I have long been involved in the area of mental health, and I believe this is a very neglected area not only in the private sector but also the public sector. As an Honours student in Psychology I have seen that psychology and mental health has not been as responsive as I believe it could be. According to an article released on timeslive.com one in three people in South Africa will suffer from mental illness and 75% of those who suffer would not receive any institutional or governmental help. This is appalling, and equally so are the conditions in which mental health is being organised where institutions are understaffed and lacks adequate intervention and pharmaceutical support. It is particularly for impoverished and low SES communities who do not have access to psychologists, registered counsellors or lay counsellors which are generally unaffordable for most and psychologists that are provided by the state are too few to accommodate the increasing demand of a growing South African Population.
A fringe interest would be to further look into the physiological and psychological health benefits of exercise intervention programs.
Source:
http://www.timeslive.co.za/local/2014/07/07/one-in-three-south-africans-suffer-from-mental-illness—most-won-t-get-any-help
I really like coffee, (I think I’m slightly addicted), enjoy long walks on the beach, philosophising and reading good books. And I do not analyse every person I come into contact with (at least not out loud)
I’ve always been interested in mental health and psychology and particularly looking at creative intervention strategies to diffuse mental health support into communities(i.e. Public health & Mental health) that do not have access or even education surrounding mental health. I have a keen interest in Philosophy as well, particularly morality and ethics(what is justice) and philosophy of mind(what is the mind) and social philosophy(when is society pathological)
I have a dry (sometimes sarcastic) humour which is quite advanced so many people think I’m serious when I’m actually joking, making things a bit awkward and interesting. People tell me I look very intimidating at first sight and then more approachable as they get to know me.
My pet peeves are working with people who are not self-driven, and whom I need to micromanage(I hate micromanaging). I am a strong team player but function best with a group that is independent. I find it challenging to find balance in life (as I suspect most would) due to the fact that I put high priority on excellence and pride in my work that filters through to my holistic development as a person. I have a passion for social sciences, particularly in the domain of ‘healing’, this could be applied to trauma, abuse, etc.
I also enjoy exercising an eclectic mix of crossfit, muscle building and weightlifting. My personal philosophy is to live a balanced life and to develop myself in all aspects to the best of my ability, this would include my body, my mind and my spiritual aspects. This leadership role would form part of that development and I also hope to leave a legacy and contribute to society as best I can.