Photographer: Tasneem Daniels
Mental health in higher education was the theme of the day as part of a series of events to launch the book, Doctor of Hearts - the Biography of Bongani Mayosi on Wednesday, 21 August.
The event was hosted through the collaboration of the UWC Library, the Division of Student Development and Support and the UWC Writing Centre.
The event was hosted through the collaboration of the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: SDS, Library Services, Residential Services, CSSS and the UWC Writing Centre.
The launch formed part of a week-long exploration of the legacy of the late Prof Mayosi as a celebrated cardiologist and academic, under the theme of cultivating resilience.
Students and staff were invited to participate in panel discussions, self-care demonstrations, Q&A and information sessions hosted by the University’s Centre for Student Support Services (CSSS).
Each day a partner in the collaboration hosted a lunchtime event. The Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: SDS hosted the opening event on Monday which featured the co-author Dr Judy Dlamini who spoke passionately about the writing process and the life and work of Prof Bongani Mayosi. Prof Khumalo, the late Prof Mayosi’s wife, was also in attendance.
On Tuesday and Thursday, Residential Services hosted lunchtime programmes that focussed on the importance of mentorship in promoting studiousness, and spent some time focussing on Prof Mayosi’s scientific contributions to science and the field of medicine.
CSSS hosted the event on Wednesday with a focus on mental health.
On Friday the Writing Centre hosted an open mic event encouraging students to use the theme of the book to display their talent in poetry or creative writing.
"Reading the book, one gets a glimpse into the life and legacy of an awe-inspiring man,” said Athini Kula, the event’s programme director.
“We considered the various themes presented in the book and decided to have mental health in higher education as the focal point for the discussions. Judging by the engagement of students and staff, it was evident that this conversation was needed.
“Our event also encouraged UWC students to access the various forms of support available by completing the Student Success Thermometer, and for staff to access the Wellness@UWC programme.”
US psychologist Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs was emphasised during the self-care demonstrations presented by Anoshamisa Benhura and Cayla Bergman-Ally, two CSSS-based intern Counselling Psychologists.
“The analogy of the plastic bottle was to demonstrate that the bottle is more likely to be crushed when its empty, and more likely to stay firm when its full. This is what informs your self-care process,” said Anoshamisa.
“The more time you make to fill up your bottle, the more likely you’re going to thrive and have the ability to pour into other areas without running out.”
Bergman Ally reiterated the importance of self-care with a tower demonstration.
“The Jenga building blocks represent the internal pressures of life that cause your tower or self-structure to fall when you feel overwhelmed or burnt out. Its’ vital to rebuild yourself through positive self-care by not giving away all of yourself to others.”
Bergman-Ally also demonstrated how to monitor mental health.
“When you start noticing changes in your behaviour and routines, it could be an indication that you’re not coping. Asking for help can be the most beneficial thing you can do to strengthen your foundation. We encourage students to make use of the CSSS resources to support them in their journey.”
Students also shared their personal conundrums during the Q&A session. “Spirituality is important when evaluating our mental health,” said Anele Nikani, a student of the Faculty of Natural Sciences.
“As someone from a Xhosa and Christian background, it is important for me to know that the mental health professional I’m speaking to understands the cultural and spiritual value system I come from so that I can bring my entire self holistically to the conversation.”
Doctor of Hearts, the Biography of Bongani Mayosi, is compiled by Dr Judy Dlamini and Dr Kopano Matlwa Mabaso and is available for loan at the UWC Main Library.
The event was hosted through the collaboration of the UWC Library, the Division of Student Development and Support and the UWC Writing Centre.
The event was hosted through the collaboration of the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: SDS, Library Services, Residential Services, CSSS and the UWC Writing Centre.
The launch formed part of a week-long exploration of the legacy of the late Prof Mayosi as a celebrated cardiologist and academic, under the theme of cultivating resilience.
Students and staff were invited to participate in panel discussions, self-care demonstrations, Q&A and information sessions hosted by the University’s Centre for Student Support Services (CSSS).
Each day a partner in the collaboration hosted a lunchtime event. The Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: SDS hosted the opening event on Monday which featured the co-author Dr Judy Dlamini who spoke passionately about the writing process and the life and work of Prof Bongani Mayosi. Prof Khumalo, the late Prof Mayosi’s wife, was also in attendance.
On Tuesday and Thursday, Residential Services hosted lunchtime programmes that focussed on the importance of mentorship in promoting studiousness, and spent some time focussing on Prof Mayosi’s scientific contributions to science and the field of medicine.
CSSS hosted the event on Wednesday with a focus on mental health.
On Friday the Writing Centre hosted an open mic event encouraging students to use the theme of the book to display their talent in poetry or creative writing.
"Reading the book, one gets a glimpse into the life and legacy of an awe-inspiring man,” said Athini Kula, the event’s programme director.
“We considered the various themes presented in the book and decided to have mental health in higher education as the focal point for the discussions. Judging by the engagement of students and staff, it was evident that this conversation was needed.
“Our event also encouraged UWC students to access the various forms of support available by completing the Student Success Thermometer, and for staff to access the Wellness@UWC programme.”
“The analogy of the plastic bottle was to demonstrate that the bottle is more likely to be crushed when its empty, and more likely to stay firm when its full. This is what informs your self-care process,” said Anoshamisa.
“The more time you make to fill up your bottle, the more likely you’re going to thrive and have the ability to pour into other areas without running out.”
Bergman Ally reiterated the importance of self-care with a tower demonstration.
“The Jenga building blocks represent the internal pressures of life that cause your tower or self-structure to fall when you feel overwhelmed or burnt out. Its’ vital to rebuild yourself through positive self-care by not giving away all of yourself to others.”
Bergman-Ally also demonstrated how to monitor mental health.
“When you start noticing changes in your behaviour and routines, it could be an indication that you’re not coping. Asking for help can be the most beneficial thing you can do to strengthen your foundation. We encourage students to make use of the CSSS resources to support them in their journey.”
Students also shared their personal conundrums during the Q&A session. “Spirituality is important when evaluating our mental health,” said Anele Nikani, a student of the Faculty of Natural Sciences.
“As someone from a Xhosa and Christian background, it is important for me to know that the mental health professional I’m speaking to understands the cultural and spiritual value system I come from so that I can bring my entire self holistically to the conversation.”
Doctor of Hearts, the Biography of Bongani Mayosi, is compiled by Dr Judy Dlamini and Dr Kopano Matlwa Mabaso and is available for loan at the UWC Main Library.
