Understanding mental health stigma in South Africa: Breaking the silence

IOL News

19-05-2025

Many people suffer in silence.
Image: Freepik
While mental health is an essential component of one's overall well-being, it continues to remain a deeply stigmatised issue in South Africa, even though the topic has gained awareness globally.
In South African communities, conversations around mental health are still clouded by fear, shame, and misunderstanding.
The stigma surrounding mental illness often discourages people from seeking help, which worsens the challenges already posed by a strained public healthcare system, a shortage of trained professionals, and limited access to treatment, particularly in rural and disadvantaged areas.
According to research from the South African Stress and Health (SASH) study and other sources, South Africa has a high prevalence of mental health issues.
Approximately one in three South Africans will experience a mental disorder at some point in their lives.
This includes various conditions such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and substance use disorders.
Cultural and social roots of stigma
Mental health stigma in South Africa is largely shaped by cultural beliefs, traditional practices, and what society perceives as normal.
In many communities, mental illness is misunderstood and often linked to witchcraft, ancestral punishment, or spiritual possession.
These perceptions encourage people to seek help from spiritual healers instead of mental health professionals.
Lack of awareness is another major factor.
Many people are unaware of what mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder actually entail.
As a result, those who suffer are often seen as lazy, weak or simply looking for attention.
Such attitudes reinforce harmful stereotypes and discourage people from talking about their struggles.
Societal expectations also play a significant role in fuelling stigma.
Men, in particular, are expected to be emotionally resilient and endure pain or hardship, which often prevents them from expressing vulnerability or seeking help.
This contributes to high rates of depression and suicide among South African men.
The impact of stigma
The consequences of mental health stigma are profound and far-reaching.
People who struggle with mental illness often do so in silence, fearing judgment or rejection from their families, friends and even their employers.
Many delay or avoid treatment altogether, which can lead to a worsening of symptoms and an increased risk of self-harm or suicide.
Stigma can also lead to social exclusion and discrimination, reducing a person's opportunities for employment, education, and meaningful relationships.
Without adequate support, individuals may find themselves trapped in a cycle of poverty, isolation, and deteriorating health.
Pathways to destigmatisation
Addressing mental health stigma in South Africa requires a multi-dimensional and inclusive approach.
One of the most important steps would certainly be public education.
Nationwide awareness campaigns can help debunk myths and inform people about the nature of mental illnesses, their causes, and their treatments.
Incorporating mental health education into the school curriculum from an early age can foster understanding and empathy in young people.
By learning to talk about mental health openly, students are more likely to support their friends in need and seek help when needed.
Public figures and celebrities have the power to influence public opinion and should be encouraged to speak candidly about their own mental health journeys.
Their stories can challenge stereotypes and demonstrate that mental health struggles are a universal human experience, not a personal failure.
The workplace must also become a safer space for mental well-being.
Employers need to promote open dialogue, offer mental health days, and, where possible to provide access to counselling services.
Employees who feel supported are more likely to thrive both in the workplace and personally.
Every South African deserves the right to live with dignity and access to quality mental healthcare.
By breaking the silence and challenging the stigma, we can move toward a future where mental health is not a hidden struggle but a shared responsibility.
IOL Lifestyle