The headline is more than just a tongue-in-cheek play on our annual State of the Nation address. It asks the serious question: What is really going on with our nation’s mental health? And just as important, what does that mean for our community and business leaders?
The World Health Organisation indicates that mental health will be the biggest crisis we will face on the planet by 2030. In a recent report by the Mental State of the World, South Africa scored the lowest average on mental health well-being among 34 countries worldwide. The data is unsurprising, but how can we empower our communities to prioritise their mental well-being and find support?
Mental Health Seminar – 7 October
During Mental Wellness Month in October, UPside is hosting a seminar on Saturday, 7 October, on the state of South Africa’s mental health and its impact on NGOs, education and the economy with:
Prof Mario Smith, Psychologist and Professor at UWC.
Prof Daniel Louw. Professor in Theology and Pastoral Care University of Stellenbosch and
Anelia Coetzee, People and Strategy Development Expert
We will try and unpack some of the psychological impacts of our nation’s ongoing narratives around crime, load shedding, corruption and the upcoming elections. How do these large narratives impact the personal narratives that we can influence?
UPside is a not-for-profit offering counselling services to the communities of the Deep South. We have a desire to come alongside all people to help them change the narrative of their lives. Leading our communities, one person at a time, from brokenness to wholeness.
Community & Mental Health Convention
The seminar is followed by the Community & Mental Health Convention hosted by Family Counselling Centre on 20 – 21 October 2023. Please click here for more details on the convention: https://www.integernetwork.com/cmc23
Companies must prioritize the mental well-being of their employees to avoid the substantial costs associated with mental health conditions. Professor Renata Schoeman emphasizes that productivity targets should not come at the expense of investment in mental health. While some companies are taking steps in the right direction, many still fail to prioritize employee well-being. Leaders should set an example, create a healthy culture, provide support services, and ensure a work-life balance to support mental well-being in the workplace.
Poor Mental Health Affects Our Economy
According to the Mental State of the World report, South Africa has the lowest average mental well-being score among 34 countries. The economy loses about R161 billion annually due to mental health conditions. This includes lost work days, presenteeism, and premature mortality. Companies must invest more in the mental well-being of their employees to mitigate these costs. Many companies still prioritize productivity over mental health, but research shows that mentally well employees are more productive and happier at work. Companies that prioritize mental health have leaders who exemplify self-care, create a healthy culture, and provide support services. They also invest in education and resilience training and ensure a smooth reintegration process for employees returning from a mental health-related absence.
Companies Must Begin to Invest in the Mental Health of their Staff
South Africa’s low average mental well-being score highlights the urgent need for companies to invest in the mental health of their employees. While some companies are taking steps to prioritize mental well-being, many still fail to do so. Prioritizing mental health benefits both employees and the company, leading to higher productivity, creativity, and retention rates. To support mental health, companies should have leaders who prioritize their own mental well-being, create a healthy culture, provide support services, and establish a work-life balance. The hybrid working model presents unique challenges, and companies should ensure that methods for supporting mental health extend to all employees, whether they work from home or in the office.
I just watched this video on mental health challenges in public healthcare and believe communities need to wake up to the perils ahead.
Public health care under strain
It is estimated that one in six people globally will experience a mental health disorder in their lifetime. In South Africa, it is estimated that close to one in three people live with a mental illness and the majority are unable to access suitable care. Given the high prevalence of mental illness in the country, it is unsurprising that mental health is one of the leading causes of disability.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on people’s mental health. The lockdown, loss of jobs, and social isolation have increased anxiety and depression. In addition, there has been a significant increase in the number of people experiencing domestic violence.
The mental health system in South Africa was already under immense strain before the pandemic hit. The added pressure of the pandemic has led to concerns about the ability of the public healthcare system to deal with the increased demand for mental health services.
The COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on mental health
There is a growing concern that the public healthcare system will not be able to deal with the mental health demands related to COVID-19. The virus has already significantly impacted people’s mental health, and with the lockdown measures in place, many people are struggling to cope.
The increased demand for mental health services will likely strain an already stretched healthcare system. This could lead to longer waiting times for mental health care and a general deterioration of mental health services.
There are calls for the government to invest more in mental health services to improve the ability of the healthcare system to deal with the increased demand. However, it remains to be seen whether this will happen.
The risks of not addressing the mental health needs of the population
There is growing evidence that the population’s mental health needs are not adequately addressed. This is leading to increased risks for individuals, families and communities.
The knock-on effect of the pandemic and mental health on entrepreneurs and small business owners, already under fiscal strain, could have a severe impact on the financial stability of communities.
There are several reasons why the population’s mental health needs are not adequately addressed. One reason is that mental health is still taboo in many cultures. This means people are reluctant to talk about their mental health problems and seek help.
Another reason is that mental health services are often underfunded and understaffed. This means there are not enough resources, and people with mental health problems often don’t get the help they need.
The population’s mental health needs must be taken seriously and addressed properly. This will require a concerted effort from individuals, families, communities and governments.
The potential solutions
Mental health is a significant challenge in the public healthcare system. The potential solutions to address this challenge include:
– Providing more resources for mental health services
– Improving access to mental health care
– Increasing awareness of mental health issues
– improving the quality of mental health services
The South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP) is urging the government health department to increase its investment in community-level mental healthcare. See link here.
These solutions require a concerted effort from all healthcare system levels, from policy-makers to front-line workers. However, with the right support, the public healthcare system can significantly progress in addressing the mental health challenge.
The Upside response
Upside Community Services’ response to this pandemic rests on two fundamental pillars
Early intervention
Public-Private partnerships
Research has shown that early intervention has a greater level of success but it also reduces the strain on public healthcare by reducing the numbers of severe mental health cases.
Public-private partnerships allows for a more rapid deployment of mental healthcare services to the communities that need it.
According to the 2022 World Mental Health Report, the world is facing a mental health pandemic similar in seriousness to the global events of 2020. The report states that in 2019, there were 970 million people globally living with mental disorders, with 14% of the world’s adolescents affected. Suicide was found to be a significant issue, accounting for more than one in 100 deaths, with 58% of suicides occurring before the age of 50 and ranking as the fourth-highest cause of death among 15- to 29-year-olds. Approximately 82% of individuals with mental disorders are residing in low- and middle-income countries.
South Africa’s Mental Health Landscape
The article highlights South Africa’s ranking in terms of mental health, stating that the country faces challenges due to factors such as high levels of violence, poverty, unemployment, and inequality. These conditions contribute to mental health disorders, including psychological distress, depression, anxiety, suicide, hopelessness, and feelings of worthlessness. The historical impact of apartheid, particularly on African communities, continues to negatively affect the mental health of women and children in South Africa. Absent fathers, which deprive children of the presence of both parents, and the phenomenon of child-headed households further contribute to mental health strain and stress on women, along with broader gender discrimination .
Inadequate Mental Health Services
Inadequate mental health services are a significant issue in South Africa, both in the public and private sectors. The article mentions that only 27% of individuals requiring treatment for mental health illnesses receive it, indicating a low treatment rate. The National Mental Health Policy and Strategic Framework 2013-2020 aimed to improve mental health among South Africans but faced challenges due to limited funding, with most of the available funding allocated to psychiatric hospitals rather than community-based services. The shortage of mental health specialists, such as psychologists and psychiatrists, is another concern, with most concentrated in the private health system, leaving limited access for the broader population relying on the public health system.
The Impact of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic and related factors, including increased morbidity, mortality, and corruption, have further exacerbated the challenges of mental health in South Africa. Globally, the pandemic is estimated to have increased the prevalence of depression and anxiety by 25% to 27%. In response to these challenges, a conference called “Join the movement — Time to talk about mental health” was organized, aiming to mobilize society, increase mental health awareness, and enhance access to mental health care. The conference sought to assess the state of mental health in the country, address structural, social, and behavioral drivers, discuss required services and policies, and identify resource needs. The gathering aimed to integrate mental health services into primary healthcare and community-level care, aligning with the National Strategic Plan for HIV, TB, and STIs.
Joining the Movement: Time to Talk About Mental Health
To combat the mental health crisis, the article calls for the collaboration of the media and other influencers to fight against unhelpful and destructive stigmas surrounding mental health disorders. Stigma still plays a significant role in deaths related to mental health and limits access to treatment, as observed by the World Health Organization.
Overcoming Stigmas and Promoting Collaboration
In conclusion, the article emphasizes the urgent need to address the mental health pandemic, particularly in South Africa, where historical, social, and economic factors have contributed to poor mental health outcomes. The challenges include inadequate mental health services, limited access to care, and a shortage of mental health specialists. Efforts are being made to raise awareness, promote integration of mental health services into primary healthcare, and combat stigmas surrounding mental health disorders.
The 2022 World Mental Health Report found that 970 million people living with mental disorders globally in 2019, including 14% of the world’s adolescents. Suicide is the fourth-highest cause of death among 15- to 29-year-olds, and 82% of people with mental disorders reside in low- and middle-income countries. South Africa’s history of apartheid, including its migrant labour models, has harmed women’s and children’s mental health, leading to absent fathers and child-headed households. Mental health services in South Africa are inadequate, both in the public and private sector.
Mental health in South Africa is unacceptably low, with only 27% receiving treatment.
Community-based Therapy
Community-based care is the frontline defence of any healthcare system, and South Africa must find the will and financial wherewithal to strengthen care at the community level. There is a shortage of mental health specialists, and poorer areas struggle to access healthcare due to socio-economic reasons.
Join me, for a free LIVE Online Event to help you support others in grief, trauma, and loss.
Helping with Loss: Addressing the Six Needs of Grief
March 21st, 12 pm PT/ 3 pm ET
In this teaching, we’ll discuss how to: – Help others who have suffered even the most tragic losses – Learn the 6 needs of the grieving so you can help others navigate grief – Support others on their darkest days – Encourage post-traumatic growth to move beyond the pain and create a legacy of love – Inspire others to identify reserves of resilience that may surprise them
UPside’s emotional health lay counselling programme has offered free services since 2020. Since 2023 that programme has been re-imaged as ALONGside. How you might ask, does lay counselling differ from other forms of counselling or therapy?
“Lay counselling” is often misunderstood as it differs from typical counselling, where clients meet with licensed medical professionals for advice and guidance. Lay counselling involves non-ordained, trained volunteers who guide and support others under supervision. Lay counsellors maintain strict confidentiality, keep notes and files on their cases, and regularly receive supervision from higher qualified counsellors.
This first line of counselling immediately creates two benefits. Firstly, it makes more counsellors available to more people. Something that is at the heart of the UPside vision. Secondly, it alleviates the burden on pastors, friends and the professional medical fraternity to focus on their core competencies.
In South Africa, lay counsellors form the first line of contact for most people who “just need someone to talk to”. Making use of a referral system ALONGside counsellors are in a position to refer clients to professional medical support if the client’s needs warrant it and/or if the scope of the counselling challenge is outside their competency. Referrals are done with the client’s consent while maintaining agreed confidentiality and within UPside’s Code of Ethics.
Marking Teen Suicide Prevention Week this week (February 12-19), the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) has encouraged parents, loved ones, family, friends, teachers, and guardians to do mental health “check-ins” with teens.
Almost three in five US teen girls reported feeling sad or hopeless in 2021, the highest level seen in a decade and nearly twice the rate among teenage boys.
“We have to take care of our mental health like we take care of the rest of our body.”
So says Soraya Solomon, director for Friends of Valkenberg Trust.
Read more about this important issue and how to support the Valkenberg Trust. Valkenberg Hospital is the only specialist public psychiatric hospital in the Cape Town Municipality.
