October is Mental Health Awareness Month, aiming to address the stigma surrounding mental health issues. In recent years, particularly following COVID-19, mental health has gained significant attention due to its growing prevalence both globally and nationally.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines mental well-being as “a state of well-being in which an individual realises their abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively, and contribute to their community.” A white paper by the Medical Research Council on the state of mental health in South Africa revealed that 25.7% of South Africans experience at least one or more episodes of mental health illness. Institutions of higher learning are not exempted from these challenges, with a substantial number of students experiencing mental health issues during their studies.
A 2023 study across 17 universities found that 21% of students exhibited symptoms of clinical trauma. Similarly, employees in these institutions often face stress, depression, anxiety, burnout, and mental fatigue. These statistics call for greater mental health awareness, along with targeted workshops, training, and institutional policies to address the crisis.
Mental Well-being as a Foundation for Academic Success
Mental well-being is essential for academic achievement and productivity, as students and staff must function fully mentally. When students enjoy positive mental health, they tend to develop higher self-esteem, maintain a positive mindset, and make meaningful contributions to their peers and the broader university community.
Similarly, employees face the challenge of balancing multiple roles, such as teaching, administrative duties, meeting tight deadlines, community engagement, and personal life. These pressures can take a toll on their mental health.
There is a strong link between mental well-being and productivity. Mental health challenges can diminish energy levels, concentration, decision-making abilities, self-esteem, and optimism, ultimately affecting performance. Additionally, mental illness can harm physical health, increasing the risk of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, and hypertension.
Creating a supportive environment that promotes mental well-being requires collective action from institutional leadership and the wider university community. Regular mental health training and awareness campaigns are crucial to fostering an open and supportive culture. Students and employees must feel comfortable discussing their mental health without fear or shame.
Building Support Systems for Mental Health
Awareness and training can also help build strong social support networks to manage academic pressures and stress. Maintaining good mental health is further supported by regular exercise, sufficient sleep, breathing exercises, professional counselling, and a healthy diet.
October serves as an opportunity for self-reflection on our mental well-being. It is essential to seek professional help when needed and to acknowledge that maintaining mental health is an ongoing process.
It is encouraging to see that institutions of higher learning in South Africa are increasingly recognising the importance of mental well-being. Most universities now offer mental health services through dedicated centres, reflecting a positive shift towards supporting student and staff mental health. However, with increasing student enrolments, the demand for mental health services must continue to grow to meet the needs of these communities.
This is an opinion article by Dr Rudzani Mhlari, a Psychology Lecturer at the School of Social Sciences, University of Mpumalanga.