Mental Health and Psychology Conference

Mental health and psychological distress continues to emerge with the continued surge in Covid-19 pandemic well into 2021. The devastation of the pandemic — millions of deaths, economic strife and unprecedented curbs on social interaction — has already had a marked effect on people’s mental health.

Researchers worldwide are investigating the causes and impacts of this stress, and some fear that the deterioration in mental health could linger long after the pandemic has subsided. These high levels of grief, stress, uncertainty and anxiety are not an exception in South Africa. A survey conducted by the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) recently showed that two-thirds of South Africans said their mental health worsened during lockdown, and some experienced suicidal thoughts. Factors such as grief, depression, financial strain, job loss and illness during the pandemic are said to be contributing the rising mental health cases in the country. People’s wellbeing has therefore been negatively affected to a greater extent given the social, relational and economic impact of the ravaging pandemic.

Globally, mental health professionals predict that Covid-19 pandemic is going to impact significantly on the mental health of the population with an increase in cases of depression, suicide and self-harm due to the pandemic. According to UNICEF, Half of all mental disorders develop before the age of 15, and the majority of the 800,000 people who die by suicide annually, are under 18s. In addition, the pandemic has disrupted or halted critical mental health services in 93 per cent of countries worldwide. This alone points to the need to tackle mental health issues seriously. There is need to develop and strengthen, as appropriate, and as part of a whole-of-society approach, the timely and quality provision of the full range of mental health services and psychosocial support.

In South Africa, there is no doubt that COVID-19 has exposed a major problem that has been growing for decades. There is need for each citizen to address mental health issues head on and speak more openly on issues pertaining to mental health. On the other hand, a more thoughtful and lasting discussion on how to better support children and families in the future is required urgently.