WHAT TO EXPECT IN A MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY
Mediclinic Denmar Mental Health Services uses a combination of psychiatric assessment, medication, one-to-one counselling, and group therapy to help with your journey to mental wellbeing.
“The first thing you’ll notice when you walk into our hospital is that it’s an environment designed specially to promote healing,” says Brenda de Klerk, Nursing Manager at Mediclinic Denmar Mental Health Services. “In fact, most patients tell us they think of it as a place where they can finally take off their masks and concentrate solely on themselves and their therapy, without the distraction of daily stressors like work and family commitments.”
Psychiatrist Dr Beatrice Steenkamp agrees. “Time here is intense [when you’re an inpatient], because you see psychologists and psychiatrists more frequently; plus, you attend occupational therapy (OT) and other group sessions. This allows you to achieve so much more than you would as an outpatient.” Dr Steenkamp explains that admission is voluntary. “Although a patient might be advised by their doctor or psychologist that admission is in order, only a psychiatrist can admit someone.”
Obviously, everyone has the blues from time to time, and many of us experience anxiety, depression or other mental conditions – whether chronic or temporary. So, when would a psychiatrist decide that hospitalisation is necessary? “The inability to function in daily life is a significant red flag,” Dr Steenkamp says. That means being unable to care for yourself, for example, neglecting your personal hygiene, or your work and family responsibilities. Admission may also be advised if a patient’s condition is deteriorating despite medication, and if they’re having thoughts of suicide.
Admission process
Usually, when a patient’s healthcare provider advises admission, they’ll meet with a psychiatrist who will assess their condition, make a diagnosis, and then prescribe and initiate medical treatment. Although Mediclinic Denmar Mental Health Services does not have an emergency centre, a psychiatrist is always on call to accept referrals for urgent admission from emergency centres or GPs, De Klerk says. Once the patient has been assigned a bed, treatment can begin. Rather than relying on medication alone, the hospital offers a range of services to help you along your healing journey, depending on your condition. A broad spectrum of mental illnesses is treated, from major depression to general anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, postpartum depression, and personality disorders. The hospital also has eight beds for patients younger than 16 living with ADHD, or conduct (behavioural) disorders. Mediclinic Denmar Mental Health Services can also help assisted patients (those who require admission but aren’t in a state to make an informed decision), such as people in a psychotic phase, or those with dementia, intellectual impairment, or schizophrenia.
“Many people feel ashamed about being admitted to a mental health facility, but we’re here to help them realise they didn’t choose their diagnosis.”
Debbie Smuts, an occupational therapist at Mediclinic Denmar Mental Health Services.
Treatment path
Each patient’s individual treatment path is usually scheduled for seven to 21 days, depending on their diagnosis. In addition to a programme of group therapy, patients will have a daily consult with their psychologist and psychiatrist to monitor their progress and keep track of any side-effects from medication. A core part of this programme is group occupational therapy (OT), which helps address issues such as self-image, stress management, as well as specific areas patients may be struggling with, such as concentration, problem solving, or memory. Some group sessions may also be themed around a specific topic. Occupational therapist Debbie Smuts explains that OT sessions range from interactive groups, psychology education, craft projects, and stress reduction activities. “You’re able to choose which groups will suit you best,” she says. “Though it may not seem obvious at first, these sessions all help in building skills like managing your emotions or setting boundaries. Sessions like crafting also promote relaxation, which is very important for our patients.”
Smuts says group sessions are especially helpful, providing a safe space for people to explore their emotions and express their opinions. This can be frightening at first but becomes easier when you realise others in the group share similar experiences to you. Some participants may also be at a more advanced stage of their treatment than others; “[which] helps to see how other people experiencing the same thing have been helped – this is very encouraging, because it shows our patients there’s light at the end of the tunnel”. “One of the most critical things we do is address the stigma of mental illness. Many people feel ashamed about being admitted to a mental health facility, but we’re here to help you realise that you didn’t choose your diagnosis. We want you to view your time here as an opportunity to get your health back on track.”
