An informative and emotive evening which aimed at sparking conversation and dismantling stigmas attached to mental illnesses was hosted by the Stellenbosch University (SU) SRC in collaboration with the Center for Student Counselling and Development (CSCD) and DisMaties.
The event took place on Thursday 12 April at PULP Cinema and was the inaugural event of a campaign around mental health. The SRC aims to run the campaign until the exam period. Wiann Bester, BSc Human Life Sciences final year student and SRC Vice-Chairperson, explained that the SRC has realised “that there is a big need for students to actually get the support they want and need”.
“We would like to create a general awareness among friendship groups and the HK, where people can realise on a personal level when something isn’t right. The other thing we would like to promote is the facilities and structures available on campus, which are available to help students.”
The first of two presenters was Ms Elmarie Kruger, a Senior Counselling Psychologist at the CSCD, who expressed some of the concerns of students who visit the center. “Students are worried about confidentiality, whether or not other people will know that they’ve been here. Confidentiality is a very important aspect of our service,” she said. “No problem is too big or too small for us to assist you, or for us to at least try to assist you.”
The second and final act of the evening was a gripping production called #puppet, performed by Johan Laten, a mental health activist who has been fighting depression for 36 years and leads a campaign called ‘Depressie101’.
“Being an ex-teacher, I still have the passion for teenagers and I know what the hell a depression fighter is going through,” he said.
Laten has performed his compelling piece to schools across South Africa and even schools in Namibia. He has also staged his gripping performance for businesses in Somerset West.
Johan Laten pictured with two audience volunteers in his performance of #puppet, while playing the character “Jaco Van Wyk”. PHOTO: Cally Ballack
Laten’s production played out the journey of school teacher Jaco van Wyk, whose character was diagnosed with depression. His daily routine consisted of washing down his morning medication with a swig of brandy and then dressing himself in a jovial façade when speaking to his students or when out with friends.
Van Wyk was chained to pieces of cloth which wrapped his ankles and wrists, providing a visual representation of the grip of depression on the teacher.
However, the story ended with the character removing his pieces of cloth and transforming into a depression fighter with the help of the correct dosage of medication, help from professionals, and the support of his two best friends.
Laten stated that he wrote the short play, and started performing it three years ago. “The main focus is to say to teenagers or whoever, that it is okay to not be okay,” he said.
“It is an illness that can be treated, but it’s also my responsibility as a depression fighter to speak up and to be open. Only then can people help with the support and assistance I need.”
“I think we don’t do enough, because when I leave after a performance the first comment is ‘why haven’t we done this earlier?’ I don’t think I’m god’s gift to mankind, I’m just sharing my own story. Only then do people realise how important it is that we have to pay attention to this,” Laten said.
Johan Laten (playing the character of ‘Jaco Van Wyk’) showing the pieces of cloth wrapped around his wrists and ankles. PHOTO: Cally Ballack
According to Laten, his dream is to duplicate the act and have more actors of different genders and different languages so that they can conduct the performance country-wide.
“For me to get youngsters who are prepared to open up, get up and become ambassadors of ‘Depressie101’ would be a dream,” he said while explaining his vision for the performance.
Professor Lizette Rabe, mental health activist of the iThemba Foundation (a non-profit that aims to raise awareness around mental health and to support research on mental health) explains that she believes there can never be enough awareness around mental health.
“We have to break down the stereotypes and normalise and humanise mental ill-health in order to make a breakthrough. We have to de-stigmatise and break the silence to help society as a whole to cope with the pressures of our digital lifestyle,” she said. “If you look at local and global statistics, it is a matter of urgency.”
“As the saying goes, ‘Depression is a flaw in chemistry, not character’,” Rabe added. “Our brains are our most important organs, the engine room of life. Why should we not give it the best possible treatment?”
According to Bester, the SRC is hoping that running this campaign will improve general support for mental health from the university and campus in general.
Important contact numbers for SU student
CSCD 24-hour crisis service: 082 557 0880
ER24: 010 205 3032
CSCD Tygerberg: 021 938 9590
CSCD Main Campus: 021 808 4707
CSCD Psychotherapeutic and Social Services: 021 808 4994
CSCD Location: 37 Victoria Street