In a study conducted by the Mental Health and Poverty research Program, it was found that approximately 16.5% of the adult population in South Africa suffers from mental illness, with 1% suffering from a severe life debilitating mental disease .
How common is mental illness in South Africa?
South Africa has a 12-month prevalence estimate of 16.5% for common mental disorders (anxiety, mood and substance use disorders), 1 with almost a third (30.3%) of the population having experienced a common mental disorder in their lifetime.
What is the state of mental health in South Africa?
Data presented by the South African College of Applied Psychology (2018) suggest that one in six South Africans suffers from anxiety, depression, or a substance use disorder , 40% of South Africans living with HIV have a comorbid mental disorder, 41% of pregnant women are depressed, about 60% of South Africans could be ...
How common is depression in South Africa?
In South Africa, an estimated 9.8% of the adult population experience major (clinical) depression at some point in their life 6 , 7 , and despite treatment being available, only 25% have sought treatment and care for a mental disorder (such as depression) within 12 months 8 .
How common is anxiety in South Africa?
Anxiety disorders are a common mental illness in South Africa. Approximately 1 in 5 South Africans are affected each year , according to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG).
Why is mental health important in South Africa?
Providing mental health care services assists people to find ways to cope more effectively with their chronic conditions and can reduce poverty levels . Furthermore, mental disorders are strongly associated with poverty.
Is mental health as important as physical health in South Africa?
There is no health without mental health – it is just as important as physical health since one’s mind and body are inseparable . Even though many mental health problems can be treated at clinics and hospitals, very few South Africans with mental health problems get the help they need.
What can cause mental illness?
- Your genes and family history.
- Your life experiences, such as stress or a history of abuse, especially if they happen in childhood.
- Biological factors such as chemical imbalances in the brain.
- A traumatic brain injury.
- A mother’s exposure to viruses or toxic chemicals while pregnant.
How does Covid 19 affect mental health?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, you may experience stress, anxiety, fear, sadness and loneliness. And mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression, can worsen .
How much does South Africa spend on mental health?
Mental health spending amounted to about R8. 4 billion across all provinces in South Africa in 2016/17. At a national level, this represented 5% of the total health budget.
Can I check myself into a mental hospital South Africa?
Note: If your mental condition is regarded as a threat to society, a court can order you to be committed to a mental institution with or without your consent . You may be admitted as soon as a bed is available.
How many mental health facilities are there in South Africa?
South Africa has 22 dedicated institutions , most of which were built before 1910.
What do you know about mental illness?
Mental illness, also called mental health disorders, refers to a wide range of mental health conditions — disorders that affect your mood, thinking and behavior . Examples of mental illness include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders and addictive behaviors.
How do you get diagnosed with anxiety in South Africa?
How is an anxiety disorder diagnosed? Your doctor will check your physical health (to rule out underlying medical conditions) and give you a psychological evaluation . You can also complete the Generalised Anxiety Disorder questionnaire in the How to recognise and deal with anxiety leaflet.
Where can I study mental health in South Africa?
- SACAP Cape Town Campus.
- SACAP Durban Campus.
- SACAP Johannesburg Campus.
- SACAP Pretoria Campus.
How many people suffer from depression in Africa?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) 2017 estimate, 322 million people are living with depression, and29. 9 million (9%) of these are living in Africa. Depressive disorders are ranked among the top five contributors to the global disease burden [3].
When is Mental Health Awareness Month South Africa?
The month of October has been declared Mental Health Awareness Month with the objective of not only educating the public about mental health but also to reduce the stigma and discrimination that people with mental illness are often subjected to.
What do you mean by depression?
Overview. Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest . Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems.
WHO aims report on mental health system in South Africa?
The World Health Organization Assessment Instrument for Mental Health Systems (WHO-AIMS) was used to collect information on the mental health system in South Africa. The goal of collecting this information is to improve the mental health system and to provide a baseline for monitoring change.
Why mental health is just as important as physical health?
Mental and physical health are equally important components of overall health. For example, depression increases the risk for many types of physical health problems , particularly long-lasting conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
Why do we need mental health awareness?
Raising mental health awareness can help you to understand your symptoms, find professional treatment, and, perhaps most importantly, break the mental health stigma that leaves so many people suffering in secret .
What are the 5 signs of mental illness?
- Excessive paranoia, worry, or anxiety.
- Long-lasting sadness or irritability.
- Extreme changes in moods.
- Social withdrawal.
- Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping pattern.
Can you be born with a mental illness?
Genetics (heredity): Mental illnesses sometimes run in families , suggesting that people who have a family member with a mental illness may be somewhat more likely to develop one themselves. Susceptibility is passed on in families through genes.
Does mental illness run in families?
Scientists have long recognized that many psychiatric disorders tend to run in families , suggesting potential genetic roots. Such disorders include autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, major depression and schizophrenia.
