Mental Health - Common Mental Health Conditions in South Africa
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Like the rest of the world, mental health is vital to overall well-being in South Africa. Mental health conditions affect the lives of many South Africans. So, by exploring these common challenges, we want to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and share valuable insights into how these conditions impact the lives of many South Africans and what can be done to support their mental health.
Come with us on a journey about mental health conditions as we ask one of our mental health experts, Tshego Motsubele, popular questions that South Africans ask.
Tshegofatso, or Tshego, as she likes to be called, is one of our resident mental health experts. Tshego earned her Bachelor of Psychology (BPsych) from the esteemed Pearson Institute of Higher Education. Her passion lies in advocating for mental health to improve South African's happiness and well-being. Tshego specialises in various areas, such as emotional awareness, trauma, crisis management, self-development, relationship matters, social adjustment, life skills, stress and burnout. Tshegofatso is proficient in English, Setswana, Sesotho, and Sepedi languages.
So, a mental health condition affects your mental state or condition. That can be your mood, cognition, ability to test reality, or ability to function executively.
So, the Generalised Anxiety Disorder, or GAD, is a widespread mental health condition. GAD is characterised by people with often overwhelming worrying, which is a persistent worry and anxiety about various aspects of their lives.
While it is common, it's important to note that other mental health conditions like depression and specific anxiety disorders also affect a significant portion of the population.
About one in four South Africans may experience a diagnosable mental disorder, including depression, at some point. However, it's important to note that these statistics may have evolved, and the prevalence of depression can vary across different regions and demographics within South Africa.
Great question. So, five of the most common mental health conditions in South Africa include depression, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, also known as PTSD, and bipolar disorder.
Unfortunately, mental health problems are very common in South Africa. Also, the recent COVID-19 pandemic, increasing cost of living, and load-shedding have likely negatively impacted some South African's mental health in the long term.
So, mental health awareness in South Africa refers to efforts to promote understanding, acceptance, and support for mental health issues within the country. It involves initiatives to reduce stigma, increase public knowledge about mental health conditions, and encourage individuals to seek help when needed.
Mental health awareness campaigns often include educational campaigns, advocacy for improved mental healthcare services, and destigmatising conversations around mental health. Mental health awareness is crucial in addressing South Africans' mental health challenges and improving overall well-being.
So, in South Africa, mental health conditions can affect anyone. People vulnerable to mental health conditions could include young people facing academic pressures, women navigating gender-based challenges, individuals in low-income communities with limited access to care, trauma survivors, and those with substance use disorders.
Numerous factors can cause mental health conditions. Overall, I like categorising the causes into three categories: Biological, social and psychological reasons.
These factors include genetic predisposition, prolonged high stress, and abuse of alcohol and illicit drugs. However, sometimes there is no attributable cause.
Yes, of course you can. Online therapy for mental health conditions is available in South Africa, such as Kena Health's mental health app, which offers online sessions with qualified and registered therapists and counsellors for only R185 per consultation. Patients enjoy the comfort of consulting by chatting on their phones, which helps people consult privately from a space of their choice.
The best mental health app depends on your specific needs and budget. Do your research: compare apps’ services, reviews and costs. Customers have also rated Kena Health on the Google Play Store as the leading mental health app on the South Africa Play Store.
Exploring the insights into mental therapy was truly enjoyable for us. We're looking forward to reconnecting with Tshego soon.
Mental health conditions affect South Africans from all walks of life, and the stigma surrounding mental health should be dispelled. Raising awareness and nurturing open conversations can pave the way for early intervention, support, and improved mental well-being for all South Africans.
Mental health is not a solitary journey but a shared responsibility that requires empathy, compassion, and a commitment to building a mentally healthier nation.
Get the Kena Health mental health app today for an affordable and convenient way to connect with licensed mental health experts offering therapy and counselling in multiple official languages. Remember, prioritising your mental well-being is essential, and accessing in-person or online therapy is a significant stride towards achieving a happier and healthier you.
