​It is important that individuals who suspect that they have mental disorders or illnesses to visit their nearest health facility for assessment, counselling and treatment services as soon as possible to reduce long-term effects. This is part of the call made by the Gauteng Department of Health the country observes Mental Illness Awareness Month during July.
Help is accessible through community mental health services (licensed NGOs/NPOs), clinics and community health centres, primary health care, district general hospital, regional hospitals and specialised psychiatric hospitals across the Gauteng province.
Mental illnesses include anxiety disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorder, eating disorders, disruptive behaviour and dissocial disorders, Schizophrenia and neurodevelopmental disorders amongst others. They are as a result of a complex interplay between biological, psychological, social and environmental factors. 
Anyone at any time can be affected by mental illnesses, therefore, it is important that society plays its role by stopping the stigma against people with mental illnesses. This can be done by understanding their condition and respecting their rights.
The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) strives to ensure that quality mental health services are accessible, equitable, comprehensive and are integrated at all levels of the health care. Over the years, a number of interventions have been implemented to increase resources in this area, including specialised professionals and rehabilitation services to improve access and availability of mental health services in the province.
In the past two months, a number of mental health units have been established in health facilities across the province including the newly built Helen Joseph Mental Health Unit, Bertha Gxowa Mental Health Unit and the Kopanong Gateway Specialist Mental Health Centre.
These centres are part of the GDoH's efforts to improve access to mental health services in the province and promote the integration of mental health care into general health services and the development of community-based services.
In addition, the GDoH is working with other stakeholders to apply universal preventive measures that reduce the risk of mental ill-health. This includes the promotion of social inclusion policies and support for vulnerable groups and the youth. 
The GDoH now has a clinical community of psychiatrist, non-governmental organisations, governance and compliance teams at hospitals, community health centres and clinics to assist in creating awareness in communities about dealing with life stress, focusing on the overall well-being of residents. 
Furthermore, the Gauteng province has specialised Mental Health facilities including Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital, Sterkfontein Psychiatric Hospital, Tara - the H Moross Psychiatric Hospital and Cullinan Care and Rehabilitation Centre which offer comprehensive services.