TACKLING THE CHALLENGES OF MENTAL HEALTH
Worldwide, over 1.9-billion people battle with mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder
The prevalence of mental health disorders is at an all-time high. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), every year 703,000 people take their own lives and many more attempt suicide. Each suicide is a tragedy that affects families, communities and countries, and has long-lasting effects on the people left behind. The WHO says that the stigma, particularly surrounding mental disorders and suicide, means many people thinking of taking their own lives or who have attempted suicide, are not seeking help. Globally, one person attempts suicide every 26 seconds and one person dies from suicide every 40 seconds. Worldwide, more than 1.9-billion people battle with mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Mental health is a key driver of absenteeism in the workplace and is set to cost the world $16-trillion by 2030.
In South Africa, economic uncertainty, political instability and poor socioeconomic conditions have added to the burden of mental health issues.
“There has been a substantial increase in the number of member mental health hospital admissions, indicating a need for additional support, particularly in the 18 to 44 age groups,” says Lee Callakoppen, principal officer of Bonitas Medical Fund. “This has an enormous impact on employers, as they try to keep their businesses going, prevent job losses and maintain a happy and motivated workforce.”
As many as 80% of South Africans who need mental health support are unable to easily access it, according to South Africa’s National Mental Health Policy Framework.
Most medical aids offer specialised mental health programmes. Encouragingly, most mental illnesses can be effectively treated by health professionals and community-based services or NGOs. This may include access to medication, therapy and counselling.
There has been a substantial increase in the number of member mental health hospital admissions, indicating a need for additional support
LEE CALLAKOPPEN
Principal officer of Bonitas Medical Fund
The Mental Health Programme (MHP) from Bonitas, part of its Care initiatives, includes depression as a chronic condition and is aimed at improving quality of life and empowering people with mental health issues to manage their condition. It is education driven and offers support and resources to get the right care at the right time and includes supporting family members.
Bonitas was the first medical aid to offer October Health (previously Panda) — a free mental health and wellness app — to members. “The app provides easy access to expert help, mental health information and community support, serving as a triage system for people with psycho-social issues. Users sign in anonymously and almost all the care they receive on the app is anonymised, meaning there is significantly less fear of stigma or being identified by peers,” says Callakoppen.