The 10th of October marks World Mental Health Day and this years theme is ‘Mental Health in an Unequal World’. This is incredibly relevant to South Africa as we have a huge disparity in treatment and access to Mental Health Care where the quality of Mental Health services is questioned. South Africa does not have enough Mental Health resources such as hospitals, NGO’s, Mental Health Professionals which is quite concerning as the demand for Mental Health care is so high, and increasing since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Throughout this month we have the opportunity to unpack and discuss the serious issues that need fixing. We need to put pressure on the ”powers that be” to take Mental Health seriously and to prioritize Mental Health in South Africa. We have seen a massive impact on Mental Health due to Covid-19 and a signifier of this is the ever-increasing demand on all the SADAG Helplines. Mental health is being highlighted as the second pandemic around the world, but unfortunately the issue of Mental Health does not make it on to the agenda for health budgets or policy makers in South Africa.
SADAG are hosting various events throughout the Month of October to commemorate the importance of Mental Health. Keep up to date with everything SADAG are doing this Mental Health Awareness Month by following our Facebook and Twitter pages for new events, webinars and online chats. Don’t forget to register for the events listed below.
Help Us Make World Mental Health Day, EVERYDAY.
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