The survey conducted by the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) sheds light on the deteriorating mental health conditions in South Africa, particularly among the working class and youth. The findings reveal that six in 10 employees wish they could afford to quit their jobs, indicating a high level of dissatisfaction and stress in the workplace.
The tough economic conditions in the country, including inflation, high cost of living, job losses, and unemployment, have made having a job seem like a privilege. However, despite this recognition, employees still report feeling completely stressed out at work. Dr. Bronwyn Dworzanowski-Venter, a senior research associate at the University of Johannesburg, highlighted the negative work environments that employees are exposed to, leading to feelings of unhappiness and stress.
The survey also found that 52% of respondents had been medically diagnosed with a mental health condition, with depression, clinical stress, anxiety, and burnout being the most common. Lindsey Reynolds, managing director at Pivot Collective, emphasized that young people are particularly vulnerable to mental health issues due to high unemployment rates and lack of access to medical care.
The study also revealed that the working class is struggling with too much work for too little pay, leading to high levels of stress, burnout, and fatigue. Despite this, 60% of respondents actually enjoy their work, indicating that it’s not the work itself but rather how it is arranged that is causing distress.
The Employee Assistance Programmes Association South Africa found that mental disorders result in significant productivity losses, costing the South African economy billions annually. The country also scored the lowest average on the global mental health well-being scale, highlighting the strain of stressful living and working conditions.
A study conducted by the University of the Witwatersrand Medical Research Council Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit found that more than a quarter of South Africans are susceptible to depression, with many not seeking help. Mental illnesses are driven by various factors such as adverse childhood experiences, socio-economic status, geographic location, age, marital status, and education levels.
Overall, the survey underscores the urgent need for mental health support and resources in South Africa to address the growing mental health crisis among the working class and youth. It is crucial for employers, policymakers, and healthcare providers to prioritize mental health and create supportive environments for those struggling with mental health conditions. Recent reports have shed light on the prevalence of mental illness among young adults in urban areas, revealing that they are experiencing higher levels of depression compared to their rural counterparts. While it is commonly believed that individuals in impoverished rural areas are more susceptible to mental health issues, the data suggests otherwise.
The data collected from all nine provinces in South Africa showed varying rates of mental illness, with higher rates observed in the Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Gauteng, and Mpumalanga. Dr. Ashleigh Craig, a researcher in the field, highlighted the challenges faced by individuals living with mental health conditions in breaking the cycle of poverty to seek help, leading to “intergenerational effects”.
Clinical psychologist Anele Siswana noted a positive shift in the way people are addressing mental health issues, with more individuals opening up about their struggles. This normalization of discussing mental health can be attributed to increased public awareness, reduced stigma, and the availability of information through various media and social platforms.
Siswana emphasized the importance of mental well-being, highlighting that mental health is just as crucial as physical health. He also pointed out the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic in prompting discussions about mental health challenges and the significance of seeking help.
In addition to the changing perceptions and increased awareness, new mental health treatments are emerging, making mental health care more accessible. These treatments include holistic approaches that consider biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors in addressing mental health issues.
Overall, the evolving landscape of mental health care in urban areas is paving the way for improved support and resources for individuals struggling with mental health conditions. As awareness grows and new treatments become available, there is hope for a more inclusive and supportive environment for those in need of mental health assistance.
