Kasi mental health remains a critical yet overlooked aspect of well-being. While issues such as unemployment, poverty and inadequate housing receive attention, the mental health challenges faced by residents often linger in the shadows, unspoken and untreated.

Unlike physical illnesses that prompt immediate concern and intervention, mental health issues such as mood disorders are frequently ignored.

This oversight stems partly from the absence of visible symptoms. In areas where resources are scarce, mental health struggles are often overshadowed by the daily fight for survival.

The way people perceive and react to mental health issues in townships is deeply influenced by their socio-economic environment.

Families grappling with financial difficulties, inadequate healthcare, and a lack of mental health awareness are less likely to recognise and address psychological distress.

The weight of community struggles often takes precedence over individual mental health needs.

Stigma also plays a significant role in this neglect. Mental illness is still widely misunderstood, and people experiencing emotional instability or confusion are often stigmatised.

This stigma is rooted in a lack of knowledge and a discomfort with behaviours that deviate from the norm.

Mental health issues are silently but steadily taking root in South African townships. | Alex Green pexels

In the Nguni culture, there’s a saying, “Indoda ayikhali”, meaning “a man doesn’t cry.” This phrase encapsulates the pressure on men to suppress their emotions, equating vulnerability with weakness.

Such cultural norms further discourage open discussions about mental health, especially among men.

An insightful piece by the “Daily Sun” delved into the mental well-being of men in Soweto, a renowned township in Johannesburg.

The article highlighted interviews with several men, revealing their thoughts on mental health. Many expressed a reluctance to discuss their feelings due to the fear of being perceived as weak.

Mental health issues are silently but steadily taking root in South African townships. Recent data shows that at least 30% of individuals living in these areas exhibit symptoms of depression, while about 25% are affected by anxiety disorders.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) rates hover around 15% to 20%, and substance abuse disorders impact roughly 10% to 15% of this population.

The socio-economic triggers

The worsening mental health conditions in townships are closely linked to their unique socio-economic challenges. A staggering unemployment rate of just under 33% leaves many residents without a stable income, exacerbating stress and anxiety.

Crime also plays a significant role in deteriorating mental health. South Africa’s crime index is currently 75.4, the highest on the continent.

Although crime has decreased in recent years, township communities still face acute crime conditions due to under-servicing, gangsterism and rising violence.

Dr Thabo Mogotlane, a specialist psychiatrist at Mediclinic Legae, sheds light on the issue: “Residing in areas with limited infrastructure and substandard living conditions can trigger emotions of isolation, despair and helplessness. This is exacerbated by inequalities in education and health care.

“Lack of access to these services can evoke feelings of hopelessness and low self-worth, all of which can negatively impact mental health.”

Advice on how to mitigate the problem:

Start with access: For this reason, addressing these social issues strategically and systematically is imperative to the general health and well-being of the entire nation, given the high volumes of South Africans who make up our township communities.

Communities can strive towards tackling the root causes of mental health disorders and fostering psychological wellness.

Improving access to mental health services in under-serviced and under-resourced locations is arguably the primary objective that needs to be addressed, according to Mogotlane.

Enhance community support: Raising awareness about mental health concerns in a bid to diminish stigma through educational initiatives and outreach.

The stigmatisation of people with mental health issues is in fact one of the major hurdles that patients in townships face in their journey to long-term recovery.

“We need to facilitate open dialogues between patients, their families, and their communities. It’s also important that this work is enhanced by support groups and counselling that is culturally sensitive and language-appropriate.

“For this reason, we’ve ensured that our team includes social workers who work with patients’ families to help them integrate into the community after treatment and reduce the risk of a relapse.”

Prioritise quality care

Another key issue is the need for patients in townships, to enjoy mental health services that are of the same quality and calibre as those offered in more resourced locations.

Promote long-term recovery

“One of the messages we emphasise is that immediate treatment is just as important as ongoing treatment – we need to provide the space and resources to enable immediate interventions but after-care support is just as important.”

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