mmegi

Social exclusion worsens the mental health of the disabled

Obstacles galore: People living with disabilities face mental health challenges caused by social exclusion
Obstacles galore: People living with disabilities face mental health challenges caused by social exclusion

The social exclusion of people with disabilities is worsening the mental health stress they face on top of other challenges such as access to education, employment and community acceptance. Exclusion through lack of wheelchair access or the shortage of sign language interpreters at public facilities, worsens the mental burden carried by the disabled, writes LEBOGANG MOSIKARE

FRANCISTOWN: Masego Lecha, a certified addiction professional at Sbrana Psychiatric Hospital, recently revealed that the country’s main facility for mental health rehabilitation does not have sign language interpreters.

This, she said, makes it cumbersome for the Hospital to adequately address the medical needs of People Living with Disabilities (PLWDs).

Editor's Comment
Depression is real; let's take care of our mental health

It is not uncommon in this part of the world for parents to actually punish their children when they show signs of depression associating it with issues of indiscipline, and as a result, the poor child will be lashed or given some kind of punishment. We have had many suicide cases in the country and sadly some of the cases included children and young adults. We need to start looking into issues of mental health with the seriousness it...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up