Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

3-minute read
14 October 2023 | 14:58 CAT

Image: Affinity Health

Stress is taking a toll on the workforce, with half of online South Africans confessing to having needed time off from work due to stress in the past year. This sentiment is echoed globally, as nearly 4 in 10 people across 31 countries share a similar experience.

Drawing on three years of trended data, the Ipsos World Mental Health Day survey delves into the evolving perceptions of individuals regarding their mental health and the influential factors affecting their mental well-being. It situates these findings within the context of the wider healthcare landscape.

According to Ispos, South Africa ranks among the leading nations with a relatively strong belief in prioritising mental health (17%) over physical health (5%). However, the prevailing sentiment reveals a collective recognition of the equal importance of mental and physical health, with 77% endorsing their parity.

“When questioning online South Africans about the most pressing health challenges confronting the nation, an enduring and escalating concern revolves around mental health and stress, as indicated by a substantial 23-percentage-point increase from 2018 to 2023 for mental health as the biggest health concern. As South Africans recognise and advocate for equal attention being paid to mental and physical health, it illustrates the evolving landscape of healthcare priorities from the side of the population,” Ispos stated.

Despite South Africans showcasing remarkable resilience amidst the ongoing challenges in this era of poly-crisis, extreme stress continues to be a common experience.

Half of South Africans reported overwhelming stress levels that they could not attend work for a period (compared to a global average of 39%). Furthermore, 71% of South Africans have encountered stress levels that made them incapable of coping with life’s demands.

Listen to the full interview on the Daily Round-Up with Moulana Junaid Kharsany.