The Covid-19 pandemic has created a global crisis for mental health, fuelling short – and long-term stresses and undermining the mental health of millions. Estimates put the rise in both anxiety and depressive disorders at more than 25% during the first year of the pandemic. This year theme: Make mental health and well-being for all a global priority; with the objective of drawing attention to the mental health needs and issues across the globe. This is important for South Africa since 1 in 3 South Africans will or do suffer from a mental illness at some point in their lifetime. The harsh reality is that fewer than 1 in 10 people with a mental illness in South Africa has access to mental health care.
Stigma and discrimination continue to be a barrier to social inclusion and access to the right care; importantly, we can all play our part in increasing awareness about which preventive mental health interventions work and World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to do that collectively. We envision a world in which mental health is valued, promoted, and protected; where everyone has an equal opportunity to enjoy mental health and to exercise their human rights; and where everyone can access the mental health care they need.
SAMWUMED covers its members for mental health including hospitalisation. The benefits apply to consultations or visits as well as procedures. For more information, Click here.
Sources: World Health Organization (WHO) and South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG)
