More than half of SA employees diagnosed with mental health issues linked to work

More than 50% of employees in the country are suffering from mental health conditions caused by conditions in their workplace, according to a study conducted by the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag).

The recently released Working Life Survey revealed there was a critical need for mental health support in the workplace as it indicated 52% of employees surveyed had been diagnosed with mental health conditions.

According to the study, 32% were diagnosed with depression, stress 25%, generalised anxiety disorder 18%, burnout 13% and trauma 10%.

Free online support group

Sadag projects manager Krystle Kemp said to mitigate the situation, the organisation has launched a free online support group to assist the affected employees.

“The support group aims to provide a safe and caring space for people to speak openly about their feelings, share their experiences and receive support from others who truly understand,” said Kemp.

“It will be guided by our experienced and compassionate support group leader, who is passionate about mental health and creating meaningful connections.”

Kemp said living with depression, anxiety, or burnout can feel incredibly lonely, “especially when your support system doesn’t understand what you are going through because the family members often can’t relate if they don’t have their own first-hand experience, which can lead them to diminish your feelings or put pressure on you to just get over it”.

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Overworked and unsupported

Labour analyst Bukani Mngoma said the survey results were not surprising because there has always been a concern about the state of workplace health in South Africa.

“The main reason is that in many workplaces workers are doubling up on their jobs for space of others. In some instances, this situation has been caused by the increase in the workload workers are carrying daily,” Mngoma said.

“Many organisations have implemented what is called job enlargement programmes, instead of replacing employees who leave their employment. In some instances, this has kept workers pinned down at work without having time to take their annual leave.”

Clinical psychologist and JVR Africa Group CEO Dr Jopie de Beer said many people were stressing about many things, including unemployment and those fortunate enough to be employed may face abusive leadership, toxic work environments, discrimination, and bullying.

“Job insecurity is also widespread due to slow and stagnant economic growth,” said De Beer. “Today, job security and career development are far from guaranteed. Life, both inside and outside the workplace, is difficult, and many people carry the emotional and physical scars.

“Some experience physical symptoms, others may turn to substance abuse and many struggle with burnout, stress, anxiety, depression and hopelessness. People can only take so much.”

De Beer said employers have a particular responsibility to recognise the realities their employees are experiencing and to prioritise their well-being.

‘What Sadag is doing is good’

A teacher from Boksburg, who was hospitalised for about three weeks, said she suffered from depression after she was subjected to unconducive working conditions by the principal.

“The principal was targeting me. He would give me warnings without me doing anything wrong,” said the teacher, who did not want to be named. She said the stress affected her health in many ways as she started having insomnia because of overthinking.

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Her body was painful and her shoulders were heavy, she had constant headaches and her blood pressure was high.

“What Sadag is doing is a good thing because there are many people who are in my situation, but do not know who they can talk to.”

Sadag’s Lindsey Dickson said every day it becomes evident that there are not enough resources available to service all the needs in this country.

“So, if by starting a group I can help even one person, it would have made a difference”.

Breaking the silence

Dickson said her organisation of more than 30 years’ experience. Support groups were helpful for people who may not have access to professional help.

“By connecting with others who are experiencing similar challenges, members can gain comfort, confidence and tips to manage daily stress,” she said.

“The groups also help break the silence around mental health and encourage open conversations in a safe, nonjudgmental space.”

The online support group was launched this week and the affected people are encouraged to contact the organisation to be part of the group.

• If you need help, call Sadag on 0800-567-567.

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