Written by Marisa Hendersen, CEO of the Mondia Health Hospital Group
As we enter into Mental Health Awareness Month, it is crucial to spotlight the mental health crisis facing South Africa today. The country has one of the highest prevalence rates of mental health disorders in the world, yet it struggles with a shortage of mental health professionals, inadequate services, and limited resources. These challenges stem from a complex mix of economic, political, and educational factors, along with increasingly fast-paced modern lifestyles.
Mental health is not just about feeling good emotionally—it affects all aspects of life. Conditions like depression and anxiety can disrupt performance at work or school, strain relationships, and diminish the ability to contribute meaningfully to society. Depression alone has become a leading cause of disability in South Africa, impacting millions of people. Despite the growing global focus on mental health, individuals suffering from mental health conditions often face significant stigma and discrimination. It is time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and improve access to quality mental health care in our country.
Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders are widespread in South Africa, affecting all demographics. Studies show that up to 30% of South Africans will suffer from a mental illness at some point in their lives. Despite these alarming numbers, access to mental health care remains limited, with only 0.3 psychiatrists per 100,000 people, according to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG).
The country’s public health system is woefully under-equipped to handle the demand for mental health services, with the private sector absorbing much of the need. This divide leaves many vulnerable people, particularly in rural and impoverished areas, without the care they need. The shortage of mental health professionals, coupled with resource constraints, exacerbates the problem. As a result, many people are left to cope with their mental health challenges on their own, leading to adverse outcomes such as unemployment, homelessness, and even suicide.
Depression has emerged as a common health issue and a leading cause of underperformance and disability in South Africa. Often misunderstood and stigmatized, it is essential to recognize that depression is a medical condition that requires proper treatment. Untreated depression can lead to serious physical, emotional, and social consequences. Unfortunately, the stigma around mental health disorders prevents many people from seeking the help they need.
“People with mental health conditions often experience stigma, discrimination, or even severe human rights violations,” says Marisa Henderson, CEO of Mondia Health, a psychiatric hospital group that provides comprehensive mental health and addiction treatment. “It is essential to increase awareness and reduce stigma around mental health, increase access to quality mental health care, and identify new treatments or improve existing treatments for all mental disorders.”
Mondia Health is committed to help address and alleviate the mental health challenges in South Africa. The hospital group offers treatment and support for individuals struggling with mental health and addiction issues. Their approach revolves around the belief that it is okay not to be okay and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. They work together in teams that include Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Occupational therapists, Social workers, Counsellors, Nurses and admin staff to ensure that patients get the best possible treatment, that is tailor-made to their specific needs.
Marisa Henderson and her team at Mondia Health aim to create an environment that supports mental well-being. While the Psychiatrists and Psychologists focus on the diagnosis and management of medication and symptoms, Mondia Health’s treatment programs are designed with a focus on holistic wellness and building necessary skills to be able to thrive, instead of just survive. Henderson explains, “At Mondia, we talk about ‘wellness’ a lot because it is at the heart of our approach. A wellness lifestyle enables us to provide a continuum of care to our patients, helping them thrive despite life’s ongoing external and internal challenges.”
Mondia Health incorporates a multi-dimensional approach to wellness that touches on various aspects of an individual’s life. Henderson and her team focus on these eight dimensions to promote a balanced, healthy lifestyle:
- Emotional Wellness: Managing emotions and fostering a positive self-image.
- Physical Wellness: Maintaining physical health through activity, nutrition, and sleep.
- Social Wellness: Building and maintaining supportive relationships.
- Intellectual Wellness: Continual learning and intellectual growth.
- Occupational Wellness: Finding personal satisfaction in one’s work and career.
- Financial Wellness: Managing financial resources effectively.
- Environmental Wellness: Understanding how our surroundings affect our health.
- Spiritual Wellness: Finding purpose and meaning in life.
This wellness framework emphasizes that good mental health is not simply the absence of illness but the presence of a well-rounded, balanced lifestyle. By addressing these eight dimensions, individuals can revitalize themselves and build resilience to cope with life’s inevitable challenges.
To break the cycle of stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health, it is essential to have open conversations. Mondia Health encourages everyone to acknowledge their mental health needs, seek support, and promote mental health awareness. In doing so, we can begin to tackle the mental health crisis in South Africa and ensure that everyone has access to the care and support they deserve.
As Viktor E. Frankl once said, “Those who have a ‘why’ to live can bear with almost any ‘how.'” Mondia Health embraces this philosophy, helping patients find their “why” through wellness-focused care, ensuring that they can navigate the “how” of life’s challenges.
During Mental Health Awareness Month, let us all commit to fostering a culture of mental health awareness and care. Whether through supporting loved ones, seeking treatment, or promoting education about mental health, we all have a role to play.
Remember, it’s okay not to be okay, and seeking help is the first step toward healing.
For more information about Mondia Health facilities in your area, visit www.mondiahealth.co.za. For immediate help with mental health, call Mondia Health 24-hour helpline at 076 509 4011.
