South Africa is reported to have a high prevalence of depression, with some cases untreated, says Dr Themba Hadebe, clinical executive at Bonitas Medical Fund, who provides some insights into mental health and how to access help.
Hadebe reveals the economic uncertainty, political instability and poor socio-economic conditions in South Africa have also added to the burden of mental health issues.
Mental health disorders are medical diseases akin to diabetes, cancer, or HIV/AIDS, with 1 in 5 individuals displaying plausible symptoms, Hadebe notes.
“We can’t expect someone to ‘pull themselves together’. They simply can’t. But with the right support and help, symptoms can be relieved, and the recovery rate is encouraging.”
Hadebe reports a significant rise in member mental health hospital admissions, highlighting the need for additional support, particularly in the 18 to 44 age groups.
South Africa’s National Mental Health Policy Framework reveals 80% of mental health support needs are not addressed, with depression ranking five and bipolar disorder seven among the top ten chronic conditions.
He said that specialised mental health programmes, including medication, therapy, and counselling, are available through private medical aid, community-based services, or NGOs, to effectively treat most mental illnesses.
A Bonitas Mental Health Programme (MHP) app provides information that addresses depression, aiming to improve quality of life and empower individuals with mental health issues through education, support, and resources.
“The app provides easy access to expert help, mental health information, and community support,” explains Dr Hadebe.
“It serves as a triage system for people with psychosocial issues. Users sign in anonymously, and almost all the care they receive on the app is anonymised, meaning there is significantly less fear of stigma or being identified by peers.”
The app provides a safe space for learning, discussing parenting and depression, and offering digital forest sessions, assessments, private therapy, and text-based chat for tailored care.
It is explained that stigmatisation of mental health conditions should not deprive individuals of their human rights or exclude them from decision-making about their own health.
Many are excluded from community life and discriminated against, while many more cannot access the mental health care they need.
“Fortunately, increasingly well-known and influential people who are suffering from or have overcome mental illness are being more open about it,” says Dr Hadebe.
”This will go a long way towards debunking myths, negativity, discrimination, and judgement.”
The Star
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za