When it comes to mental health, no one is spared. Young people across Mzansi falls prey to the challenges of life, threatening their mental health. Some rebound and come out stronger on the other side. For others, it could be too late.
Genuine support to those struggling with mental health issues is a powerful tool that can help to break down stigma and provide a sense of hope and comfort. Empathy, compassion, and understanding are all vital components in creating a supportive environment where individuals feel seen and validated.
Living with depression
Inga Nzuzo from Khayelitsha in Cape Town says feeling lost, unloved, worthless, unseen, and unheard are all emotions that come and go when living with depression.
“Some people don’t acknowledge that they need help, that they are living with a mental health issue.”
She notes that when this happens, those who are close need to keep offering support, as the situation can become dangerous to their lives.
Mental health crisis among South African youth
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. Mental health conditions affecting South African youth include anxiety, depression, substance abuse, suicide, and self-harm.
The poll further demonstrates that the stigma around mental health conditions remains an ongoing struggle.
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) reports that researchers estimate only one in eight adolescents engaging in self-harming behaviours comes to the attention of clinical services. Behaviours related to substance abuse, suicide, and self-harming often engender shame and secrecy, fostering isolation which exacerbates these conditions.
Inge Nieuwoudt, an educational psychologist and mental health practitioner, says, “There is significant evidence that adult mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, can be traced to symptoms that appeared in adolescence or even childhood.”
“As we deal with an escalating youth mental health crisis, we need better ways to recognise and address challenges early in life to prevent these becoming lifelong struggles and to improve overall well-being.”
Psychologist Inge Nieuwoudt
Nieuwoudt adds that the concept of Youth Mental Health First Aid has emerged to help build the skills of parents, teachers, community mental health workers, and youth workers. This initiative aims to make them more adept at identifying early signs of mental health issues, providing stabilising comfort, and helping young people access the professional support they need.
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Applying the ALGEE Approach
Nieuwoudt says millions of people worldwide have been trained to use the ALGEE action plan, which includes five steps that can be used in any order. ALGEE can provide support to a person in emotional distress.
A – Approach, assess for risk of suicide or harm: This involves starting a private and confidential conversation. If the person is reluctant to confide in you, encourage them to talk to someone they trust.
L – Listen non-judgmentally: This is important for everyone, particularly teens who may distrust being vulnerable with adults. It involves listening without interrupting, feeling authentic empathy for their situation, and accepting their reality, even if you don’t agree with what they are saying.
G – Give reassurance and information: Once a person has shared their experiences and emotions with you, be equipped to share useful facts that will inspire hope.
E – Encourage appropriate professional help: Like traditional first aiders, you provide frontline support to assess the situation and provide stabilisation. After that, point them towards mental healthcare providers trained to offer acute and long-term interventions. The earlier someone gets help, the better their chances of recovery. Therefore, it is vital to inform them about the available options.
E – Encourage self-help and other support strategies: Help the person come up with a personalised emotional and physical self-care plan and identify their supporters in life.
Nieuwoudt emphasises that the ALGEE approach is effective in providing immediate support to those in emotional distress and guiding them towards the professional help they need for long-term recovery.
Getting professional help
According to Thenjiwe Ngcobo, the founder of Incema NPO in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, it is vital to encourage access to professional help as the first step.
Ngcobo highlights that public health institutions such as clinics, hospitals, and mental health centres provide essential services that are easily accessible.
“In rural areas, people may lack health literacy or access to online services, making it crucial to raise awareness about these symptoms so they can access nearby facilities.”
Thenjiwe Ngcobo
Ngcobo explains that it is important to act early and provide the necessary support to improve the chances of recovery for those living with mental health challenges.
She says recognising common symptoms such as persistent sadness, withdrawal from social activities, changes in sleep patterns, and noticeable shifts in mood or behaviour, is vital.
“We provide trauma containment, ongoing counselling services, and referrals to our network, including psychologists and doctors, for further assistance if needed,” Ngcobo adds.
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