social skills.

Postpartum Depression Prevention

Postpartum depression isn’t entirely preventable. Here are some tips that can help prevent postpartum depression:

  • Be realistic about your expectations for yourself and your baby.
  • Limit visitors when you first go home.
  • Ask for help — let others know how they can help you.
  • Sleep or rest when your baby sleeps.
  • Exercise — take a walk and get out of the house for a break.
  • Keep in touch with your family and friends — don’t isolate yourself.
  • Foster your relationship with your partner — make time for each other.
  • Expect some good days and some bad days.
  • Follow a sensible diet; avoid alcohol and caffeine.
  • Find time for self-care and doing things you enjoy, like reading or other hobbies.
  • Get help with household chores or errands.

If you have postpartum depression, know that you are not alone, it’s not your fault and that help is out there. Your healthcare provider can manage your symptoms and help you feel better.  For more information or assistance, contact your nearest Mondia Health Facility.  Visit www.mondiahealth.co.za for more information.

How to deal with Pregnancy Loss

How to deal with Pregnancy Loss

Written by Anne Wessels, Occupational Therapist, Mondia Dihlabeng 

3 September 2024 

Losing a baby during pregnancy is a difficult and emotional experience. It’s natural to feel an overwhelming sense of grief after a miscarriage or stillbirth, as well as a range of emotions like guilt, anger, sadness, and shock. For many, there’s so much hope, expectation, and planning that goes into a pregnancy. When you have a miscarriage or a stillbirth, it can feel devastating and isolating. The days, weeks, months, and even years following a pregnancy loss can be incredibly difficult and painful, but know that you are far from alone.

Some feelings you might experience after pregnancy loss:

  • Grief – You may feel grief for your lost baby, your family, and the hopes for this pregnancy. Your grief is real, even if it’s slightly different and not everyone understands it.
  • Shock – Miscarriage can come as a huge shock, especially if it was unexpected. You may need time to make sense of what has happened and to come to terms with it.
  • Failure and guilt – It’s tough to accept that a baby could stop growing inside you, possibly without you knowing. You might feel responsible for the loss and question if something you did caused the miscarriage.
  • Emptiness – Pregnancy loss can leave you feeling empty physically and emotionally. It’s common to feel like nothing else matters and that other people’s problems or work issues are insignificant in comparison.
  • Loss of control – Pregnancy can feel overwhelming because so much is beyond your control. Not knowing the cause of a miscarriage can make you feel powerless. This loss of control might also make it scary to consider trying again.
  • Fear and anxiety – It’s natural to feel anxious about having another miscarriage if you don’t know why it happened or if it’s not the first time.
  • Jealousy – If you’re feeling envious or resentful when others announce their pregnancy or baby’s birth, it can be tough, especially if it coincides with your own difficult dates. Consider avoiding social functions with babies, taking short breaks from family gatherings, and temporary breaks from social media.
  • Loss of trust in your body – You may feel let down by your body. You may mistrust your body in future pregnancies and resent the fact that you can’t enjoy your pregnancy.
  • Loneliness and isolation – You may feel alone because nobody knew you were pregnant in the first place or if no one understands what you are going through.
  • Anger – It might seem unfair for others to be able to conceive and carry with ease, leaving you filled with anger, bitterness and resentment towards yourself or God.

Here are a few things to remember as you’re coping with pregnancy loss:

  • Pregnancy loss isn’t your fault – Pregnancy loss can affect anyone, and it’s usually not related to something you did or didn’t do. It’s normal to feel guilty or blame yourself for your pregnancy loss, and while these feelings are very real, it’s not your fault. Be gentle, give yourself grace, and allow yourself time to recover.
  • Give yourself the time you need to heal – Experiencing pregnancy loss can be devastating. Give yourself time to grieve and don’t rush the healing process. Consider taking time off work to process your emotions and give yourself space to heal.
  • Know that everybody grieves pregnancy loss differently – Everyone grieves differently, and there’s no right or wrong way to deal with grief. If your partner isn’t as affected by the loss as you are, talk openly and honestly with them. Share your feelings and needs while giving each other the freedom to grieve in your own ways. Pregnancy loss can affect your relationship, so consider seeking counselling if needed.
  • It’s okay to talk about losing a baby – Although it may seem painful to talk about, sharing your story can make you feel less alone and help you heal. You may be surprised by how many others have their own stories of loss and healing. Being open about your experience might also help erase the stigma for someone else, and give them the freedom and comfort to talk about their own pregnancy loss.
  • Express how you feel – After a traumatic experience, it is often helpful to find ways to express how you feel. Some people find keeping a journal helps them make sense of their feelings.
  • Allow yourself to feel sad – Try not to force yourself to feel happy, or feel guilty about feeling sad, even if a lot of time has passed since your miscarriage. Feeling sad is a healthy part of the grieving process.
  • Avoid ‘numbing’ the pain – Avoid things that ‘numb’ the pain, such as alcohol. It’ll make you feel worse once the numbness wears off.
  • Commemorate your baby – A lot of people like to find a special way to remember their baby or to do something that makes them feel like they’ve said a proper goodbye.

Looking after yourself

There is no easy way to grieve after something like this happens, but there are some practical things you can do that may help:

  • Allow others to offer you help with day-to-day tasks, such as housework or grocery shopping.
  • Look after your health by getting plenty of sleep, eating nutritious food and doing some exercise.
  • Mindfulness strategies can help if you’re feeling anxious.
  • If you’re struggling to cope, ask for help. You might want to join a support group and meet other people who have experienced pregnancy loss. You can also talk to your doctor or see a psychologist for counselling.

Older siblings – Remember that children grieve and deal with loss too. If you have other children, it’s important to explain to them honestly what happened and to answer all of their questions openly, in an age-appropriate way. Family counselling can also help you talk through these emotions with your children.

Trying for another baby – The time it takes to feel ready for another pregnancy varies from person to person. While some may want to try for another baby right away to cope with their sadness, most find that getting pregnant again doesn’t take away their grief. It’s important to give yourself time to grieve before considering another pregnancy.

If you’re finding it hard to cope – The loss of a baby can lead to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder in some individuals. Seeking extra support may be beneficial for those struggling to cope with daily life after a loss.

There’s support out there for you

Seeking support following a miscarriage or stillbirth can aid in coping with the loss. It may be beneficial to seek the guidance of a professional counsellor to navigate through the challenging emotions you are currently facing and ultimately find a way to manage your grief.  For assistance or to make contact with a mental health specialist, contact your nearest Mondia Health facility.  Visit www.mondiahealth.co.za

What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

Have you recently experienced any trauma?     Are you still suffering from intrusive memories, do you avoid reminders of the event, are you struggling to experience positive emotions, trouble to sleep…you may experience Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.(PDTS)

What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a common mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Many people have difficulty coping after traumatic events, but with time and good self-care, they usually get better. If symptoms worsen, last for months or years, interfere with daily tasks, and affect social and work life and relationships, you may have PTSD.

What is a traumatic event?

A traumatic event involves experiencing or being threatened by death, violence, or serious injury, impacting your sense of safety or well-being. Trauma can result from a single event, but it can also stem from long-term experiences like frequent abuse. Witnessing a traumatic event can also cause trauma. You can also develop PTSD after learning that a loved one has experienced trauma.

Examples of traumatic events include but are not limited to, car accidents, severe injury or sudden illness, war and military combat, natural disasters such as tornadoes, earthquakes, fires or floods, physical abuse or assault, verbal and emotional abuse, sexual assault or abuse, the sudden death of a loved one, childhood abandonment, rejection or neglect, experiencing horror, helplessness or extreme fear at the time of the event, enduring long-lasting or repeated trauma, and lacking social support after a traumatic event.

Symptoms of PTSD

  1. Intrusive memories:

Recurrent, distressing memories of the traumatic event, nightmares, or reliving the event through flashbacks.

  1. Avoidance:

Avoiding reminders of the traumatic event, such as people, places, activities, and situations. Also avoiding remembering or thinking about the traumatic event, as well as refraining from talking about what happened or expressing feelings about it.

  1. Negative changes in thinking and mood:

Ongoing fear, horror, anger, guilt or shame, memory loss, negative or distorted thoughts about yourself, others, or the world, or blaming yourself or others. You may feel detached from others and have difficulty maintaining close relationships. Furthermore, you no longer enjoy activities you once did and struggle to experience positive emotions or feel emotionally numb. Suicidal thoughts and hopelessness may also be experienced.

  1. Changes in physical and emotional reactions

Irritability, aggression, anger outbursts, reckless or self-destructive behaviour such as substance abuse, being overly watchful of your surroundings, and always being on guard for danger. Being easily startled or frightened, having problems concentrating as well as trouble sleeping.

Treatment

Receiving effective treatment can help you regain a sense of control over your life. The main treatment is psychotherapy, but it can also involve medication. You might consider individual therapy or support groups as a way to connect with others who are going through similar experiences.

Remember, it’s okay to ask for help! Seeking professional support is a brave step toward taking care of your mental health. Know that PTSD is treatable, and with time, treatment can help you feel better.

At Mondia Health we are staffed with experts in psychiatry, psychology, occupational therapy, social work, and more. We offer in-hospital admission which includes individual therapy and a group program.  We also see patients on an out-patient (no admission needed) basis and offer monthly community support groups. You are not alone in this journey, and we are here for you. Your mental health matters to us.

If you require assistance, please contact us at our 24-hour helpline at +27 76 509 4011 or via email at info@mondiahealth.co.za.

CEO Marisa Henderson one of South Africa’s Impactful Healthcare Professionals

CEO Marisa Henderson one of South Africa’s Impactful Healthcare Professionals

Wellness Leader Helping People Heal and Thrive

Mental health awareness is a Crucial aspect of our well-being. In the past few years, there has been a rise in mental health conditions due to an increasingly fast-paced lifestyle. Mental Health conditions can have a substantial effect on all areas of life, such as school or work performance, relationships with family and friends, and the ability to participate in the community.

Depression has emerged as a common health issue and a leading cause of disability and underperformance. Despite progress in some countries, people with mental health conditions often experience stigma, discrimination, or even severe human rights violations. It is essential to increase.

Awareness and reduce stigma around mental health, increase access to quality mental health care and effective treatments, and identify new treatments or improve existing South Africa treatments for all mental disorders. South-African based Mondia Health is doing just that – offering treatment options and raising awareness.

Mondia Health offers treatment and support for people struggling with mental health and addiction challenges. All people go through difficult times at some stage and the team believes that– “It is OKAY not to be OKAY and ask for help”.

Led by its CEO, Marisa Henderson, Mondia Health exists to make it possible for Psychiatrists, psychologists, and other clinicians to combine their efforts efficiently and effectively. In doing so, they aim to consistently achieve good outcomes for people brought into their system. Their goal is to offer people a treatment program/services and environment that supports and builds on their mental wellbeing.

They strive to cater to the specific and unique needs of the population that they serve and therefore have the concept of wellness at their core.

CEO Marisa Henderson
CEO Marisa Henderson

Keep doing what your doing

Wholesome Wellness
Wellness, explains Marisa, is a multidimensional concept that encompasses eight dimensions. These dimensions are interconnected and influence each other.

  1. They are: Emotional Dimension: Understanding and respecting your feelings, values, and attitudes; constructively
    managing your emotions.
  2. Physical Dimension: Caring for your body to stay healthy now and in the future; recognizing the need for physical activity, healthy foods, and adequate sleep.
  3. Social Dimension: Maintaining healthy relationships, developing friendships, and contributing to your community.
  4. Intellectual Dimension: Growing intellectually, valuing lifelong learning, and expanding knowledge and skills.
  5. Occupational Dimension: Preparing for and participating in work that provides personal satisfaction and life enrichment.
  6. Financial Dimension: Managing your resources to live within your means, making informed financial decisions and investments, and preparing for short-term and longterm needs or emergencies.
  7. Environmental Dimension: Understanding how your social, natural, and built environments affect your health and well-being.
  8. Spiritual Dimension: Finding purpose, value, and meaning in your life with or without organized religion.

Marisa and her team believe that if they work together and share the same approach, values, and behavior, they are in the fortunate position to make a difference in every person’s life they treat. It will lead to changes in how people think and behave in their communities, thus also contributing to creating a change in the country to enable people to have a better understanding of themselves as well as other people, be more equipped to handle situations, and make better choices to thrive. As Marisa says “Choice is the one thing that nobody can ever take away from you. We all make thousands of choices each day, both consciously and subconsciously”. Between stimulus and response there is space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom, according to Viktor E. Frankl.

What matters most for Mondia Health is for people to have the opportunity to thrive instead of just surviving day by day. This entails equipping them to manage and take responsibility for their challenges, together with their support system. They offer services to individuals with a variety of diagnoses and stressors which include but are not limited to bi-polar disorder, depression, anxiety disorder, burnout, trauma or loss, PTSD, substance abuse disorders and addiction. Programs include in-patient, out-patient, Corporate Care and Aftercare to create a contiuum of wellness services according to individual needs.

A lot of therapies focus on getting rid of sadness, anxiety, anger, etc., but that does not produce a happy person, it leaves a person empty. Hence the team is focused on building skills that improve relationships and enhance meaning and engagement in life. This creates the platform for change as the focus is on building enabling circumstances of life that can foster a wellness lifestyle.

CEO Marisa Henderson
CEO Marisa Henderson
CEO Marisa Henderson

This verse was given to me more than 15 years ago “Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” And I am still taking on every day, one step at a time…in faith.

 Choosing her Path

A nurturer at heart, Marisa wants the best for everyone – something that has both been her best friend as well as worst enemy over time. She has always liked to help other people, assisting them in solving problems, dealing with issues, and supporting them. After completing her studies as an Occupational therapist in 2004, Marisa worked in various areas including Namibia to gain experience and figure out which field she wanted to settle in. She returned home from Namibia and started working as a locum at a Mental Health facility.

She presented sessions daily and saw the difference it made in people’s lives to gain a better understanding of who they are, where they fit in, what challenges they face, as well as which strengths they possess. She believes that by utilizing a wellness model, people have the opportunity to learn effective coping skills and take joint responsibility for their healing process, which enables more permanent change and the ability to thrive instead of just survive.

In 2013, the facility where she worked was bought by Riël du Toit, who owned various hospitals – physical rehabilitation as well as mental health in the country, and that is where her journey of growth and development took on a new level.

Marisa has always believed that people should not walk around with a “label” or diagnosis, something that happens so often in our society. When people are admitted into a hospital, there is an immediate mindset change for themselves, as well as for the people in their environment due to stigma and a lack of awareness and understanding. “For anyone to believe that they have the potential to thrive, instead of just survive day by day, they need to know and understand WHO they are. They have an IDENTITY, a NAME, ROLES, and RESPONSIBILITIES, they are NOT their diagnosis. They still have to go back and FUNCTION in their environment, it does not matter what race, culture or background they come from – EVERYONE deserves the opportunity to be happy and fulfilled,” she asserts.

Marisa started her journey to incorporate a Wellness approach into their programs to combat stigma and a lack of awareness and understanding when people are admitted into a hospital. “I believe in coaching and allowing people to get to their own answers, develop and grow to their full potential – this road is much more organic and sustainable than micromanaging or trying to “fix” everything for people. I think this quote from John C. Maxwell probably describes it best “Leadership is not about titles, positions or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another,” she says.

New Role, New Goal

With the formation of Mondia Health in 2020, Marisa was appointed as the COO and started to grow and develop her facility managers at each of the group’s 5 facilities. She decided to appoint people with a clinical background as facility managers, as she believes that people can be taught the financial aspects of a business, but understanding people and having the inclination to connect and engage with people is key to being successful. “Developing our Leadership team, I believe is one of the biggest accomplishments as well as compliments. A team is only as strong as its weakest link, and creating a strong team that is aligned and functional, not only makes my role easier but also enables us to reach and assist more people,” says Marisa.

She has now been appointed as CEO and aims to continue building on some of the key aspects of her role as COO. These include implementing a performance appraisal system for employees based on their values and the GROW model, shaping the culture of the organization, and driving core values to be displayed in employee behavior.

Marisa and her team has started to create an online platform that captures all aspects of the patient journey, streamlining the interdisciplinary team process. This IT platform collects and stores information about the patient journey, from the moment of referral to admission, discharge, and continued care afterward. This will enable an environment where the patient is put in the middle to optimize the therapeutic journey. “I want to leverage the use of AI and technology more in the mental health environment for training and development as well as improvement of the patient experience, which is one of our next projects,” she shares.

They also started measuring patients progress with the DASS21 and Flourishing measure from admission to discharge, as well as 2 weeks and 6 weeks post-discharge since 2019. “It is important for me to see if patients gain knowledge and use skills they have learnt AFTER discharge, as that is where change happens. Let’s face it, the majority of patients feel better during admission, as they receive rest, attention, support, medication, etc. BUT what happens when they go back to their environment is where the importance lie.”

CEO Marisa Henderson
CEO Marisa Henderson