Wellness with Will - Mental Health Technology

Introduction

Welcome back to another edition of Wellness with Will! I’m your host, William L. Hong, and today, we have a special guest: Kito Manale, a passionate mental health advocate dedicated to improving health technology.

The Beginning of the Advocacy

Kito’s advocacy journey began with a personal experience in a corporate environment where, as a young black professional female, she faced immense pressure to excel. This relentless drive eventually led her to a point of burnout. Despite being aware of mental health issues, experiencing them first-hand made a significant impact. Family members noticed changes in her personality and encouraged her to seek help. Choosing to prioritize her mental health over a job, Kito decided to take a break for a complete overhaul of her health and wellness.

Burnout and Realizations

Kito shared that her experience coincided with the world’s struggles during 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the shift to remote work and reduced social interaction, mental health took a toll on many. Recognizing her burnout was a wake-up call, prompting her to vocalize her feelings, initially to her family, which was crucial in gaining support.

In her own journey to recovery, Kito worked on self-awareness and emotional intelligence. She underscored the significance of mindfulness—being present in the moment and mentally grounded—which aided her in recentering herself during challenging times.

Mental Health Advocacy Today

Today, Kito engages with individuals who navigate similar struggles, particularly in corporate settings. She advocates openly sharing personal experiences to dismantle barriers to discussions about mental health. Kito emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and being in tune with one’s mind, body, and soul.

Corporate South Africa has seen progress in integrating wellness policies. Kito currently finds herself in a supportive work environment that prioritizes employee wellness through various initiatives. However, she believes there is still a significant journey ahead regarding the general understanding and adoption of wellness practices across South Africa.

Highlighting statistics from the World Health Organization, Kito noted that about 50% of mental health issues arise by age 14, pointing to the need for early conversations in schools and local communities. Social media has a pivotal role to play in these discussions to raise awareness about mental health and wellbeing.

The Importance of Normalizing Therapy

Kito discussed the stigma surrounding therapy in black communities, often seen as admitting weakness. As a solution, conversations regarding therapy and mental health must become normalized. She likened going to a therapist to seeing a dentist—an important maintenance step for mental wellbeing.

Finding Support and Resources

To encourage those struggling with mental health issues, Kito suggested utilizing free resources like the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), which provides assistance through a free hotline. Moreover, workplace wellness programs can facilitate access to counseling services that individuals may not be aware of.

Conclusion

As we wrap up this enlightening conversation with Kito Manale, she affirmed that mental health help is out there, and individuals need to be aware of available resources. To connect with Kito for support, she invites people to reach her at g.manale@gmail.com.

Keywords

mental health, burnout, advocacy, mindfulness, emotional intelligence, self-awareness, corporate wellness, South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), stigma, therapy.

FAQ

1. What inspired Kito Manale to become a mental health advocate?
Kito was inspired by personal experiences of burnout in a corporate environment and a lack of awareness about mental health.

2. How did Kito deal with her burnout?
She took a break from work to focus on her health and wellness, gaining support from family and working on mindfulness.

3. Why is mindfulness important in mental health?
Mindfulness helps individuals stay present and calm during stressful moments, promoting better mental clarity.

4. What resources are available for those struggling with mental health issues in South Africa?
Free resources such as SADAG or employer wellness programs can provide assistance and counseling.

5. How can we normalize therapy in communities?
Open discussions, social media awareness, and education can help normalize the idea of seeking help through therapy.