Mental health is a human right, access and equity is a social justice issue – SADAG
Mental health is a human right, access and equity is a social justice issue – SADAG Kwatsaduza – One in three South Africans will or do have a mental illness at some point in their lifetime.
Kwatsaduza – One in three South Africans will or do have a mental illness at some point in their lifetime.
World Mental Health Awareness Day is an opportunity for people and communities to unite, improve knowledge, raise awareness and drive actions that promote and protect everyone’s mental health.
This was shared by SADAG board member and psychiatrist Dr Mashadi Motlana as part of the commemoration for World Mental Health Day 2023 under the global theme ‘Mental Health is a Universal Human Right’.
Motlana said, “Mental healthcare is a human right and advocating for access and equity is a social justice issue.
“Nowhere in the world do mental healthcare services enjoy parity with physical health, in terms of funding. Stigma continues to be a significant barrier to quality care, social integration, and employment opportunities,” she said.
Motlana explained mental illness can impact physical health, well-being, how people connect with others, and their livelihoods.
“Mental health conditions affect an increasing number of adolescents and young people.
“A call for more services dedicated to children and adolescents is a reflection of commitment to nurturing the well-being and future of the younger generation.
“By investing in NGOs and youth-focused programmes, we provide essential support for those in need and contribute to creating a more resilient society. It is time to take a stand and make mental health matter”.
Psychiatrist and chairperson of the SA Mental Health Alliance, Dr Mvuyiso Talatala, added that less than 4% of the national health budget goes to mental healthcare. The majority of that budget is allocated to inpatient hospital care.
“There is not nearly enough budget and resources allocated for outpatient programmes to help patients once they leave hospitals, and not enough money invested in community mental health systems.”
SADAG operations director Cassey Chambers said, “At the beginning of 2023, the government reduced the national health budget, which also means a reduction in the mental health allocation.
“The mental healthcare system was already under strain before Covid-19. The mental health impact of Covid has increased the demand for services and care and we desperately need more investment into mental healthcare in South Africa now than ever.
“The instability of the economy, climate and life in general negatively impact mental health.”
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SADAG founder Zane Wilson added a spike in anxiety and depression since the Covid-19 lockdown and the current cost-of-living crisis, particularly fuel increases and the financial strain, can also add to people’s problems.
Trauma, violence and rape, along with family issues, can make things much worse.
On World Mental Health Day (October 10), SADAG encouraged all South Africans to #GoGreenForMentalHealth, by rallying and encouraging peers, colleagues, friends and loved ones to wear green, be decorated in green and come up with creative ways to #GoGreen.
SADAG provides support through more than 30 toll-free helplines, available 24 hours a day and provides counselling, support and referrals to callers in need.
They have over 180 free support groups around the country that offer supplementary mental health aftercare.
They provide training and webinars on various mental health issues to help raise awareness and destigmatise mental health.
For more information on the various activities planned for October and how to get involved, visit www.sadag.org
