WiseUp Gives you the Answers to your Questions.

Question: What is mental illness?

Answer: Mental illness refers to a clinically significant disturbance in a person's thinking, mood, behaviour and overall function. These illnesses can vary in severity and duration and can impact a person's ability to handle daily activities, maintain relationships and cope with stress. Examples of mental illnesses include:

>    Mood disorders: depression and bipolar disorder.

>    Anxiety disorders: phobias.

>    Personality disorders: narcissistic personality disorder.

>    Psychotic disorders: Schizophrenia, delusions and hallucinations.

>    Neurodevelopmental disorders: autism spectrum disorder and ADHD.

Question: What human rights do mentally ill individuals have under the Constitution?

Answer: > All mentally ill individuals are entitled to the same rights that are afforded to everyone in South Africa. These include basic human rights, such as the right to human dignity, access to healthcare and a right to freedom and security. The Bill of Rights ensures that everyone is treated humanely, and with respect and dignity, regardless of their mental health status. Mentally ill individuals should have access to adequate medical care, treatment and rehabilitation services to ensure their mental illness does not infringe on their or others' safety.

Question: Can family members or caregivers challenge the admission of a mentally ill relative?

Answer: Yes, family members or caregivers can appeal the decision to admit an individual into a mental health establishment by applying to the Mental Health Review Board. In cases where the family member believes that the admission of the individual into a mental health establishment violates that person's constitutional rights, the family member can approach the courts for relief.

Question: What is the difference between voluntary, assisted and involuntary mental health care?

Answer: > Voluntary mental health care: when an individual with a mental illness chooses, out of their own will, to be admitted at a health establishment and receive care, treatment or rehabilitation. For example, someone experiencing depression can voluntarily seek treatment at a health establishment.

>    Assisted mental health care: when an individual is unable to make informed decisions about their mental health care due to their illness but does not resist receiving treatment. For example, a person with dementia who cannot consent to treatment, but is willing to participate in their care under the guidance of a caregiver.

>    Involuntary mental health care: when an individual with severe mental illnesses who refuses treatment and may pose a threat to themselves and others is admitted to a mental health establishment. For example, an individual with schizophrenia who refuses to receive treatment and exhibits violent behaviour may be admitted involuntarily to protect themselves and others.

Did you know…Individuals with a mental illness are entitled to the same human rights as everyone in South Africa.