The Role of SABDA



Discovering that someone you love and care for is suffering from a severe and enduring mental illness can be devastating.

SABDA was established in 1991 as a support group for Carers of and/or persons with schizophrenia, bipolar and related disorders.

Our committee and members understand only too well how inadequate, afraid and lonely one can feel.

Our support group meetings are there for you to listen, learn and share; and help is available by calling our helpline numbers.

SABDA meetings are held at Tara Hospital, Saxon Road, Sandton, in the greater Johannesburg area of Gauteng Province, South Africa.

The SABDA office is at 72 Mackay Ave, Blairegowrie. Tel: 011 326 0661 or 083 655 7878, Fax: 086 509 6706. Office Hours: weekday mornings only 09.00 - 13.00 daily, Office Email: <office@supportsabda.co.za> Otherwise contact: Ronnie on 011 325 7167, Sheila on 083 655 7878, or Eve on 011 974 9249.



What you can expect from SABDA

  • Practical and helpful advice.

  • Calm, caring and compassionate support.

  • Advice on management of mental illness.

  • Information on mental health resources and facilities.

  • Advice on crisis management.

  • Reciprocal liaison with other support groups and other mental health organisations throughout Southern Africa and abroad.

  • Education and information sharing for the general public to destigmatise mental illness and elicit their support.


Mental Illness



Definitions



In this text we have chosen to use the terms "Client" and "Carer":

A Client is a person who has a mental illness and needs support over and above that available to them from Health Care Establishments and Mental Health Care Practitioners.



A Carer is a person who provides this additional support, and may be a family member, partner, friend, colleague, employer or acquaintance.

Understanding Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder

Schizophrenia and Bipolar mood disorder are severe and enduring mental illnesses requiring ongoing management by Mental Health Care Practitioners.

Symptoms vary and may include hearing voices, mood changes, and disturbances in how the sufferer thinks and feels. Their perceptions may also be altered, resulting in disorganised behaviour, loss of touch with reality, changes in sleep patterns, poor concentration, increased tension and a noticeable change in level of activity.

Approximately 1% - 2% of the world's population is afflicted by these illnesses; onset is usually diagnosed in people between the ages of 15 and 30; and, although not curable, both conditions are treatable.

Modern medical treatment, opportunities for rehabilitation, and the support of family, friends and employers are resulting in these illnesses becoming less feared than they were in the past.
For more information, we recommend that you visit the following websites:

MDLinx
Depression and Anxiety Group
Psychiatry24x7
Health24

Care for Carers

Looking after a friend or relative with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder can be demanding, frustrating and exhausting; and Carers often neglect a vital part of the process: themselves.

By acknowledging the important role you play; forgiving yourself for the times you feel overwhelmed; and taking care of your own health and well-being, you'll be far better equipped to handle the illness over the long term.

Take a step back. Ask yourself how this disorder affects you emotionally and physically. Start trying to identify those methods that will best help you to cope. Whatever you choose, always try to incorporate them into a balanced lifestyle:

  • Exercise, eat well and keep an eye on your stress levels.

  • Set realistic goals.

  • Involve your partner, family, friends or colleagues by talking openly to them.

  • Join a support group such as SABDA.

  • Make time for yourself and pursue your own interests.

  • Do something different for someone else.

  • Always remember you are in partnership with the team of Mental Health Care Practitioners at your local hospital or clinic.

We recommend that you contact the Cape Support Group for a copy of their excellent document titled "Coping Skills for Carers". The Depression and Anxiety Group's publication "Bipolar Disorder Treatment & Referral Guide" (available on their website) is also a highly recommended reference for both Carers and Clients.



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