Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
21 November 2023 | 09:04 CAT
1-min read

Picture: South African Society of Psychiatrists

The South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP) is currently holding a congress in Cape Town. The focus of the congress is on the statistic that one in three South African’s suffers from mental illness, with a significant portion unable to access treatment.

Dr Alicia Porter, a member of SASOP, said that there has been a significant increase in the prevalence of mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse. These conditions have seen a notable increase, particularly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The statistics now indicate that one in three South Africans will grapple with these common mental health conditions in their lifetimes.

The congress, which commenced on Sunday and concludes on Thursday, serves as a platform to address the challenges in the mental health field in South Africa. This includes the fact that 75% of those affected are unable to access treatment, underscoring a gap in mental health care accessibility.

The interview indicated that 5% of South Africa’s healthcare budget is allocated to mental health care, including contributions from the private sector. Dr Porter explained that this budgetary allocation is not only limited but also disproportionately directed towards crisis intervention and hospital-based care, neglecting primary prevention and early detection.

The discussion outlined the reasons behind the inadequate government approach and budget allocation for mental health care. Dr Porter attributed this to the pervasive stigma surrounding mental health, not only among those suffering but also within the community and the medical profession. Additionally, she highlighted the need for a fundamental shift in how the budget is spent, advocating for more focus on primary prevention and early detection.

The SESOP Congress, themed “Shifting the paradigm towards community health and the unheard voices in mental health,” aims to bring about change by advocating for a move from hospital-centric care to community-based initiatives. Dr Porter expressed the need to collaborate with mental health advocates, incorporating lived experiences, and fostering a shift from the traditional doctor-patient relationship to a more community-oriented approach.

Listen to the full interview on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat: https://on.soundcloud.com/tBXC1