MENTAL ILLNESS RESOURCES

Sir,

Many people are prescribed medication for Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety and other mental illnesses. However, sometimes we are not informed about what we can expect from our medication.

“It’s vital for your long-term well-being and health that we can access information regarding our treatment, but sometimes doctors don’t have time to give us all the information we need” says the South African Depression and Anxiety Group’s (SADAG) Cassey Chambers. The SADAG Facebook Friday chats allow you to interact live with experts and to answer the many questions friends or family members may have about a loved one’s treatment or about your own medication, without having to pay a consultation fee.

If you are on medication and have questions about your treatment but aren’t sure who to ask, or you are experiencing side effects and need advice, this is a great opportunity to hear from the experts.

SADAG’s help lines, staffed by trained volunteer counsellors, are available from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week.
To contact SADAG, call 0800 21 22 23 (from South Africa only) or 00 27 11 262 6396 (from Swaziland), go to their Facebook page ‘The South African Depression and Anxiety Group,’ or visit the website www.sadag.org for information, questionnaires and articles on mental health.

Sticking to your medication: Top 10 Tips

1) Know the facts: Know how you are supposed to take your medication. Go over your prescription with your doctor or pharmacist.

2) Food and water: If you need to take your medication on an empty stomach, take it at least one hour before a meal. If it should be taken with food, then take it after a full meal, not just a snack.

3) Set a reminder: Set an alarm on your watch or cellphone to help remind you to take your medication.

4) Get support: Do not be afraid to ask your family or friends for help. There is no shame in asking someone to help remind you to take your medication.

5) Talk to your doctor or pharmacist: Do not be afraid to ask them about anything you do not understand. Be honest with your doctor about how you feel. Let your doctor know if you are on any other medication which they did not prescribe.

6) Pill box: Try using a pill box to help you organise your medication. This will help you to stick to your medication schedule

7) Keep a mood diary and medication list: List and keep track of your mood and your medication.

 8) Side-effects: These can be expected. However, they are easily manageable. Most importantly, do not stop taking your medication without talking to your doctor.

9) Take it whether you feel better, worse, or no different: Medication doesn’t start working immediately; you need to give it at least a few weeks. It is important that you stick to your medication even when you feel that it is not working and even when you are feeling better.

10) Keep it close and visible: Keep your medication in an easy-to-spot place at home. It is also useful to keep some at your work or office, in case you forget to take them in the morning.

Denise Mortlock
Mbabane Mental Health Support Group
Work: + 268 2404 8375
Cell: + 268 7635 5152
Email: office@realnet.co.sz
  Remember also that help is available at the National Referral Psychiatric Hospital in Manzini. Telephone 2 505 5170.





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