EDITORIAL: Spotlight on mental health
In the spirit of mental health awareness month this October, Spotlight will publish a mental health special series in the coming weeks. This is what you can expect.
In-depth: Can CHWs help expand access to mental health services in SA?
Over 30% of those living in South Africa have experienced a depressive, anxiety, or substance use disorder in their lifetime, according to a national survey. Yet studies show only 15% of those with mental health conditions receive treatment. Laura Owings explores what role community healthcare workers can play in addressing this lack of access to care.
Mental health: Are medicine shortages fuelling a shadow epidemic?
Almost half of the most commonly used medications to treat mental illness in South Africa were out of stock in August, and many have been in short supply since March. Now, experts warn that amid the COVID-19 outbreak, the nation could see a “shadow epidemic” of psychiatric illness. Laura Lopez Gonzalez investigates.
Behind the scenes at Kimberley’s shiny, new, half-empty mental health hospital
Seven kilometres from Kimberley’s famous Big Hole, sits another of the mining city’s record-breaking landmarks: South Africa’s most expensive mental health hospital.
Shocking figures revive calls for mental health reforms
Some experts are calling for mental health reforms in South Africa following shocking figures presented in parliament and a new report on mental health spending.
