By Daniëlle Gerber
Trigger warning: mention of mental health and suicide.
Recently, the importance of mental well-being was illuminated after two students from Stellenbosch University committed suicide. In the previous post, we expanded on the pressures faced by students, as well as the larger population, that could put strain on mental health. Below, find three free or affordable options in Stellenbosch to address the mental health struggles that you, or a loved one, might face.
1. Gardening with EcoMaties and SU Gardening Society
While this suggestion might sound strange, it has been proven that the mycobacterium vaccae bacteria in soil act as an antidepressant[i]. This means that getting your hands dirty and smelling soil can aid your mental health. Two societies come to mind when thinking about gardening.
Firstly, EcoMaties, the sustainability society on campus, hosts weekly gardening sessions at the Welgevallen Experimental Farm. These sessions run for two hours and give you access to the community garden. Each week, weeding and planting are done with a strong focus on indigenous African plants and crops.
Secondly, the Stellenbosch University (SU) Gardening Society offers a yearly membership that costs R50 for a piece of land on Welgevallen Experimental Farm. This gives you your own garden to plant and work on. The society also offers planting days, where seedlings are provided, and access to their collection of seeds is made available.
2. Weekly SADAG sessions
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) hosts weekly support group sessions in Stellenbosch. These occur on a Monday for one and a half hours and are free to all young adults (18 years to 35 years old). Reach out to Josie on 079 690 4798 or Hannah on 082 867 0390 should you want to ask any questions or RSVP.
3. Free counselling with the university
If you feel the need for professional help, Stellenbosch University offers a range of free counselling services to students through the Centre of Student Counselling and Development (CSCD). This includes Academic Counselling and Development, as well as a Unit for Psychotherapeutic & Support Services, amongst other services. Academic counselling could be beneficial should the stress stem from academic pressures, whereas the latter can address broader or more pertinent mental health struggles.
To access these services, see the contact details below:
Academic Counselling and Development
Tel: 021 808 4707
Email: studysuccess@sun.ac.za
Psychotherapeutic & Support Services
Tel: 021 808 4994 (Stellenbosch Campus)
Tel: 021 927 7020 (Tygerberg Campus)
Email: supportus@sun.ac.za
While these suggestions can aid in supporting your mental health, this article does not intend to substitute a professional’s opinion or aid. You do not need to suffer alone, and any struggle regarding your mental health is not a sign of weakness.
Should you, or anyone you love, show signs of urgent mental health concerns, be sure to reach out to Higher Health’s 24-hour helpline, using the contact details provided below: SMS: 43-33-6
Toll-free call: 0800 36 36 36.
[i] Bonnie L. Grant. Antidepressant Microbes In Soil: How Dirt Makes You Happy. [Online: Gardening Know How]
