Mental Health Issues are Boosting the Need for Psychiatric Hospitals in Gauteng
Studies conducted by the United Kingdom Mental Health Foundation have recently revealed that mental health issues are a worldwide phenomenon that has now become one of the major contributors to the overall disease burden. In many cases, mental illness and behavioural problems are leading to long-term disabilities and it is estimated that in the 20 to 30-year-old age group alone, the current collective loss of otherwise productive years could amount to as much as 40 million.
Major depression has been identified by the same study as possibly the world???s second leading cause of disability and, in addition to being a frequent factor in suicide, it has also been cited as an increasingly common cause of ischaemic heart disease. Most alarming of all, however, is the study???s revelation that as many as one person in six is likely to have experienced a mental health problem during the last seven days and that in the more developed societies, this could be as high as one in four. Many of those affected seek solace in alcohol and recreational drugs, while in other cases, mental illness may stem from the battle with addiction. The report leaves little doubt regarding the importance of adequate psychiatric care both in hospitals and, where not practical, in out-patient clinics.
Despite being the nation???s smallest province, Gauteng is home to both the nation???s administrative capital and its business hub, as well as much of South Africa???s heavy industry. As such, it is no surprise that it also boasts the country???s highest population density. Stress in its many forms is the most common cause of mental illness and in the sprawling cities of Pretoria and Johannesburg, it is something that is almost impossible to avoid.
For those lucky enough to have a job, the day often begins with a tortuous and frequently dangerous commute.?? Apart from the danger posed by other, less competent or less attentive drivers, the risk of a hijacking has further increased the anxiety levels for many road users. Once at the office, the pressure is on to perform, and the fear of failure to do so and the possible consequences provide yet another source of stress. That said, their burden may seem as nothing when compared with the stresses on those who have no job but must still feed their families and make their bond repayments.
It is surprisingly easy to find yourself in the grip of deep depression, plagued by irrational anxieties, afraid and unable to interact with others or feeling that the whole world is against you. Overcoming these conditions, however, can be anything but easy. In all cases, there can be no doubt that getting some professional help from a psychiatric hospital, whether in Gauteng or elsewhere in the country, will be the best possible way to embark on the process of recovery.
If you should choose this route, the first step will be for a resident psychiatrist to conduct a thorough evaluation. Its purpose is to learn more of your circumstances, to make a diagnosis, and then use the findings to compile the most suitable course of treatment. Although they may share some components, for optimal results, the therapy programmes are personalised, so as to meet the needs of each patient individually. Progress is monitored continuously, in order to identify and to implement any changes that could further increase their effectiveness with the minimum of delay.
The Beethoven Recovery Centre is a leading psychiatric hospital located in the small North West town of Hartbeespoort, just inside its border with Gauteng. Set in the shadow of the awesome Magaliesberg Mountain Range, its idyllic setting provides the perfect environment in which to relax, leave the stress and worries of city life behind and to focus solely on getting well.
In keeping with the latest worldwide findings regarding the most effective treatment of mental illness, the centre adopts an integrative approach in which the causes and consequences of a patient???s condition are addressed in parallel with its symptoms. Treatment protocols are tailored to the individual, and incorporate medical attention and medication as indicated, as well as individual and group counselling sessions designed to meet the patient???s psycho-social and spiritual needs.
By treating the patient holistically and using evidence-based interventions, successful outcomes can usually be achieved in far less time than with the use of psychotherapy and medication alone.