By Willemien Jansen (HST Copy and Content Editor)
Mental Illness Awareness Month, commemorated in South African in July each year, is a time dedicated to raising public understanding of mental health conditions and reducing the stigma surrounding them. This month serves as a powerful reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health, and that millions of people are affected by mental illness every year. Through education, open conversations, and community support, Mental Illness Awareness Month encourages individuals to seek help, support one another, and advocate for better mental health resources and policies.
At the Health Systems Trust (HST), our vision of "Improved health access and outcomes in South Africa and beyond" extends to ensuring equitable and inclusive mental healthcare. Central to this vision is our strong community focus, which recognises that lasting health improvements are achieved when services are accessible, culturally relevant, and integrated into the everyday lives of the people we serve. Community mental health is about more than just providing services; it's about creating inclusive, supportive environments where people feel safe, valued, and connected. When mental healthcare is embedded within communities, it becomes more accessible, culturally relevant, and responsive to the unique needs of diverse populations. By focusing on access and inclusion, this year's observance calls for stronger mental health infrastructure at the community level, reduced stigma, and equitable resources for all. It's a reminder that mental health is a shared responsibility and that strong, healthy communities are the foundation of individual and collective well-being.
We talked to HST Senior Researcher Michael Burnett, who holds a Master's degree in Psychology and is a Registered Mental Healthcare Practitioner (HPCSA), about his work in mental health.
Can you tell us about your background and work in the field of mental health?
I hold both a bachelor's and a master's degree in psychology, and I have been registered with the HPCSA as a mental healthcare practitioner since 2008. Throughout my career, I have integrated my knowledge of psychology and mental health into the work of HST, applying my expertise as much as the project allows. My background and experience in the field profoundly influence my approach, guiding the way I support and collaborate on projects. I am dedicated to leveraging my skills to contribute effectively to promoting mental well-being and advancing the objectives of our work.
What does mental illness look like?
Mental illness can look different for every person, and it may not always be "visible". It can involve emotional changes such as consistent sadness, irritability, or mood swings, or behavioural changes such as withdrawal from friends and activities, difficulty concentrating, or changes in sleeping and eating habits.
Some people may appear anxious, or tired, while others might appear unusually energetic or detached. Physical symptoms such as headaches or unexplained aches can also be signs that a person is struggling with a mental illness.
It is important to remember that mental illness isn't always noticeable. A person may appear fine on the outside but can be struggling internally.
Why is Mental Illness Awareness Month important to you personally and professionally?
Mental Illness Awareness Month is important to me both personally and professionally because it serves as a vital reminder of the importance of reducing stigma, increasing understanding, and promoting compassion around mental health issues. On a personal level, it inspires me to continue advocating for those struggling with mental illness and to contribute to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment. We all know someone who is struggling with mental illness, even if we are not always able to clearly identify it. According to research, up to 26% of South Africans struggle with some level of depression, and 18% with some level of anxiety.
Professionally, it underscores the importance of education, prevention, early intervention, and accessible mental healthcare, all of which are essential for improving outcomes and fostering mental health resilience. Recognising this month motivates me to stay engaged in this work and to raise awareness about the importance of mental health for overall well-being.
What are some of the biggest barriers people face when trying to access mental healthcare in their communities?
Accessing mental healthcare remains a significant challenge for many individuals due to a combination of barriers. In South Africa, there is a severe shortage of mental healthcare professionals, with only 0.97 Psychologists and 0.31 Psychiatrists per 100 000 people, in the public sector. This shortage leads to long waiting lists and limited access, especially in rural communities.
Stigma surrounding mental illness further aggravates the situation. In many communities, mental illness is misunderstood, often viewed as personal weaknesses or attributed to other causes, discouraging individuals from seeking help.
Economic factors also play a crucial role. The high cost of private mental health services makes it inaccessible to many, while public services are often underfunded and overburdened, leading to inadequate care.
Addressing these barriers requires a multifaceted approach, including increasing the number of trained professionals, reducing stigma through education, improving funding for public services, and leveraging technology to reach underserved areas.
Can you share an example of a successful community mental health initiative that HST has been part of?
The Research and Implementation Science Unit is working on a project to improve the mental health needs to healthcare workers. It is envisioned that by improving the mental health of nurses and community healthcare workers, they in turn will be better equipped to support the mental health needs of the communities they serve.