Medical Doctor Samke J. Ngcobo launched Vocal Mentality in her mission to change the mental health narrative.
In 2021, she enlightened South Africa with her passion for changing the negative narrative and stigma surrounding mental health. In 2022 noted medical doctor, author, philanthropist, and also professional speaker Dr Samke J. Ngcobo launched Vocal Mentality. The platform hosts all of the incredible initiatives she leads as she continues her mission to make a difference for mental health.
Vocal Mentality (www.vocalmentality.com) is a single location where you can explore the many avenues and projects in which Dr Ngcobo engages, to spread the message relating to mental health and also demystify misconceptions about mental illnesses. This platform represents various facets and expressions of her love for mental health.
As a professional and medical doctor living with diagnosed Bipolar Disorder, she was inspired by her desire to create awareness and understanding about the life of someone living with a mental illness. A lack of insight led her to originally reject her diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder. The fear of how people would perceive her if they knew about her illness and saw her in a state of vulnerability crippled her. She now understands that being open about her journey is empowering and expressing her thoughts and feelings would liberate her, hence the birth of Vocal Mentality.
The key to my emancipation was to permit myself to not wait for external validation and approval but to give voice to my mind. Vocal Mentality is a mindset – one that is expressive, confident and unapologetic. It speaks to freedom and personal validation. I encourage you to engage with me bravely and authentically by “Giving voice to your mind”.
Dr Samke J Ngcobo
Powerhouse advocate for mental health
With the release of her ground-breaking book called ‘Reflections of a Convoluted Mind – A journey with my mental illness,’ she speaks from a relatable perspective of honesty and experience. She candidly shares valuable insights into the various aspects of the condition, including the current challenging climate of the pandemic. eTV’s Morning Show and SABC Morning Live reviewed the book positively.
Additionally, Dr Ngcobo is an experienced keynote speaker who engages with the corporate community and community at large about mental health psycho-education through Vocal Mentality (Pty) Ltd.
With multiple accolades, press coverage, endorsements, magazine covers, and more, her resume also includes being invited as a guest speaker at Advocate Nakedi Ribane’s 7th Annual High Tea for Child Welfare Tshwane in Menlyn. She also hosts the mental health show on Yvonne Chaka Chaka’s radio station called Mindful Discussions on Woman Radio with the aim to empower, inspire and educate society about mental health issues. She features every Wednesday from 6 pm-7 pm.
Dr Ngcobo is also the founder of Sisters For Mental Health (www.sistersformentalhealth.co.za). An initiative that focuses on creating a safe environment to engage about mental health struggles and to collaborate with other organisations which advocate for mental health. The organisation also seeks to serve as an outreach resource for communities that require an understanding of mental health.
