More than a quarter of South Africa’s population suffers from depression, yet only 1 in 4 seek the necessary help.

Genetics, anxiety, early trauma, traumatic events, different types of abuse, the socio-economic situation, loss, grief, and stress are some of the factors that might cause mental illness.

There are two types of treatments for mental illness – talk therapy also known as psychotherapy, and medication such as anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medication.

?? REMINDER: Your mental health matters!

Here are some tips on how to take care of your #MentalHealth???? pic.twitter.com/WvXHlH80Ds

— WHO African Region (@WHOAFRO) July 13, 2023

“Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realise their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community,” This is a definition given by the World Health Organisation.

“Mental health is an important part of a human being’s health and it allows an individual to be able to live and to thrive in society, to handle stress in a healthier way and to be able to make healthy decisions as well,” said a South African Society of Psychiatrists member, Dr Gagu Matsebula.

There are tools available to assist along the way to recovery and a happy, healthy life.

With fear, uncertainty, and social and economic disturbances emerging throughout the epidemic, Covid-19 intensified depression and anxiety in most South Africans.

“There is, unfortunately, a lot of stigma for people who have mental illness and it is caused by people’s perception as they see these people as mad, they can’t control their emotions, or as weaklings,” said a South African Association of Psychiatrists member, Dr Wium Erasmus.

In order to properly manage depression, it's important to get professional assistance, and there are tools available to assist along the way to recovery and a happy, healthy life.

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