Mental illness described as silent pandemic in South Africa – Y

Psychologist Safia Joseph says South Africans are suffering from a silent pandemic.

She was responding to the latest data from Life Health Solutions, which reveals a significant increase in mental health issues in South African businesses.

According to the study, employees suffering from mental health problems end up representing a risk to their safety, that of others and/or that of their organization.

Joseph says those risks include suicidal thoughts, substance abuse and financial instability.

Mental health risks among men increased to 37.12% last year from 35.10% in 2018, while women saw a decrease of 64.90% in 2018 from 62.88% in 2023.

Joseph advised people suffering from mental illness to seek professional help.

She also urged companies to prioritize helping employees by providing a safe environment that also allows for these issues to be discussed.

According to the Employee Assistance Professionals Association, a quarter of South African employees will be diagnosed with depression during their employment.

However, only 15-25% of them will seek and receive help.

Joseph says the stigma surrounding men’s mental health also needs to be discussed.

“This can lead to under-reporting and a reluctance to seek help, when the particular pressures women face in the workplace may require targeted support.”

She says suicide risk remains the most common consequence of at-risk cases, driven primarily by depression, stress and relationship difficulties.

“In 2023, there was a significant increase in stress, relationship problems, bereavement, anxiety, domestic violence and difficulties adjusting to life changes as contributing factors. These findings highlight the critical need for proactive mental health support within South African businesses,” says Joseph.

😩😩💔 My South Africa, let’s stop destroying our mental health in the name of hard work 😞

White South Africans Black Coffee Cyan Seemah Titanic Sizwe Bongani Fassie #ThaboBester #Andrew Tate Kappa #ftlof Kanye, 11th grade #BBNaijaReunion Kasukuwere pic.twitter.com/8q3aDAuKsZ

— Open Chats Podcast (@OpenChats_) June 21, 2023

Mental health is a serious problem in South Africa today

— Andile (@Zaphalala_) July 1, 2024

July is Mental Illness Awareness Month #South Africa.

This month we hope to shed light on some key mental illnesses, how to identify them and how to get help and support.

Each week we will focus on a different topic. #Mental Health state, what it is and some #coping strategies.… pic.twitter.com/b4AV5MKA61

— Masiviwe (@MasiviweZA) July 1, 2024

The South African woman who killed her three babies shortly after arriving in New Zealand and was forced to lock herself in a tiny hotel room with them and her husband, with no space to play, let alone run around, can thank former Prime Minister Ardern for worsening her mental health.

— Émilee Smalie (@SmalieEmilee) June 30, 2024

South Africa ranks among the worst countries for mental health, according to research from Sapien Labs’ second annual State of the World’s Mental Health Report 2021.