Growing mental health crisis among South Africa’s youth: urgent action needed

By Michael Andisile Mayalo

In South Africa, a country struggling with economic inequality, historical trauma, and a range of socio-political challenges, there is an alarming mental health crisis brewing among the youth.

Recent reports and studies have shown a dramatic rise in the number of young people experiencing mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. This issue, once stigmatised and overlooked, is now reaching a point where it can no longer be ignored. The question is no longer whether mental health problems exist in South Africa’s youth but rather how we as a society can take meaningful action to address and reverse this growing crisis.

The statistics are grim. According to a 2023 report by the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), around 1 in 3 South African teenagers struggle with some form of mental health challenge. Suicide rates among young people have reached disturbing levels, with suicide being one of the leading causes of death among those aged 15-24. The pandemic exacerbated an already difficult situation, with lockdowns, school closures, and the broader social and economic upheaval, leaving many young South Africans isolated and without the necessary support systems. But even before COVID-19, mental health challenges were on the rise, and the question is, why?

One of the core reasons for this mental health crisis is the immense pressure placed on South Africa’s youth. As a nation still recovering from apartheid and deeply embedded in socio-economic inequalities, young South Africans face a range of stressors that are unique to their situation. Many come from communities plagued by high rates of unemployment, violence, substance abuse, and family instability. These conditions are not only physically harmful but psychologically devastating, creating a cycle of trauma that can be difficult to break. 

Moreover, the immense pressure to succeed in an increasingly competitive world adds to the emotional strain. Education, which should be a vehicle for upward mobility, has become another source of anxiety. A highly academic-driven curriculum, limited access to resources, and poor-quality schooling in many areas leave young people feeling overwhelmed and inadequate. This pressure is particularly felt by those in marginalised communities, where opportunities for academic or career success feel so distant and improbable that young people may question their worth entirely. 

The mental health challenges faced by young South Africans are compounded by the persistent stigma surrounding mental illness. Mental health issues are often seen as a sign of weakness, and the cultural reluctance to discuss emotions in many communities can prevent young people from seeking help. This silence is particularly pronounced in families where mental health awareness is low, and talking about feelings or seeking therapy is either dismissed or misunderstood. It’s no surprise, then, that many young people struggle in isolation, unable to reach out for the support they so desperately need.

Another critical factor in the worsening of this mental health crisis is the prevalence of social media. While the internet and social media have brought many benefits, they have also contributed to the rising tide of anxiety and depression among young people. Social media platforms often present distorted, idealised versions of life, which create unrealistic standards of beauty, success, and happiness. Many young South Africans, particularly those in underprivileged communities, are constantly confronted with a sense of inadequacy when comparing their reality with the curated, glamorous lives they see online. Cyberbullying, online harassment, and the pressure to constantly perform for an audience only deepen the emotional wounds that young people are already carrying.

So, what needs to be done?

First and foremost, there must be a national recognition that mental health is just as important as physical health. Government, schools, and communities need to acknowledge that young people are not only dealing with external challenges such as poverty and inequality but also with serious psychological distress. It is essential to create spaces where mental health can be discussed openly and without fear of judgment.

This requires an overhaul of the country's mental health infrastructure. Mental health services are sorely underfunded and understaffed, particularly in rural areas. There needs to be a concerted effort to increase access to mental health care, not just for those who can afford private treatment but for all young people, regardless of their socio-economic status. This could include increased funding for mental health services in schools, introducing mental health education into school curricula, and pushing for more accessible community-based services that reach those in remote areas.

Alongside this, breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health must become a central focus of national conversations. Parents, teachers, and community leaders must work together to create an environment where mental health is not a taboo subject. Schools, in particular, can play a major role in normalising conversations about mental well-being. Introducing counselling services, mental health workshops, and open dialogues about stress, anxiety, and depression can go a long way in reducing stigma and encouraging young people to seek help when they need it.

Furthermore, young South Africans must be equipped with the tools to navigate the pressures of the modern world, particularly in terms of social media. Digital literacy programs that teach the realities of online spaces and the importance of mental well-being could be a vital resource in helping young people manage their online presence and the negative emotions that may arise from it. Encouraging digital detoxes, setting boundaries with social media use, and promoting mindfulness practices can give young people the skills to control their mental health in an increasingly digital world.

The mental health crisis facing South Africa’s youth is not a problem that can be solved overnight. But it demands urgent attention and a multi-faceted approach. If South Africa is to give its young people a chance at a healthy, successful future, addressing mental health must be at the forefront of the national agenda. The pain and suffering that many young South Africans endure in silence can not be ignored any longer. It is time for a collective shift in how we view and address mental health in our society for the sake of those who will lead the nation into the future.

Mayalo is an independent writer, analyst, and commentator