Statement by Hon NH Mhlongo, MP
Today, we observe World Mental Health Day, a global movement to promote awareness, education, and advocacy for mental health.
Mental health affects us all, directly or indirectly. It’s time to break the silence and stigma surrounding mental illness. We must recognize that mental health is just as important as physical health.
Recent data indicates that mental health disorders are widespread, with more than 27% of South Africans experiencing depression. This is attributed in part by the fact that there is an uneven access to mental healthcare, and these being geographical barriers: where you find that in rural areas there are no adequate facilities nor trained personnel to attend to mental healthcare issues. Stigma and Cultural beliefs: stigma reduces the chances of getting help. Workplace limitations: Small and medium workplaces do not have employee support and yet this is where the majority of people are employed and in need of mental healthcare.
Youth and Mental Health
The increasing number of young people needing mental healthcare is a growing concern that requires immediate attention. As the IFP, we call on the relevant departments to implement strategies to address mental health issues, such as exposure to societal pressures like passing matric, peer pressure and other social ills.
Mental Health and Workplace
Given the considerable impact mental health has on the economy, the IFP implores the government to expand healthcare facilities for increased access to quality healthcare and medicines especially in rural areas. Furthermore, the IFP urges partnerships with civil society to ensure that more free drug rehabilitation centers and programmes are available throughout the country thereby ensuring Universal Health Coverage. The IFP urges the government to fix the burgeoning healthcare challenges of understaffing, inadequate resources among others. Private companies can not be left out, data shows there are high levels of burn out, anxiety and stress exacerbated by the need to increase yields and production among employees in the private sector. The IFP sounds a clarion call for urgent attention on the mental health of employees in the private sector.
Conclusion
Mental healthcare remains the responsibility of everyone, let us all unite our efforts to educate each other about mental healthcare, to destigmatize, to mobilise resources for those in need. The IFP firmly believes in uBuntu, we therefore urge that the spirit of uBuntu prevails when we deal with matters of mental health. We urge families to create safe spaces for their loved ones affected by mental health. We also call upon employers to create safe, therapeutic and conducive working space for their employees who may be affected by mental health.
Thank you