What Does it Mean to Support Mental Health? Perspectives from HealthNet TPO's projects and colleagues
Promoting Mental Health in the Workplace: Insights from the Humanitarian Sector #WorldMentalHealthDay2024
On October 10th, as a way to celebrate World Mental Health Day's yearly global WHO theme "Mental Health in the Workplace," we launched a special video highlighting the mental health challenges faced by INGO workers in some of the world’s most demanding environments.
From across the globe, our colleagues opened up about how mental health shapes their roles, highlighting the urgency of promoting wellbeing and the concrete steps we can take to build a workplace where every team member feels supported and valued. They also explore how open conversations about mental health foster resilience and effectiveness within teams, particularly in the humanitarian sector.
Watch the full video, where our team reflects on the importance of mental health—how it ensures staff wellbeing, strengthens collaboration, and ultimately enhances the quality of support we deliver to communities in need.
#WorldSuicidePreventionDay: Addressing Mental Health in South Sudan
Each year on September 10th, World Suicide Prevention Day sparks essential conversations on mental health, particularly in conflict-affected regions like South Sudan.
South Sudan faces a mental health crisis, with a growing rate of suicide, especially among young people aged 15 to 29. Ranked 13th globally for suicide rates in 2020, the country continues to struggle with the consequences of prolonged conflict, trauma, and displacement. Adding to the challenges is a deep-seated stigma: cultural perceptions often associate mental health issues with moral failings or hereditary curses, making it difficult for affected individuals to seek help.
The Importance of Prevention and Training
HealthNet TPO’s approach to suicide prevention focuses on community engagement and awareness. Boniface Duku, Coordinator of the Leaders of Peace Programme in South Sudan, emphasises the need to normalise mental health discussions. To reach a wider audience, Duku has utilised popular radio platforms like Eye Radio and Radio Miraya (listen to the podcast here), spreading awareness about recognising suicide warning signs and the importance of support systems. This media outreach aims to make mental health a topic of everyday conversation, empowering people to seek help.
Beyond awareness, HealthNet TPO trains healthcare workers and community leaders to recognise and address mental health issues early on, creating sustainable support networks within communities.
"By working with families and community leaders, we are building support systems that foster healthy relationships and teach essential coping skills," says Duku.
This holistic approach aims to reduce stigma and strengthen mental health resources in South Sudan.
National Mental Health Strategic Plan
In line with the WHO’s objective to prioritise mental health in policymaking, HealthNet TPO has been working closely with the South Sudanese government. Over the last year, we have contributed to the national mental health strategic plan, ensuring that mental health services are integrated into the broader South Sudanese healthcare system. This integration makes mental health care accessible even in remote areas, further supporting the WHO’s goal to create lasting change through policy shifts.
Through community outreach and policy collaboration, HealthNet TPO addresses both immediate and long-term mental health challenges in South Sudan, working toward a future where mental wellbeing is prioritised and accessible to all.
Join our Webinar on "Unlocking Resilience: The Vital Role of Health Social Counsellors in Mental Health Support in Afghanistan."
This event will explore how Health Social Counsellors are transforming mental health and psychosocial support within primary healthcare settings in Afghanistan. Through real-world examples, our colleagues working in Afghanistan will highlight their contributions, the challenges faced, and the innovative solutions in place to address the mental health needs of vulnerable communities.?
Whether you are a healthcare professional, policymaker, or advocate, this webinar offers a unique opportunity to learn about best practices, engage in collaborative discussions, and gain practical knowledge to support the integration of mental health services in resource-limited settings.