At least one in three South African adults are likely to experience a mental health disorder in their lifetimes.

World Mental Health Day is celebrated on Thursday (10/10) under the theme: “It’s time to prioritise mental health in the workplace.”

The World Health Organisation (WHO) ranks depression as the leading cause of disability and ill-health worldwide.

“Work can be a significant source of stress and poor mental health, but good work can contribute to better mental health,” said South African Society of Psychiatrists’ (SASOP) specialist psychiatrist, Siki Gwanya-Mdletye, “and the workplace itself can play a positive role in improving access to treatment.”

“Prioritising mental health in the workplace improves employees' wellbeing and supports organisational performance and economic growth. Good, meaningful work and mentally healthy work environments are beneficial for protecting mental health as well as aiding recovery from mental illness.”

Mental health also impacts absenteeism and presenteeism with a massive impact on our country's GDP, she said.

‘Work can provide not only a livelihood but meaning, purpose and satisfaction’

A study conducted by WHO in 2016 found that lost productivity due to depression-related absenteeism and presenteeism costs the South African economy an estimated R232 billion a year.

“Strengthening the mental health aspect of workplace health services could also offer an innovative solution to the country’s large mental health treatment gap, which sees 75% of those with common mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety going untreated.”

“Work can provide not only a livelihood but meaning, purpose and satisfaction, while unhealthy organisational cultures or exposure to trauma in the workplace can worsen mental illness for vulnerable individuals,” she said.

Strengthening the mental health aspect of workplace health services could also offer an innovative solution to the country’s large mental health treatment gap. Photo: Pinterest

A greater mental health focus in employee wellness programmes and workplace-based healthcare services holds several benefits, starting with early detection and referral for treatment, said Gwanya-Mdletye.

In crisis? Seek help:

• Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0800 567 567

• Department of Social Development Substance Abuse Helpline – 0800 12 13 14, SMS 32312

• Cipla Mental Health Helpline – 0800 456 789, SMS 31393

• Healthcare Workers Care Network Helpline – 0800 21 21 21, SMS 43001

OFM News/Zenande Mpame