Health and Wellness

Prioritising Mental Health For A Better, More Productive Quality of Life

By Shumirai Chimombe

Mental Health Statistics and Trends

World Mental Health Day is observed on 10 October to create public awareness to make issues related to mental health a global priority. It is a reminder of the importance of good mental health and the need to prioritise and invest in it. Many mental health conditions can be effectively treated at relatively low cost, yet health systems remain significantly under-resourced all over the world.

Recent data shows that mental health disorders are prevalent, with depression affecting over 27% of South Africans. The economic impact is significant with mental health-related absenteeism costing the economy billions annually.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines mental health as ‘a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realise their abilities, learn and work well, and contribute to their community. It has intrinsic and instrumental value and is a basic human right.’

However, there are various environmental, biological, social and psychological factors that can negatively impact one's wellbeing and lead to mental health conditions. If left unnoticed or untreated, mental disorders can severely disrupt daily life and cause long-term suffering, and sometimes leading to devastating consequences.

According to the Mental Health Foundation, the biological factors include alcohol and drug abuse, problems with sleep, and physical health problems. Psychological factors can relate to stress, trauma, and experiences of stigma and discrimination; while social factors include a lack of work-life balance, loneliness, violence, and lack of a support system.

Mental disorders comprise a broad range of problems, with different symptoms. However, they are generally characterised by some combination of abnormal thoughts, emotions, behaviour and relationships with others. Examples include anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorders, Schizophrenia, alcohol and drug disorders.

Most of these disorders can be successfully treated if the person seeks the appropriate help.

Building Awareness As A Starting Point

The Employee Assistance Professionals Association of South Africa (EAPA-SA) reports that awareness of mental health issues remains a huge problem in the country.

This is attributed to;

• Lack of education: Many people are unaware of the signs and symptoms of mental health disorders, and there is a lack of widespread mental health education.

• Media representation: Mental health issues are not given adequate attention and exposure in the media leading to a lack of public understanding and awareness.

• Policy gaps: There are policies in place including the comprehensive National Mental Health Policy Framework and Strategic Plan 2023-2030. However, their implementation is inconsistent, and there is a lack of comprehensive mental health campaigns.

Furthermore, EAPA-SA has identified some emerging issues that are contributing to the growing prevalence of mental health-related issues.

• Post-pandemic stress: The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated mental health issues, including job insecurity, remote work stress, and the blurred lines between work and personal life have led to increased anxiety and depression rates.

• Technological impacts: The rapid pace of technological change and automation such as AI has resulted in job displacement and uncertainty about the future, contributing to rising anxiety levels.

• Youth mental health: Young people are increasingly vulnerable to mental health issues. Factors such as academic pressure, social media influence, and uncertain job prospects are significant contributors to this trend.

Promoting Mental Health and Wellness In The Workplace

Not all workplaces have a culture that provides the necessary programmes and initiatives that give sufficient support for mental health, leaving many employees without essential resources.

(EAPA-SA) proposes these recommendations for employers to promote a safe and supportive workplace environment:

• Proactive mental health education: Educate employees about mental health, emphasising its importance. Ensure they can recognise symptoms and understand the resources available to them.

• Promote mental health resources: Increase awareness of available employee assistance programmes (EAPs) and other mental health resources, such as counselling, and encourage employees to use these services without fear of stigma.

• Flexible work arrangements: Implement flexible work schedules and remote working options where possible to reduce stress and improve work-life balance. Offering free time off to employees so they can prioritise their wellbeing has become a growing practice among companies, as part of their mental health strategy.

• Create a supportive work environment: Develop an inclusive and supportive workplace culture. Encourage open discussions about mental health and train managers to support their teams effectively.

• Regular mental health checkins: Conduct regular mental health check-ins and surveys to monitor employee well-being.

Use the data collected to tailor support programmes and initiatives.

• Address workplace stressors: Identify and mitigate common workplace stressors such as heavy workloads, poor management practices, and job insecurity.

• Encourage work-life balance: Promote activities that support a healthy work-life balance, including fitness programmes, mindfulness sessions, and time management workshops.

Organisations That You Can Contact For Support and Information

The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) has been providing free, accessible support to millions of South Africans for over 30 years. This non-profit organisation has been a lifeline for those facing mental health challenges, offering 24/7 crisis support through over 30 national toll-free helplines, more than 180 free support groups nationwide, and comprehensive educational resources. As the country's only Suicide Crisis Line, SADAG is available 365 days a year to provide immediate help, professional referrals, and hope to anyone in need.

The South African Federation for Mental Health (SAFMH) is the largest mental health federation in South Africa, with the national office situated in Johannesburg, and 17 constituent bodies [known as Mental Health Societies] located in all nine provinces. While SAFMH works at a strategic level with government and other national and international mental health stakeholders and partners to raise awareness of mental health and human rights, and to advocate for improved resourcing of mental health, the Mental Health Societies are independent, community-based mental health organisations who deliver essential frontline mental health services to communities that are often under-resourced.

Sources: World Health Organisation /Employee Assistance Professionals Association of South Africa (EAPA-SA) - The Current State of Mental Health in South Africa: 2024 Update