Youth Mental Health: Promoting Compassionate Conversations in South Africa

May is Mental Health Month, a designated opportunity to spotlight the significance of mental health issues, particularly among young people in South Africa. It's a sobering fact; our nation's youth mental health has been on a steady decline, inviting urgent attention and remediation. The World Health Organization reports that the Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated this situation, primarily affecting kids aged 11-17 with moderate to severe anxiety and depression symptoms.

One in three South Africans grapples with a mental health challenge at some point in their lives, emphasizing the need for open, sincere, and compassionate communication regarding mental health.

A welcoming home environment encouraging open discussions devoid of shame is indispensable. These conversations recognize the prevailing stigma while assuring youngsters that sharing emotions is secure and encouraged.

Dr Hina Talib, a noted paediatrician and adolescent medicine specialist representing Unicef, provides practical cues for initiating these discussions. Start with positivity, choose a calm moment, listen more than lecturing, discuss mental health at their level of comprehension, be mindful of emotional reactions, collaborate and seek their input, and reassure them of your unwavering support and love.

By imparting resilience, understanding and emotional literacy, we can equip our young people to manage their mental health more effectively, contribute to their wellbeing and in turn, our nation's future.