We must recognise that from time-to-time, everyone struggles with mental health issues. Just like, on occasion, everyone struggles with physical health issues.
No one judges you for seeing a doctor when you have the flu. So why would we judge each other for seeking help when we are down mentally? But whilst doctors are relatively easy to find (and we usually know when we need one), where do we even start to get help when we are down?
Mental health in South Africa
The 2023 Mental State of the World Report by Sapien Labs reveals that South Africa ranks among the bottom three countries for the Mental Health Quotient and out of 71 countries, has the highest percentage of people in distress. We need help – urgently.
Factors influencing our mental health
Financial stress, upbringing and socialisation, addiction, burnout, lack of positive role models, gender-based violence (GBV) and environmental influences such as poverty and pollution, all contribute to our state of wellness. With so many of us struggling with one or more of these issues, we need to get support before it becomes a crisi
Breaking the stigma
But getting support poses a challenge for many of us, because stigma remains an issue. Will I be judged or labelled? Will people think I “can’t cope”? In many cultures, discussions about seeking help can be fraught with judgment. A friend recently shared: “When you mention seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist to family, you instantly feel judged or that your issues are not ‘real’ compared to others’ struggles.”
Accessing mental health support
A further challenge to getting the help we need is that in South Africa, accessing mental health support is not always easy. A study by Docrat S. & Besada D., et al. in 2019 indicated that there is an average of only 0.31 psychiatrists per 100,000 people in the public sector, with a stark disparity between urban and rural areas. Furthermore, there is a critical shortage of child psychiatrists across the nine provinces.
Turning “mental health” into “mental help”?
Become support savvy: If you or anyone you know are showing signs of crisis, there are numerous organisations and national helplines doing incredible work and supporting South Africans. These include the SA Depression and Anxierty Group (SADAG), Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), the Suicide Crisis Line, Lifeline, the National Gambling Hotline etc. These services are free of charge. A sudden change in behaviour is usually a good indicator that someone needs help.
Normalise needing help: We need to normalise the fact that getting support for mental health challenges is as normal as getting support for physical health challenges. We will do this by having open conversations about our mental health.
Where do we begin? From how we speak at the dinner table to how we respond when someone is not coping, everyone can start by listening with care and not jumping to judgement. Ask people questions like: “How is your mental and physical health at the moment?” rather than just: “How are you?”
Share your story: When you share your story of seeking support, it makes it easier for others to do so. I have led numerous workshops where leaders share how they needed and looked for mental health support and the positive impact this has on others, is immense. Sharing personal stories about seeking help can play a vital role in breaking stigma.
Finally, there are only benefits from taking plunge and getting help – no matter how hard it may be. A parent I recently spoke to, reported that she had initially delayed seeking support until reaching a crisis point: “It was difficult to start therapy and face challenges, but it provided me with perspective and helped me understand my behaviour patterns. Although I know my healing journey is long, I can now identify and change destructive behaviours, which has profoundly impacted my life and relationships.”
Let’s make this a year of compassion for ourselves and others and get the help we need to thrive. Seeking mental help is an act of self-love, when we do, we model to those around us that mental help matters, have the space to care and protect what matter to us and we are able to live meaningful and fulfilling lives.
Taegan Devar is an Industrial Psychologist and the Managing Director of Organisational Development company Fineline Consulting (www.fineline.co.za)
Fineline Consulting is an Organisational Development consultancy working across South Africa and the continent. They focus on leadership development, the design of self-sustaining wellness and safety programmes, women in mining, executive coaching, and team building. For more information contact info@fineline.co.za
