Gauteng Health urges communities to keep mental health conversations going [SOUND]

# The Gauteng Department of Health has urged communities to maintain ongoing conversations around mental health, saying unemployment, financial hardship, gender-based violence and substance abuse can negatively affect mental well-being. October is Mental Health Awareness Month in South Africa. The department’s spokesperson, Steve Mabona, says persistent stigma, discrimination, and harmful stereotypes prevent individuals from seeking vital help during the early stages of mental health challenges: