Mental Health First Response Botswana

10/10/2023

Today, on , let's unite under the 2023 theme: "Our Minds, Our Right."

Mental health is a fundamental human right, and it is high time that we actively prioritise it in our workplaces.

In recognition of this important day, we are excited to announce a special event that aligns perfectly with this year's theme. We invite you to enroll in our upcoming 2-day Mental Health First Response Training, taking place on November 9th and 10th. This training program is designed to empower individuals to become better equipped to provide immediate support to those experiencing mental health challenges, including themselves.

In a world where stress, anxiety, and burnout are prevalent, being equipped to offer immediate support can make all the difference.

This training empowers you to:

✅ Recognise early signs of distress.
✅ Provide empathetic support.
✅ Connect individuals to appropriate resources.

The impact? A healthier, happier, and more productive workplace for all!

Let's ensure that mental health is not just a right but a reality at work and in our communities.

Join the movement. Be the change.

31/08/2023

Demand Soared! New Dates Added for Mental Health First Response Training!

You spoke, and we listened! Our Mental Health First Response training is growing in impact, with seats filling up faster than we expected. Due to overwhelming demand, we're excited to announce NEW DATES for our essential workplace training!

05/07/2023

“Mental health needs a great deal of attention. It’s the final taboo and it needs to be faced and dealt with.” – Adam Ant

21/06/2023

We are just ONE month away from running another round of public Mental Health First Response training!

Ignite your team's potential by prioritising their mental well-being. With this transformative training, they'll become heroes on the ground, empowering resilience, compassionate support, and unlocking the untapped potential for enhanced productivity, motivation, and engagement.

Don't miss out on this life-changing opportunity. Secure your booking today and be part of the profound difference we're making. Seats are limited!

06/06/2023

// TW: SU***DE //

Su***de is a complex issue, and it's often the result of a combination of factors rather than a single cause. Some common factors that can contribute to suicidal thoughts or behaviors include:

Mental health conditions: Many people who die by su***de have underlying mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or substance abuse disorders. These conditions can cause immense emotional pain and make it difficult for individuals to cope with life's challenges.

Feelings of hopelessness and despair: When someone feels trapped in a seemingly impossible or unbearable situation, they may lose hope for the future. This sense of hopelessness can contribute to suicidal thoughts.

Relationship issues: Difficulties in personal relationships, such as the loss of a loved one, breakup, divorce, or ongoing conflicts, can significantly impact someone's emotional well-being and contribute to suicidal feelings.

Significant life changes or traumatic events: Major life transitions, such as job loss, financial problems, academic stress, serious illness, or a history of abuse or trauma, can increase vulnerability to suicidal thoughts.

Social isolation and lack of support: Feelings of loneliness, social isolation, or a lack of a support system can contribute to a sense of despair and make it harder for individuals to seek help.

Access to lethal means: Easy access to lethal methods, such as fi****ms or certain medications, can increase the risk of completed su***de. It's important to promote safe storage of weapons and limit access to potentially harmful substances.

Stigma and barriers to seeking help: Societal stigma surrounding mental health issues and a lack of awareness about available resources can discourage individuals from seeking help when they need it most.

It's important to remember that every person's experience is unique, and the factors contributing to su***de can vary from individual to individual. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please reach out below:

Botswana Police Service - Dial 999 (Toll free)
Ambulance - Dial 997 (Toll free)
Fire Brigade - Dial 998 (Toll free)
Sbrana Psychiatric Hospital (Lobatse) - Call 5305535 / 0800600917 (Toll free)
Princess Marina Hospital (Gaborone) - Call 3621400 / 3621441
Nyangabgwe Hospital (Francistown) - Call 2411000
UB Psychology Clinic (Gaborone) - Call 3132733 / 74665699

𝗗𝗶𝗱 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗼𝘁𝘀𝘄𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘁 𝟭𝟭.𝟱 𝗣𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟬𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲?

According to the World Health Organization, nearly one billion people worldwide (including Botswana) suffer from some form of mental health disorder. Rates of depression and anxiety shot up by 25 percent during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The U.S. government works at home and abroad to advance the response to mental health challenges around the world. Click here to learn how the U.S. and its partners support mental health: https://share.america.gov/how-us-and-partners-support-mental-health/

In Botswana institutions like Sbrana Psychiatric Hospital are available to address mental health issues.

14/05/2023

Here is an article titled: What Moms Need Most is Their Mental Health by Dr. Marika Lindholm, which explores a forgotten aspect of daily living, mental health.

"Motherhood taps out women’s depleted psychological resources, making them especially susceptible to mental health issues. Many moms don’t have the time or energy to understand why they feel so awful. As a result, they internalise their feelings and do the best they can, day after day."

So, on this Mother’s Day, all of us at HRMC would like to thank all the moms across the world for your relentless efforts, unconditional love and countless sacrifices every day.

Endless responsibilities make mothers more susceptable to mental health challenges. Learn how moms can find support to return balance to their busy lives.

14/05/2023

For some, going the extra mile is a matter of choice. For others, it’s a sense of duty.

01/05/2023

Labour Day recognises the significance of fair labour practices, worker rights as well as the value of work. Its origins can be traced back to efforts to create necessary working conditions and secure better wages.

In addition, Labour Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for economic fairness, equality, and social justice. It provides an opportunity for labourers to join in fortitude, offers thanks for the progress made, and ponders further progress needed.

Thank you to all the labourers around the world for building the world we live in today!

Source: Business Standard

03/04/2023

April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day, but what do we really know about Autism?

According to WHO, Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a diverse group of conditions. They are characterized by some degree of difficulty with social interaction and communication. Other characteristics are atypical patterns of activities and behaviours, such as difficulty with the transition from one activity to another, a focus on details and unusual reactions to sensations.

The abilities and needs of autistic people vary and can evolve over time. While some people with autism can live independently, others have severe disabilities and require life-long care and support. Autism often has an impact on education and employment opportunities.

In addition, the demands on families providing care and support can be significant. Societal attitudes and the level of support provided by local and national authorities are important factors determining the quality of life of people with autism.

Characteristics of autism may be detected in early childhood, but autism is often not diagnosed until much later.

People with autism often have co-occurring conditions, including epilepsy, depression, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and challenging behaviours such as difficulty sleeping and self-injury. The level of intellectual functioning among autistic people varies widely, extending from profound impairment to superior levels.

Want to know how to help autistic people, their families and friends? Mental Health First Response Training is designed to equip you with up-to-date knowledge and helpful tools to play your part in bridging the support gap.

Contact us to learn how you can get trained today!