October is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the experts look at mental health in the workplace; the reality is that we spend a large amount of our time at work, so understanding the good and bad is essential!

South Africa (17 October 2024) – Work can be a significant source of stress and poor mental health, but “good” work can contribute to better mental health, and the workplace itself can play a positive role in improving access to treatment.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) ranks depression as the leading cause^[i] of disability and ill-health worldwide. A 2016 study found that lost productivity due to depression-related absenteeism and presenteeism costs the South African economy an estimated R232 billion a year, or 5.7% of GDP (in 2016 terms), ^[ii] while the WHO estimates the global economic cost of untreated depression at US$1 trillion annually.^[iii]

With at least one in three South African adults^[iv] likely to experience a mental health disorder in their lifetimes and employed people spending the bulk of their waking hours at work, the South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP) has highlighted that the workplace plays a key role in mental health.

“Good, meaningful work and mentally healthy work environments are beneficial for protecting mental health as well as aiding recovery from mental illness. Prioritising mental health in the workplace not only improves individual employees’ wellbeing but supports organisational performance and economic growth,” SASOP member and psychiatrist Dr Siki Gwanya-Mdletye said.

Speaking ahead of World Mental Health Day which was hosted on 10 October, Dr Gwanya-Mdletye said that strengthening the mental health aspect of workplace health services could also offer an innovative solution to the country’s large mental health treatment gap, which sees 75% of those with common mental health disorders^[v] such as depression and anxiety going untreated.

The theme of World Mental Health Day this year was “It’s time to prioritise mental health in the workplace”.

“The workplace can contribute both positively and negatively to mental health. Work can provide not only a livelihood but meaning, purpose and satisfaction, while unhealthy organisational cultures or exposure to trauma in the workplace can worsen mental illness for vulnerable individuals.

“Given South Africa’s high prevalence of mental illness and the substantial treatment gap, the workplace can also provide a good location for structured interventions to supplement the under-resourced community level of mental healthcare.

“Such interventions need to go beyond feel-good pamper sessions and spa-days at work, as lovely as these may be,” she said.

Dr Gwanya-Mdletye said that a greater mental health focus in employee wellness programmes and workplace-based healthcare services held a number of benefits, starting with early detection and referral for treatment.

Early referral for primary-level treatment had been shown to shorten the duration of illness and improve long-term health outcomes, as well as reducing the need for costly specialist care or hospitalisation, she said.

Locating mental health interventions in the workplace also has the benefit of consistency in treatment, since workers go to work most days of the week and workplace health services would be an “ally in treatment adherence”, as lack of adherence to treatment is a major challenge in successfully treating mental illness.

“This approach also retains the mental health benefits of engaging in meaningful work, and enables those with a mental health condition to continue earning a living, remaining a productive member of society and maintaining independence and dignity.

“Given South Africa’s high unemployment rate, there are significant limitations in a unilateral focus on employees. Ideally, responsible work-based mental health interventions should broaden their reach at the very least to the families of the employees they serve, and possibly to their immediate communities if resources allow,” she said.

REFERENCES

[i] World Health Organisation (WHO). 2017. “Depression: let’s talk” says WHO, as depression tops list of causes of ill health. https://www.who.int/news/item/30-03-2017–depression-let-s-talk-says-who-as-depression-tops-list-of-causes-of-ill-health

[ii] Evans-Lacko, S., Knapp, M. Global patterns of workplace productivity for people with depression: absenteeism and presenteeism costs across eight diverse countries. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 51, 1525–1537 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-016-1278-4

[iii] WHO. Mental health at work. https://www.who.int/teams/mental-health-and-substance-use/promotion-prevention/mental-health-in-the-workplace

[iv] Herman AA, et al. The South African Stress and Health (SASH) Study: 12-month and lifetime prevalence of common mental disorders. SA Medical Journal, Vol 99, No. 5. 2009. http://www.samj.org.za/index.php/samj/article/view/3374

[v] Sorsdahl K, et al. A reflection of the current status of the mental healthcare system in South Africa. SSM – Mental Health, Volume 4, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmmh.2023.100247

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Postpartum depression, often shrouded in misunderstanding and stigma, is a silent struggle faced by many new mothers. With World Mental Health Day approaching, it’s important for us to inform ourselves about mothers’ mental and emotional well-being as opposed to passing judgment or looking the other way.

South Africa (09 October 2024) – It is Mental Health Awareness Month, and while the term “mental health” has come to be widely used, it is still a subject that is wildly misunderstood due to its complexities.

That is why we are so grateful for educational platforms such as the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) and experts who shed light on relevant mental health topics that can help us better understand our emotions, challenges, stresses and how we show up for our loved ones.

One of many important mental health topics is Postpartum Depression (PPD), which can so easily be considered as bad parenting or a lack of love or maternal instinct from a new mom.

A mother’s silent struggle

Motherhood is a beautiful journey for both the mum and her little one, but it is also a demanding, life-altering one that comes with a rollercoaster of other emotions, physical and hormonal changes, as well as unexpected challenges.

While trying to nurture a new baby, oftentimes, the mom is still required to show up for the different areas of her life as if she hasn’t undergone a major life change. Many can feel like being too tired, struggling or being overstimulated is a bad thing due to the pressures of being “a great mother” or failing to show up as one.

Touching on the topic of new moms navigating mental health challenges and the stigma attached to it, SADAG shared a Glamour article on insights into PPD by Dr Bavi Vythilingum, a psychiatrist specialising in women’s Mental Health at Netcare Akeso Kenilworth.

According to Vythilingum, the most common features of PPD are feeling down or low, feeling bad about yourself, not being able to bond with the baby, or not being interested in the baby.

“Women with postpartum depression are often seen as being bad mothers or not grateful enough for their new baby.

“It’s important to note that this is not true and the hallmarks of clinical depression, including feelings of apathy, helplessness and hopelessness, affect the mother’s ability to mother. Once perinatal or post-partum depression is identified, there are highly effective treatment options,” the psychiatrist says.

Vythilingum also states that PPD can cause a lot of anxiety for mothers regarding their babies. It can lead to difficulty sleeping, even when the baby is asleep. They may feel low and apathetic, and this often hinders their ability to care for themselves and their child.

Breaking the stigma surrounding PPD

Many of us have heard about “childhood traumas” and Vythilingum also touches on how PPD can severely affect the mother’s children, particularly as they become young adults. So it is important to address the mother’s well-being to avoid a cycle of mental health issues in her family.

Love and care are key! The healthcare expert stresses the importance of loved ones supporting new moms experiencing PPD. This can look like seeking professional help from your obstetrician/gynaecologist or mental health professional.

They can provide a proper assessment and start treatment, helping mothers overcome this challenge and begin a journey of healing and resilience!

Sources: SADAG / Glamour

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In a world that often feels overwhelming and isolating, Poetry Africa offers a beacon of light through its festival that emphasises the transformative role that creative expression can play in fostering emotional and spiritual recovery.

Durban, KwaZulu-Natal (04 October 2024) – Words are so powerful. They have the ability to inspire and build a person up and quite drastically do the opposite, too.

Choosing to focus on the beauty and healing power of words, this Mental Health Awareness Month is the Poetry Africa Festival under the theme: Somehow We Survive.

Offering much-needed support in a world grappling with mental health challenges, this year’s festival highlights the connection between the healing powers of poetry and mental well-being.

The empowering event will run from 3 to 12 October 2024 in both Durban and Johannesburg, with online access for a global audience.

Now in its 28th edition, Poetry Africa, presented by the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, brings together a diverse lineup of local and international poets whose work resonates with themes of survival, mental health, and spiritual healing.

The festival acknowledges the challenges of mental health issues across societies and the role that creative expression can play in fostering emotional and spiritual recovery.

“Art, and poetry in particular, has always served as a mirror to our innermost emotions, offering solace and understanding in ways that few other mediums can.

“At a time when the world is grappling with a mental health crisis, this festival wants to offer a much-needed space for reflection, healing, and collective hope,” said festival curator Siphindile Hlongwa.

In recognition of World Mental Health Day on 10 October, Poetry Africa includes a special online session titled “Healers Pot” on 9 October, focusing on poetry’s therapeutic and spiritual significance.

Hosted by renowned poet Vangile Gantsho, known for her work on poetry as a medium of healing, gantsho has spent years exploring the intersection between creativity and mental well-being.

The panel will feature celebrated poets Busisiwe Mahlangu, Siza Nkosi, Luleka Mhlanzi, Pralini Naidoo, and Malika Ndlovu, all of whom have woven their mental health journeys into their poetic expressions.

Poetry Africa’s programme, including performances, panel discussions, and workshops, provides poets and audiences alike the opportunity to connect deeply with these themes, encouraging dialogues around mental health, resilience, and healing.

From poetic tributes to South African legends like Keorapetse Kgositsile and Dennis Brutus to dynamic spoken word performances by artists from across the globe, Poetry Africa continues its mission to be a catalyst for social change through artistic expression.

With poets hailing from Uganda, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, the USA, and beyond, the festival unites voices from around the world, reflecting the universal need for healing and connection.

Poetry Africa will also feature the annual Slam Poetry Competition, where young voices take the stage to share their stories of survival, identity, and empowerment.

The competition has become a highlight of the festival, offering participants the opportunity to compete for the title of South Africa’s Slam Champion and represent the country on the world stage.

This high-energy event is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to engage and inspire, especially among the youth, who often use it to grapple with and articulate their mental health journey.

Audiences can attend Poetry Africa 2024 both in person and online.

For the full programme and ticket details, visit the Poetry Africa website at http://poetryafrica.ukzn.ac.za or follow the festival on social media.

Sources: Poetry Africa

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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