There is still a taboo surrounding mental health and how we discuss it in public but the ‘I Feel Project’ is changing that for Mental Health Awareness Month.
South Africa (29 September 2020) – On the eve of President Ramaphosa’s first speech when he addressed the nation on the spread of the novel coronavirus, an appeal was made to all South Africans that “those who have resources, those who are healthy, need to assist those who are in need and who are vulnerable”.
CoronaCare was set up off the back of this powerful statement. It was initially formed with the intention of collecting funds and donations and distributing them to vulnerable communities. In less than a day, the founders realised there were better ways for them to contribute to the fight. CoronaCare quickly became a collaborative platform for concerned South African citizens and businesses to be able to support organisations on the ground fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.
Through social media and their online presence, CoronaCare became a centralised and safe place for individuals to have a nationwide reach and impact with their donations.
While helping feed people was a massive part of CoronaCare’s ethos, it became clear that mental health was an important factor too. That is how the I Feel Project was born.
The I Feel Project helps people express how they Feel, Grow, Cope, Support and Build. The project aims to break the stigma or taboo that surrounds mental health and wellness. The lockdown caused a massive strain on the mental wellness of millions of South Africans. From stress due to job loss and lack of food to stresses about catching the coronavirus or making loved ones ill, a very real crack started forming.
By speaking out loud and relating to others, the I Feel Project helps people by showing that we are not alone and that our mental health is really important! Aside from creating a platform for people to speak out, they also offer tips to work through negative feelings.
“Healthy and Helpful Coping Tip: Take a step back to gain perspective of the situation and breathe to calm yourself down so you can think clearly.”
“Healthy and Helpful Coping Tip: Challenge your thoughts when you feel anxious and test whether the negative thoughts are true, helpful and whether what you’re worried about will matter in a week, a month or a year.”
“Healthy and Helpful Coping Tip: Focus on your accomplishments to challenge your perspective when you feel discouraged, insecure, demotivated or unworthy.”
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Tyler Leigh Vivier is the Editor for Good Things Guy.
Her passion is to spread good news across South Africa with a big focus on environmental issues, animal welfare and social upliftment. Outside of Good Things Guy, she is an avid reader, gardener, bird watcher and loves to escape to the Kruger National Park.
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