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World Trauma Day – 17 October 2024

World Trauma Day – 17 October 2024

by | Oct 17, 2024 | Community and Engagement, Mental Health Advocacy, Mental Health Calendar, Trauma and Violence Division (TVD)

World Trauma Day

Trauma is a significant contributor to disability and mental disorders, as highlighted by the World Health Organization (WHO, 2023), which reports approximately 5 million deaths annually due to violence and trauma. Low- and middle-income countries bear a disproportionate burden of trauma-related fatalities and injuries. In South Africa, the lifetime prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) stands at 2.3% among the general population (Swain, Pillay, & Kleiwer, 2017). Trauma manifests as an emotional response to events perceived as life-threatening, causing extreme distress and compromising an individual’s bodily and psychological well-being (Hatcher et al., 2019). Such experiences can adversely affect personal functioning, relationships, and occupational performance, leading to various mental health challenges. The impact of trauma intensifies when access to care and treatment is limited, a situation faced by many South Africans living amidst high levels of violence and insufficient mental health resources (Kola et al., 2021). South Africa’s reality is marked by pervasive violence and trauma, compounded by a lack of accessible mental health services, particularly for those affected by socio-economic disparities (Felitti et al., 2019). This vulnerability, rooted in the nation’s traumatic history of racial division, exacerbates mental health disorders. Unaddressed trauma risks further perpetuating cycles of suffering, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach to reduce violence and promote mental health support across various societal sectors, ultimately fostering hope for a more equitable future.

Reference list

Hatcher AM, Gibbs A, Jewkes R, McBride R-S, Peacock D, Christofides N. Effect of childhood poverty and trauma on adult depressive symptoms among young men in peri-urban south african settlements. J Adolesc Health. 2019;64(1):79–85.

Kola L, Kohrt BA, Hanlon C, Naslund JA, Sikander S, Balaji M, et al. COVID-19 mental health impact and responses in low-income and middle-income countries: reimagining global mental health. The Lancet Psychiatry. 2021;8(6):535–50.

Felitti VJ, Anda RF, Nordenberg D, Williamson DF, Spitz AM, Edwards V, et al. Reprint of: relationship of childhood abuse and household dysfunction to many of the leading causes of death in adults: the adverse childhood experiences (ACE) study. Am J Prev Med. 2019;56(6):774–86.

Swain, K. D., Pillay, B. J., & Kliewer, W. (2017). Traumatic stress and psychological functioning in a South African adolescent community sample. South African Journal of Psychiatry, 23.

World Health Organisation (WHO). (2024). Injuries and violence. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/injuries-and-violence

Mental Health: A Journey, Not a Dichotomy

Mental Health: A Journey, Not a Dichotomy

by | Oct 16, 2024 | Community and Engagement, Mental Health Advocacy, Mental Health Calendar, The South African Association for Counselling Psychology (SAACP)

Dr Daniel Page

Dr. Daniel Page is a South African entrepreneur, researcher, and global mental health advocate. As the founder and CEO of Psyche Innovations, he develops digital tools to make mental health care accessible, affordable, and evidence-based globally, particularly for underserved communities. With a PhD in Psychology from the University of Queensland, Dr. Page’s research focuses on building resilience and promoting mental well-being in youth and adults. Driven by the personal loss of his brother to suicide, his mission is to transform how mental health is addressed globally. Dr. Page is a multi published researcher and grant recipient, and is recognised as a leader by the American Psychological Association​​​​​.

Mental Health: A Journey, Not a Dichotomy

by Dr Daniel Page

Many of us mistakenly think of mental health as something binary—you’re either mentally healthy or you’re not, right? But mental health isn’t just the absence of illness or the presence of happiness. It’s an essential part of overall well-being, just as vital as physical health. Like physical health, it exists on a continuum—ranging from thriving on one end to struggling on the other.

Unfortunately, many people still view mental health as a polarity: either you’re “fine” or you’re “in crisis.” In reality, it’s much more nuanced. Throughout life, we move up and down this continuum, shifting as we encounter stressors, challenges, and moments of joy. So, what does this mean for you?

Most of us approach mental well-being reactively, seeking help only after warning signs have turned into crises. It’s like going to the doctor only after ignoring symptoms for months—or being surprised by health issues after never exercising or eating well. Just as we don’t wait for a heart attack to start exercising, we shouldn’t wait for a mental breakdown to take care of our mental health.

Think about it: when you brush your teeth, eat a balanced diet, and stay active, you’re not just preventing illness—you’re investing in long-term health. The same principle applies to mental well-being. By managing stress, working on emotional regulation, and building resilience, you create a buffer that helps you navigate life’s inevitable storms. So why don’t we treat mental health with the same care?

The Shift Towards Proactive Mental Well-being

Thankfully, the world is waking up to the importance of proactive mental health. More people now see the benefits of improving their mental well-being before issues arise. So, when asked, “If your life could be healthier, happier, and more harmonious, wouldn’t you want to pursue it?” the response is always, “Yes, but where do I start?”

That’s where things get tricky. We live in a world that offers quick-fix solutions—whether it’s a trendy ice bath or a miracle pill—but the truth is, mental well-being is more like maintaining a balanced diet. There is no instant remedy. Real improvement takes time, effort, and consistency.

The Building Blocks of Mental Health

Understanding the building blocks of mental health is the first step. These elements can be strengthened through learning new skills, developing competencies, and making positive behaviour changes.

At Psyche Innovations, we emphasise evidence-based approaches to help individuals develop these skills and take control of their mental health journey.

Mental Skills Training

Developing mental health is about building a psychological toolkit—skills that apply in everyday life. These might include managing stress, practising mindfulness, or building confidence through self-talk. Like tools for physical tasks, these mental skills help you handle emotional challenges, foster focus, and build resilience.

Goal-Setting for Success

A key part of mental well-being is setting goals that feel achievable. Using SMART goal-setting, individuals break larger objectives into manageable steps, stacking smaller wins for visible progress.

Resources for Growth

For those looking to take the next step in their mental health journey, we offer a range of tools and resources to guide the way. Check out the Psyche: Mental Health app and see what we are up to on social media.

World Mental Health Day – 10 October 2024

World Mental Health Day – 10 October 2024

by | Oct 10, 2024 | Community and Engagement, Mental Health Advocacy, Mental Health Calendar, Society for Educational Psychology of South Africa (SEPSA)

World Mental Health Day

It is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace

Mental Health Awareness began in 1949 by Mental Health America, and spread throughout the world.

World Mental Health Day is on 10 October, and the month of October is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month.

The theme for 2024 is, “It is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace.” The purpose of this campaign is to create awareness about mental health illnesses, consider ways of coping, reduce the stigma attached to mental illnesses, and to support those living with mental illnesses.

Many types of mental illnesses such as Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Eating Disorders, Personality Disorders, Post-traumatic Disorders, Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorders and others, significantly affect the lives and activities of daily living of those afflicted.

Research undertaken by Wits and published on 14/11/2022, reveals that South Africans suffer higher rates of probable depression and anxiety than other countries.  The contributors are adverse childhood experiences, socio-economic status, geographic location, age, marital status and education levels. To address the problem, the research proposes that more mental health services are urgently needed together with intervention and counselling programmes, more skilled health professionals and more budget for prevention, treatment and support strategies.

Employers and businesses should ensure that space and time is provided where employees can discuss their mental health problems and seek the necessary help. When attention to mental health is provided, people tend to have better working relationships, are loyal, productive and happier. In turn this boosts the sales or productivity of the Companies that they work for.

As individuals we should endeavor to have a work/life balance in order to avoid burn-out. This may include taking a break to relax, engaging in Mindfulness exercises, managing relationships, pursuing hobbies or special interests in free time, doing physical exercises, caring for others, involvement in community work, and talking about your feelings when overwhelmed.

“Life doesn’t make sense without interdependence. We need each other, and the sooner we learn that, the better for us all.” – Erik Erikson.

by Dr Guru Kistnasamy
SEPSA ExCo Member

One Year of the Ongoing Genocide in Gaza

One Year of the Ongoing Genocide in Gaza

by | Oct 7, 2024 | Community and Engagement, PsySSA Announcements

As we mark the first anniversary of the ongoing genocide in Gaza, we mourn the horrific loss of more than 41,000 lives, with the overwhelming majority being women and children – innocent civilians who posed no military threat. The deliberate targeting and murder of vulnerable populations, especially children, is a profound violation of human dignity and an affront to the very principles of humanity. The psychological trauma inflicted on survivors is one of multiple tragic and enduring consequences of the genocide.

We stand in solidarity with African and global rights-based movements in unequivocally condemning the ongoing atrocities in Gaza. We call for immediate and just solutions that end the cycle of violence and oppression, rejecting the systemic dehumanisation of one group by another – an injustice South Africa has experienced firsthand under apartheid.

We urgently appeal to the international community to not remain silent or passive in the face of these atrocities. Now, more than ever, the global community is called to demand accountability, pursue peace, and protect the dignity and lives of the Palestinian people.

Mental Health: A Journey, Not a Dichotomy

Mental Health Awareness Month – October 2024

by | Oct 4, 2024 | Community and Engagement, Division for Research and Methodology (DRM), Mental Health Advocacy, Mental Health Calendar

World Mental Health Day 2024

Brief history of World Mental Health Day

by Mr Sulaiyman Philander from the Division of Research and Methodology 

World Mental Health Day is a global initiative founded by the World Federation for Mental Health (2022). First celebrated on October 10, 1992, it aims to promote mental health advocacy and educate the public about mental health issues. Over the last three decades, it has become an annual observance encouraging individuals to reflect on their mental well-being and engage in conversations about mental health. This year, the focus is on mental health in the workplace, an area gaining attention due to the increasing pressures of modern work life. The 2024 theme, “It’s Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace,” highlights the need for a holistic approach, advocating for mental health awareness and practices that foster thriving work environments (Akiyama, 2024).

South Africa: A unique perspective

Work-related stress, long hours, and the blurring of work-life boundaries — particularly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and South Africa’s complex economic climate — have made it crucial for both employees and employers to take a proactive role in mental health care (Kotera et al., 2021; Van Der Vaart & De Beer, 2021). Employers should remain cognisant of the relationship between promoting positive mental health, a motivated work force and productivity. Creating supportive work environments, preventing burnout, and providing accessible mental health resources for employees align with both this year’s theme and existing literature.

In South Africa, the workplace poses unique challenges, especially for emerging adults (18-29 years) (Naudé & Esau, 2024; Olonisakin et al., 2024). Many workers face long hours, high stress, and job insecurity, leading to increased rates of burnout and mental health issues (Kotera et al., 2021; Van Der Vaart & De Beer, 2021). The contrast between high unemployment among emerging adults and the pressures on those employed creates a complex dynamic placing significant strain on an already overburdened mental healthcare system. Mental health care, both before joining and within the workplace, is not a luxury but an urgent necessity to ensure individuals remain productive, healthy, and engaged.

This October 10th: Take care of your mental health

World Mental Health Day 2024 reminds us to prioritise our mental health, especially in environments where stress and pressure are common. Whether you are employed or job-seeking, taking time to care for your mental well-being is vital. Mental health involves more than managing stress; it is about cultivating meaningful emotional experiences, nurturing supportive relationships, and maintaining a sense of purpose, regardless of employment status (Van Der Vaart & De Beer, 2021; Van Lill & Bakker, 2022). This year, let us collectively promote mental health by:

  • Being open about workplace struggles and encouraging open dialogue among colleagues.
  • Striving for meaningful and engaging lives, whether employed or unemployed (Thill et al., 2020; Van Der Vaart & De Beer, 2021).
  • Being kind to yourself and others while also utilising existing mental health resources (Kotera et al., 2021).
  • Striving for purpose, whether at work or in our communities (Van Lill & Bakker, 2022).

Mental health support resources:

* OpenAI’s (2024) ChatGPT was utilised to assist with editing and structuring the article.

References

Akiyama, T. (2024, April 17). “It is time to prioritize mental health in the workplace”. World Federation for Mental Health. https://wfmh.global/news/2024.24-04-17_wmhd2024-theme

Kotera, Y., Mayer, C.-H., & Vanderheiden, E. (2021). Cross-cultural comparison of mental health between German and South African employees: Shame, self-compassion, work engagement, and work motivation. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 627851. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.627851

Naudé, L., & Esau, M. (2024). The quest for a “soft life” and the transition into adulthood: Views from South African emerging adult students. Emerging Adulthood, 0(0), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1177/21676968241273135

Olonisakin, T. T., Adedeji, A., & Idemudia, E. S. (2024). Examining psychological outcomes of social inequality for Black South Africans. Studies in Clinical Social Work: Transforming Practice, Education and Research, 94(1), 45–66. https://doi.org/10.1080/00377317.2023.2222171

OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (Sep 13 version) [Large multimodal model]. https://chat.openai.com/

Thill, S., Houssemand, C., & Pignault, A. (2020). Effects of meaning in life and of work on health in unemployment. Health Psychology Open, 7(2), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1177/2055102920967258

Van Der Vaart, L., & De Beer, L. T. (2021). Engaged but exhausted: Work-related wellbeing profiles of South African employees. International Journal of Wellbeing, 11(4), 88–105. https://doi.org/10.5502/ijw.v11i4.1823

Van Lill, R., & Bakker, T. M. (2022). Significance as component of meaning in career narratives of unemployed graduates. South African Journal of Psychology, 52(3), 301–312. https://doi.org/10.1177/00812463211059280

World Federation for Mental Health. (2022, August 22). About the World Mental Health Day. https://wmhdofficial.com/about-the-world-mental-health-day/