Mental illness is not a swear word, something to be ashamed of or something you can pack away in a little corner and forget about it. Anxiety, depression, and trauma affect millions, but too few seek help because of fear, shame, or simply not knowing where to turn.
Mental health can impact anyone and is often overlooked, especially in disadvantaged and rural communities. People struggle in silence due to stigma, lack of awareness, and limited access to care.
In these communities, services are scarce, and cultural beliefs often discourage open conversations about mental wellbeing. People are expected to “tough it out” rather than speak up, leading to deepening struggles that could otherwise be managed with support. This silence can be deadly.
Young people, in particular, are under immense pressure. High unemployment, limited opportunities, and the daily grind of poverty take a toll.
Add digital bullying, unrealistic social media standards, and the pressure to succeed, and many young minds are pushed to breaking point. Some feel like they are failing before they’ve even begun, and without access to support, they suffer in isolation.
Health For Mzansi shines the light on mental health, the stigma surrounding it, and how to seek support to help you get your life back.
We must normalise seeking help, not just when things are falling apart, but as part of caring for ourselves. Ending the stigma around mental health starts with a conversation. Let’s start it today.
The struggle is real: Stigma hurts youth mental health
Not having someone to confide in can be tough. Imagine going to bed with tears streaming down your face – that’s the reality many people struggle with daily.
In Mzansi, being young and feeling isolated isn’t rare, as many young people are fighting silent battles with mental health, feeling like there’s no escape. Depression, anxiety, and self-harm are on the rise among South African youth and it often ends in disaster.
According to Unicef’s 2023 U-Report poll, around 60% of South Africa’s children and youth felt in need of mental health support last year. This figure increased to 70% among those aged 15 to 24.
Social media: Your mental health matters more than likes
Getting likes on social media is such a buzz – it’s what so many people crave! From “Get Ready with Me” trends to POV clips and travel vlogs, everyone wants that “fave” title. But it’s a double-edged sword; while you can be celebrated one moment, the next you might find yourself on the receiving end of criticism and bullying, impacting your mental state.
Clinical psychologist Nevern Subermoney from Johannesburg advises, “Be very conscious with your use; don’t just open apps unintentionally and keep scrolling. Decide beforehand what you want to use it for and only engage with that kind of content. Also, teach the algorithm what to feed you – things you want to occupy your mind with.”
Children’s mental health: Behaviour reveals all
People might assume that children are always happy and playful, however, children’s mental health is a real issue that needs attention. For parents and guardians, trying to understand a child’s behaviour can be overwhelming. That’s why it’s crucial to recognise the signs and seek help from health institutions to address these challenges.
According to Selvin John Daniels, an educationist from Pringle Bay, Western Cape, anxiety and depression have a significant impact on the academic performance and social connections of students in the classroom and school. Daniels believes that anxiety and depression in students and adolescents at school can manifest in a variety of ways. The student’s mood fluctuations are indicative of underlying anxiety and depression. Others, however, become quiet and distant; when a student is an introvert by nature, the impacts are subtle, subliminal, and extremely deceptive.
Podcast: Suffering from depression? You’re not alone!
Living with depression can feel like walking through dark hallways, where each step is heavy and the shadows seem to close in. The pain is sharp, like a sword, and the hardest part is the fear of speaking out, worried about being judged or seen as someone just seeking attention.
Yet, in those moments of isolation, you might find solace when you hear the stories of others who share similar struggles, reminding you that you’re not truly alone. Learn to recognise the signs and how to seek help.
Some of the main symptoms of depression are:
- Sadness
- Isolation (more common among women)
- Lack of interest in activities previously enjoyed
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Difficulty sleeping/ sleeping too much
- No appetite/over-eating
- Lack of concentration/memory
- Destructive behaviour
Men’s mental health: Breaking the silence and stigma
The phrase “men must” doesn’t just suggest that men should act for the benefit of women; it also extends to their well-being. The stereotype that vulnerability equates to weakness and the notion that “men don’t cry” has caused many men to navigate their mental health struggles in isolation due to stigma.
Jacques de Lange, a board member of The Great People of South Africa based in Goodwood, Cape Town, says that society’s expectations around men’s vulnerability can be a major roadblock to their mental health. By recognising that men are just as emotional as anyone else, they can start to shift the culture and create a space where men feel comfortable seeking help
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