Spotlight Interview with Ms. S’thembile Phindile Promise Jili
“When people are determined, they can overcome anything.” - S’thembile Jili
Location: Durban, South Africa
Bio: Ms. S’thembile Jili is an administrative officer for the Department of Psychiatry at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa as well as for the Africa Global Mental Health Institute. She is currently working towards her Master of Medical Science Research exploring the experiences of onset psychosis patients during COVID-19.
Can you please introduce yourself?
My name is S’thembile Jili and I am from Durban, South Africa. I completed my undergraduate degree in Social Science and my postgraduate honors degree in Psychology. I was brought on by the Department of Psychiatry at University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) to provide additional administrative support for the department and the Africa Global Mental Health Institute (AGMHI). I joined the team when it was the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic when work was all virtual. I am now working towards my master’s degree in Medical Science Research. My focus is on a psychosocial study that explores the experiences of onset psychosis patients during and in the aftermath of COVID-19.
When did you first start getting interested in psychosis research?
I started getting interested in my research topic when I found out there was an existing study titled, “Vulnerable in a pandemic: the association of COVID-19 on people with psychosis and HIV” that Drs. Chiliza & Paruk were working on, which is also tied to the longitudinal first-episode psychosis study. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, we thought it would be an interesting and important study to do my master’s on, so as to explore how patients with psychosis experienced COVID-19. I really wanted to understand the extent to which COVID-19 altered patients' symptoms through changes in their psychological and socioeconomic environment. I believe it is vital for researchers and clinicians to adjust how we recommend care.
Can you share your experience with the AGMHI?
Working with the AGMHI has been quite an extraordinary experience for me. I have been exposed to a lot of firsts in my time with the Institute, but one of the greatest experiences is getting to meet and interact with people from different parts of the world in real-time, although virtually. It’s something that I never thought possible for one, or ever pictured myself having the opportunity to do. You truly learn and observe how beautifully different perspectives can come together to achieve a common goal. It really is exciting to witness this collaboration, especially in the working groups. I really enjoy listening and learning how everyone works together, regardless of the totally different backgrounds and experiences they come from. It’s quite a humbling experience.
What are your hopes for the future of the AGMHI?
I hope the AGMHI will continue to expand and achieve its mission of advancing mental health care in Africa and the diaspora. We want to be able to close the gap in mental health care on the continent and create resources and networks that will allow people to access quality services. I really hope to see this come to life. I hope we continue to create an environment that highlights the successes of collaboration and the founded community of great minds. I know with time the AGMHI will play a pertinent role in the improvement of support for mental health within policy and in gaining support from the government in our African countries. We want mental health to take up the same kind of importance and priority as other medical fields do.
What is your favorite project you are working on right now?
My research project, of course, because it directly aligns with my goals of having my own work published someday. It really will allow me to pursue my dream of being a clinical psychologist. It is going to make a huge difference having that experience as I apply for programs. So the fact that I am able to contribute to this study is quite meaningful to me.
What do you look forward to pursuing/accomplishing in 2023?
My next steps are completing my master’s degree. As much as the new year means new beginnings and starting over, I feel like it also means looking at the world with new eyes or in a different light. I always look forward to my personal growth, to acknowledging my limitations and fears, and to challenging myself to push through them. Then at the end of the year, I’ll be able to look back and say that okay I was able to accomplish this much. I feel like I’ve been lucky enough to be surrounded by people that I admire and inspire me to be the best version of myself. Personal growth for me is what I prioritize mostly because it is encompassing of all aspects of my life.
What is one life lesson you’ve learned?
Change is probably the only constant in life and circumstances change. That being said, the place you find yourself in today will not be the same place you will be tomorrow. You have to be able to adapt yourself. Whether you’re currently facing a difficult time, or you are literally at your highest peak, you have to acknowledge that moments or seasons don’t last forever and appreciate every moment for what it is. Recently, the COVID-19 pandemic really solidified that lesson for me.
Any advice to youth interested in a similar career path?
I’d say just follow your heart - you must know yourself enough to choose the right path for you. When you really know yourself, it’ll be easier to go for what you want with a clear picture of what you`re aiming to achieve. And also, to quote Margaret Mead… “always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else.”
Closing Thoughts
I would like to extend my thanks to the Global & Local Center for Mental Health Disparities for this interview. Working with colleagues from Boston has been an experience that I will treasure for a long time. I’m very grateful to be a part of the AGMHI and I hope the AGMHI just grows to be bigger, better, and one of the main pillars of mental health organizations that continue to fly the flag for mental health.
By Joanne Won, January 2023