"It became apparent after speaking to various people in the pharmaceutical industry and some Psychiatrists that there was a need to start a journal that would assist GPs in mental health.
A brand new journal specifically for GPs was launched in August by the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) in partnership with Inhouse Publications, to assist them in the work they do with patients who may be suffering from a mental health issue.
SADAG is South Africa's leading mental health NGO and works to create awareness and education about mental health issues in all sectors across the country.
Currently it is estimated that 1 in 3 South Africans suffer from a mental health disorder, yet, 75% don't receive the treatment they need.
From ADHD, Anxiety, Trauma, Depression, and Epilepsy, the "Mental Health Matters Journal" is there to assist physicians to better understand issues relating to mental health which will help all South Africans access the support and treatment that they deserve.
GPs are still the number one point of call for many patients suffering from Depression, Anxiety, Sleep problems, Substance Abuse, Trauma, Bipolar, or other mental health problems. "While the 'Mental Health Matters Journal' is not a patient magazine, there is one page in each edition about living with mental illnesses that can be shared with patients and their loved ones", says SADAG Founder Zane Wilson.
Andrew from Inhouse Productions says: "It became apparent after speaking to various people in the pharmaceutical industry and some Psychiatrists that there was a need to start a journal that would assist GPs in mental health.
GPs are often the first line of diagnosis but unfortunately due to the lack of literature available to them on mental health, they don't find the latest information readily available. The journals main aim is to provide GPs with current and relevant information when dealing with patients with mental health problems.
The highly qualified advisory board of Psychiatrists and Psychologists will play a key role in the contents of the Journal. The Journal will be mailed to 2500 GPs and 450 Psychiatrists.
By working with GPs, the fundamental cornerstone of so many of South African's health, SADAG hopes to not only enhance their knowledge and understanding of mental health issues through expert psychologists and psychiatrists but also to assist them to make appropriate treatment options and support for their patients who present with a mental health issue. GPs are indeed family physicians who not only know their patients well but also, their families and histories. GPs work long hours dedicated to the overall care of their patients.
"Due to the increase in Mental Health problems being presented to GP's it is an issue to become very familiar with. The more we can recognise these mental illnesses earlier, the more we can treat with greater confidence.
As a GP there is limited time to spend with patients so a journal focused on Mental health for GPs will be very well received." Dr Julie Milton, Private GP in Bryanston, Gauteng.
SADAG not only runs a 15-line toll-free telephonic counselling and referral centre and has an information-packed website, but also has a powerful advisory board that consists of psychiatrists, psychologists, and health specialists from across the country who specialise in various fields of mental health and work in both the public and private sectors. The "Mental Health Matters Journal" has articles covering a diversity of topics by psychiatrists, psychologists, counsellors and specialists. All the articles are aimed directly and specifically at GPs to help them guide patients to support resources.
www.sadag.org is packed with downloadable information and brochures about various mental health issues, self-help tips.
SADAG is open 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm on 0800 21 22 23, SMS 31393, or 24-hours on 0800 12 13 14.
'1 in 3 South Africans suffer from a mental health disorder': report
"It became apparent after speaking to various people in the pharmaceutical industry and some Psychiatrists that there was a need to start a journal that would assist GPs in mental health.
A brand new journal specifically for GPs was launched in August by the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) in partnership with Inhouse Publications, to assist them in the work they do with patients who may be suffering from a mental health issue.
SADAG is South Africa's leading mental health NGO and works to create awareness and education about mental health issues in all sectors across the country.
Currently it is estimated that 1 in 3 South Africans suffer from a mental health disorder, yet, 75% don't receive the treatment they need.
From ADHD, Anxiety, Trauma, Depression, and Epilepsy, the "Mental Health Matters Journal" is there to assist physicians to better understand issues relating to mental health which will help all South Africans access the support and treatment that they deserve.
GPs are still the number one point of call for many patients suffering from Depression, Anxiety, Sleep problems, Substance Abuse, Trauma, Bipolar, or other mental health problems. "While the 'Mental Health Matters Journal' is not a patient magazine, there is one page in each edition about living with mental illnesses that can be shared with patients and their loved ones", says SADAG Founder Zane Wilson.
Andrew from Inhouse Productions says: "It became apparent after speaking to various people in the pharmaceutical industry and some Psychiatrists that there was a need to start a journal that would assist GPs in mental health.
GPs are often the first line of diagnosis but unfortunately due to the lack of literature available to them on mental health, they don't find the latest information readily available. The journals main aim is to provide GPs with current and relevant information when dealing with patients with mental health problems.
The highly qualified advisory board of Psychiatrists and Psychologists will play a key role in the contents of the Journal. The Journal will be mailed to 2500 GPs and 450 Psychiatrists.
By working with GPs, the fundamental cornerstone of so many of South African's health, SADAG hopes to not only enhance their knowledge and understanding of mental health issues through expert psychologists and psychiatrists but also to assist them to make appropriate treatment options and support for their patients who present with a mental health issue. GPs are indeed family physicians who not only know their patients well but also, their families and histories. GPs work long hours dedicated to the overall care of their patients.
"Due to the increase in Mental Health problems being presented to GP's it is an issue to become very familiar with. The more we can recognise these mental illnesses earlier, the more we can treat with greater confidence.
As a GP there is limited time to spend with patients so a journal focused on Mental health for GPs will be very well received." Dr Julie Milton, Private GP in Bryanston, Gauteng.
SADAG not only runs a 15-line toll-free telephonic counselling and referral centre and has an information-packed website, but also has a powerful advisory board that consists of psychiatrists, psychologists, and health specialists from across the country who specialise in various fields of mental health and work in both the public and private sectors. The "Mental Health Matters Journal" has articles covering a diversity of topics by psychiatrists, psychologists, counsellors and specialists. All the articles are aimed directly and specifically at GPs to help them guide patients to support resources.
www.sadag.org is packed with downloadable information and brochures about various mental health issues, self-help tips.
SADAG is open 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm on 0800 21 22 23, SMS 31393, or 24-hours on 0800 12 13 14.
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