3 October 2016
On Monday our ‘Call-us-crazy’ project officially started! While I was still dreaming my big dreams, the rest of the team started the walk to Magaliesburg. Flip and I got ready to go to NG Kroonstad Suid for our first motivational talk about mental illness and mental wellness. Very few people attended. I was not worried about that, but focused on how I could serve people through the talk and that they understood what I was saying.
Just before I finished with my talk, I gave an opportunity for questions. One lady asked me a very significant question. She first told me that her son has bipolar, but he refuses to take his medicine because he doesn’t feel like a man if he takes it- it’s like the mindset of ‘cowboys don’t cry’. Then she asked my advice on it. First I assured her that I was not a psychiatrist or psychologist or any other therapist, and that I could only speak from what I know. Then the Holy Spirit took over and here is what I said: ‘First understand that it is a lie from the enemy. It is a negative stigma that tells men a true, full blooded man does not except any help of any sort!’ I asked her if he is married and she replied that he has been divorced twice now. I asked her that to demonstrate the responsibility that we as men have towards those we love – more directly to our wives and children. In my eyes men are wise when they consult a doctor and take medicine because it shows that they know and understand their role in life and in their marriages and family life. They understand that they have a responsibility toward their families and can’t love and protect them as they would like to if they are unstable or ill. It shows strong character if a man seeks help and allows the help from a doctor or maybe a psychologist, or takes medication because it shows that he loves his family and will do whatever it takes to love and protect them.
Our first talk went well! Two of the ladies wanted to invite us again and another lady asked our programme for the rest of the week because she wanted some of her friends to also hear the talk about mental health and mental wellness.
I truly believe that the talk makes a difference to people’s view of mental health and I trust that it will have an impact on people’s lives so that they understand what mental health is and seek help if necessary!
By Deon Labuscahgne
Vista Happiness HELPS Ambassador
