With one of the highest rates of mental health disorders globally, our country faces many challenges. These include a lack of mental health professionals, limited access to services, and significant stigma surrounding mental illness.

Yet, mental health impacts every aspect of our lives –  work, school, relationships, and overall well-being. Understanding this, Mondia Woodlands aims to not only treat mental health conditions but to create a space where individuals can regain balance and thrive.

Pulane Nel-Sekepe spoke to Maritsa Naude, the facility manager of Mondia Woodlands in Bloemfontein, to discuss mental health and how Mondia can help you when you are struggling:

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Mondia Woodlands vs. Nurture Hillandale: Understanding the Difference

First, it’s key to clarify the difference between Mondia Woodlands and Nurture Hillandale. While they share the same premises, they serve different purposes. Mondia Woodlands is a registered psychiatric hospital and rehabilitation center, focused on comprehensive well-being.

We specialize in helping individuals overcome challenges like depression, trauma, and addiction. Our goal isn’t merely to manage symptoms but to guide people toward rediscovering balance in their lives, allowing them to flourish fully.

Mondia Woodlands operates as part of a broader hospital group, with locations in cities such as Bloemfontein, Bethlehem, Umhlanga, Vereeniging, and Port Elizabeth. We provide an environment where teams of professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, collaborate to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients.

A Wellness-Based Approach to Mental Health

At Mondia Woodlands, we adopt a wellness-based approach to mental health. This differs from the traditional psychiatric focus on simply returning to “normal,” which can often lead to feelings of failure when expectations are unmet. Instead, we encourage embracing life’s ups and downs and finding a sense of well-being that endures through them.

This holistic approach can be compared to maintaining your car – you wouldn’t wait for a breakdown to begin caring for it. In the same way, proactive mental wellness practices like emotional self-care, physical exercise, and stress management can prevent mental health crises.

By promoting continuous mental health maintenance, we aim to equip people to navigate life’s challenges more effectively. Just as regular car maintenance ensures smooth functioning, ongoing mental wellness practices foster long-term emotional resilience.

This approach is especially important in our modern lives, where we juggle multiple roles – parent, employee, friend, and more. It’s vital to make time for personal well-being and to find balance.

Mondia Woodlands’ Programs and Support

Mondia Woodlands offers a variety of services to meet diverse mental health needs:

• Preventative programs
• Outpatient and inpatient care
• Specialized addiction programs that focus on empathy and a personalized approach
• Corporate wellness programs to foster a healthy culture within businesses
• Support groups to provide ongoing assistance after patients leave the hospital, because, as we say, “The proof is in the pudding”. The real challenge often starts once patients return to their everyday lives.

Our goal is to partner with as many individuals, businesses, and organizations as possible, all of whom share our commitment to making a difference in the lives of people struggling with mental health issues. As Marisa Hendersen, CEO of Mondia Health, emphasizes, “Mental health is one of our most important assets.” Every person faces challenges at some point, and how we respond can make all the difference.

Taking the First Step Toward Mental Wellness

During Mental Health Awareness Month, we encourage everyone to reflect on their mental wellness. Whether it’s seeking support for yourself, promoting education on mental health, or helping a loved one, we all play a part in fostering a culture of mental health care.

Mondia Woodlands is here to help. Remember, it’s okay not to be okay, and seeking help is a sign of strength.

For more information on how Mondia Woodlands can support you, visit mondiahealth.co.za or reach out to our 24-hour helpline at 076 509 4011. Let’s prioritize mental wellness together, not just this month but every day.