HIV and AIDS and Depression
Home Based Care Workers attending GlaxoSmithKline workshop
Over 300 people attended the workshop in Carolina
Onica Motsabitsabi welcoming participants to a community workshop on recognising Depression and Mental Health Problems
Home Based Care Workers overwhelm us in some areas
Home Based Care Workers in Limpopo receiving Speaking Books sponsored by the Department of Mental Health.
HIV and AIDS and Depression
SADAG's rural project is aimed at capacitating Home-Based HIV and AIDS workers by educating them about Depression and Anxiety, and initiating ten sustainable psychosocial support groups in the area.
Since 1995 the Depression and Anxiety Group has used its resources and experience to work in drastically underprivileged communities.
People living with or affected by HIV and AIDS need access to a broad range of mental health services. Some services may be available in limited supply while others, including our own, have been developed in response to the unique needs of rural South African people affected by HIV and AIDS.
The fear of being stigmatised keeps many HIV-positive people from seeking treatment for mental illness and the painful reality of this multiple stigmatisation is what motivates the South African Depression and Anxiety Group to work with people affected by HIV and AIDS.
Patients with HIV and AIDS are 36 times more likely to commit suicide according to Professor Schlebusch (Nelson Mandela School of Medicine, 2003). This is mainly because of the anxiety and depression that result from their condition. Home-Based Care Givers who are depressed are unmotivated and unable to effectively assist severely ill patients.
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group was the first NGO to address the issue of depression linked to HIV and AIDS.
The ultimate benefit is to enhance and strengthen the mental health of both people infected with HIV and AIDS, and of their HBCW, by promoting mental wellness and improving their quality of life.
To find out more about this programme please contact Lucette on (011) 262 6396.
