On the 27^th of October, CEO of In On Africa (IOA) and Founder of Voices Unite, Jonathan Mundell joined the initiative’s LIVE session with The South African College of Applied Psychology (SACAP), to discuss mental health awareness. The session unpacked the underlying causes for the prevalence of mental health issues in South Africa, what resources youth can get to deal with these issues and how we can raise awareness. As we all know, October is mental health awareness month and this is not only to educate people but also to reduce the stigma that lies behind it. According to the World Health Organisation, there is no ‘official’ definition of mental health. More than half of South Africans are diagnosed with a mental illness in their lifetime but not everyone receives the help that they need.

Very few individuals seek treatment for their mental illnesses, however, they can be treated at the nearest hospital, clinic or healthcare facility. Even though mental illness is common and can affect anyone, there is still a great stigma attached thus creating a reluctance and shame in seeking the help needed. The acceptance and understanding of mental illnesses have come a long way from where it used to be, but improvements have gradually developed over the past few years. Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding mental health keeps people from getting necessary help but receiving help is the most important thing a person can do for themselves. Mental illness should not be something to be ashamed of or thought of differently. It is treated equally to other illnesses and more people have the courage to get help and better their lives. With all the prevalent measures to treat mental health disorders, it is no longer considered a taboo like it was in the past.

The arrival of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic has not made the year easy. For some, it has not affected them at all and for others, it feels like the end. Fear and anxiety about a new disease can be overwhelming and the curiosity of what happens after that. With all of us in self-quarantine, this may cause a whirlwind of emotions in both adults and children. Precautionary measures such as social distancing can make people feel isolated and lonely and this increases stress, anxiety and depression amongst us. The main contributing factors to mental illness include abuse, trauma, loneliness, poverty, stress etc. These are all common to everyone but we all experience them in different circumstances during this pandemic. In addition, the loss of jobs, people who are working from home for the duration of the pandemic and students are learning online from home have all impacted mental health. For many students learning online and self-isolation have also negatively contributed to mental health problems as they have to adapt to the new nature of learning and the unknown future circumstances with regards to their education. Employers are encouraged to have programmes that promote and support mental health for employees working from home to check up on them and provide the necessary resources to cope and remain productive during this period.

The sooner the problems are recognised, the better it is to treat the illness. Experts suggest that mental health and mental illness are not antonyms, in other words, should there be an absence of a recognised mental illness, this does not necessarily mean it is a sign of good mental health. Just as physical fitness helps our bodies keep strong, mental fitness helps us to achieve and sustain a state of good mental health. This helps us deal and cope with bad times and events that happen in our daily lives. The benefits of good mental health results in us being able to cope with normal stresses, become more productive, build self-esteem and reduce anxiety. Learning different coping skills helps to build resilience and ensure good mental health. Coping with stress in a healthy way will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger.

So, during these times of increased social distancing and self-quarantine, it is important for us to still maintain social connections and care for our mental health. Phone calls or video chats can help you and your loved ones feel socially connected, less lonely, or isolated. Mental health should be highlighted and given the importance because by doing so together as a community of people, it is then that we can overcome the pandemic and trauma.