Most South Africans are not coping mentally

çSouth Africa is not immune and also not coping mentally, ranking high in mental disorders in the Ipsos World Mental Health Survey which surveyed 23,000 individuals in 31 countries.

More than 70% of South Africans find it difficult to cope with life’s demands and more than half have reported feeling so stressed over the past year that they couldn't work. Mental health is a key driver of absenteeism. The Ipsos survey reveals key contributors to high stress levels include poverty, unemployment, social and political unrest and abuse and trauma stemming from exposure to violence.

“Research indicates one in five people have symptoms of probable depression but only 25% receive treatment,” says Dr Themba Hadebe, clinical and managed care executive at Bonitas Medical Fund. “Though the prevalence of depression in our membership is estimated at more than 7.1%, only 2.6% of Bonitas members are registered for chronic benefits related to depression.”

Young people are increasingly vulnerable to mental health problems with issues such as academic pressure, social media influence and uncertain job prospects significant contributors.

“The challenge in South Africa is our mental healthcare system is underfunded and struggling with a severe shortage of resources and mental health professionals. We urgently need to invest in our mental healthcare system including training more health professionals, increasing funding for mental health services, especially at the primary care level, and work to make treatment more accessible, especially for the poor,” says Hadebe.

Raising public awareness about mental health issues can also help reduce the stigma around these topics. “With greater support, expanded access to treatment and reduced stigma, South Africa can work towards a system that addresses the high rates of mental health needs adequately.”

Productivity under pressure: the cost of untreated workplace mental health

A successful business depends on a productive and engaged workforce. But mental health challenges are threatening workplace productivity — affecting interpersonal relationships, driving high turnover and creating unnecessary workplace tension that reduces collaboration. Without proper intervention, businesses face not only financial losses but also a disengaged workforce, with unaddressed mental issues costing the local economy an estimated R161bn per year.

The world of work has put incredible pressure on employees to do more in less time. The added stress of personal and financial challenges has made it difficult for employees to maintain their mental wellbeing.

A survey by the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) found that 75% of employees struggle to switch off from work, even outside office hours. One in four employees is likely to be diagnosed with depression during their career, but only a minority seek help, with many employees continuing to suffer in silence — afraid of the stigma or simply lacking access to the right support.

“Mental health challenges are taking their toll in the workplace, and the numbers speak for themselves,” says Tyran Naidoo, head of Discovery Healthy Company, a digitally enabled, comprehensive employee assistance programme (EAP) and wellness solution. “Globally, 15% of the working population experiences mental illness. This crisis is even more pronounced among younger employees, with data showing that one in seven young adults now register a mental health condition compared to just one in 20 a decade ago.”

While many companies claim to prioritise mental wellness, their initiatives often amount to tick-box exercises like wellness days, an “open-door policy” and office features like sleeping pods or game rooms to promote work-life balance.

“These are good initiatives, but they can be superficial if the underlying cause of mental health challenges, such as personal and financial problems, excessive workloads and unrealistic deadlines, are not addressed. Employers must go beyond the façade of wellbeing to create a genuinely supportive and psychologically safe working environment,” says Naidoo.

There is a growing acknowledgment, he says, that mental health is not a personal problem but a business problem. Struggling employees are less productive and take more time off work, eventually affecting the bottom line, with 12-billion workdays lost every year due to depression and anxiety globally.

 “While individual resilience is important, employers must support their people through structured mental health programmes and create a culture prioritising mental health. This means moving beyond basic employee benefits to structured mental health interventions,” he says.

Healthy Company provides accessible, tailored interventions that address mental health holistically, he reveals. “Our approach combines emotional, financial and legal support, ensuring employees receive help before challenges escalate. From confidential counselling sessions with psychologists and social workers to AI-driven mood tracking and financial wellbeing coaching, we offer practical solutions that empower employees to take control of their mental health.”

In 2025 alone, Healthy Company has already reached out to more than 21,000 employees through various employers who have adopted its EAP offering in South Africa, and who have been flagged as high-risk for mental health concerns, providing them with structured support to navigate their challenges.

“The impact is clear — employers that support employees in their mental health see higher job satisfaction, reduced absenteeism and improved productivity. More importantly, they create an environment where employees feel valued, supported and empowered to thrive,” says Naidoo.