Mental Health Awareness Month – October 2024

Mental Health Awareness Month – October 2024

World Mental Health Day 2024

Brief history of World Mental Health Day

by Mr Sulaiyman Philander from the Division of Research and Methodology 

World Mental Health Day is a global initiative founded by the World Federation for Mental Health (2022). First celebrated on October 10, 1992, it aims to promote mental health advocacy and educate the public about mental health issues. Over the last three decades, it has become an annual observance encouraging individuals to reflect on their mental well-being and engage in conversations about mental health. This year, the focus is on mental health in the workplace, an area gaining attention due to the increasing pressures of modern work life. The 2024 theme, “It’s Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace,” highlights the need for a holistic approach, advocating for mental health awareness and practices that foster thriving work environments (Akiyama, 2024).

South Africa: A unique perspective

Work-related stress, long hours, and the blurring of work-life boundaries — particularly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and South Africa’s complex economic climate — have made it crucial for both employees and employers to take a proactive role in mental health care (Kotera et al., 2021; Van Der Vaart & De Beer, 2021). Employers should remain cognisant of the relationship between promoting positive mental health, a motivated work force and productivity. Creating supportive work environments, preventing burnout, and providing accessible mental health resources for employees align with both this year’s theme and existing literature.

In South Africa, the workplace poses unique challenges, especially for emerging adults (18-29 years) (Naudé & Esau, 2024; Olonisakin et al., 2024). Many workers face long hours, high stress, and job insecurity, leading to increased rates of burnout and mental health issues (Kotera et al., 2021; Van Der Vaart & De Beer, 2021). The contrast between high unemployment among emerging adults and the pressures on those employed creates a complex dynamic placing significant strain on an already overburdened mental healthcare system. Mental health care, both before joining and within the workplace, is not a luxury but an urgent necessity to ensure individuals remain productive, healthy, and engaged.

This October 10th: Take care of your mental health

World Mental Health Day 2024 reminds us to prioritise our mental health, especially in environments where stress and pressure are common. Whether you are employed or job-seeking, taking time to care for your mental well-being is vital. Mental health involves more than managing stress; it is about cultivating meaningful emotional experiences, nurturing supportive relationships, and maintaining a sense of purpose, regardless of employment status (Van Der Vaart & De Beer, 2021; Van Lill & Bakker, 2022). This year, let us collectively promote mental health by:

  • Being open about workplace struggles and encouraging open dialogue among colleagues.
  • Striving for meaningful and engaging lives, whether employed or unemployed (Thill et al., 2020; Van Der Vaart & De Beer, 2021).
  • Being kind to yourself and others while also utilising existing mental health resources (Kotera et al., 2021).
  • Striving for purpose, whether at work or in our communities (Van Lill & Bakker, 2022).

Mental health support resources:

* OpenAI’s (2024) ChatGPT was utilised to assist with editing and structuring the article.

References

Akiyama, T. (2024, April 17). “It is time to prioritize mental health in the workplace”. World Federation for Mental Health. https://wfmh.global/news/2024.24-04-17_wmhd2024-theme

Kotera, Y., Mayer, C.-H., & Vanderheiden, E. (2021). Cross-cultural comparison of mental health between German and South African employees: Shame, self-compassion, work engagement, and work motivation. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 627851. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.627851

Naudé, L., & Esau, M. (2024). The quest for a “soft life” and the transition into adulthood: Views from South African emerging adult students. Emerging Adulthood, 0(0), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1177/21676968241273135

Olonisakin, T. T., Adedeji, A., & Idemudia, E. S. (2024). Examining psychological outcomes of social inequality for Black South Africans. Studies in Clinical Social Work: Transforming Practice, Education and Research, 94(1), 45–66. https://doi.org/10.1080/00377317.2023.2222171

OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (Sep 13 version) [Large multimodal model]. https://chat.openai.com/

Thill, S., Houssemand, C., & Pignault, A. (2020). Effects of meaning in life and of work on health in unemployment. Health Psychology Open, 7(2), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1177/2055102920967258

Van Der Vaart, L., & De Beer, L. T. (2021). Engaged but exhausted: Work-related wellbeing profiles of South African employees. International Journal of Wellbeing, 11(4), 88–105. https://doi.org/10.5502/ijw.v11i4.1823

Van Lill, R., & Bakker, T. M. (2022). Significance as component of meaning in career narratives of unemployed graduates. South African Journal of Psychology, 52(3), 301–312. https://doi.org/10.1177/00812463211059280

World Federation for Mental Health. (2022, August 22). About the World Mental Health Day. https://wmhdofficial.com/about-the-world-mental-health-day/

National ADHD Day – 14 September 2024

National ADHD Day – 14 September 2024

A Lifetime with ADHD: Beyond the Diagnosis to Understanding the Ongoing Impact

by the Division for Research and Methodology 

To commemorate National ADHD Day (14 September), the PsySSA Division for Research and Methodology sought to summarise the different manifestations of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and its’ implications on behaviour across the lifespan.

What is ADHD: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a chronic neurodevelopmental condition characterised by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with general functioning or development. An ADHD diagnosis is based on criteria outlined in the DSM-5-TR, which includes symptoms being present for at least six months and causing significant impairment.

While ADHD is commonly identified by primary symptoms of inattention, distractibility, and poor executive functioning, the American Psychological Association (APA) differentiates between three specific types of ADHD. Recently, specialists have also recognised additional common comorbidities that accompany an ADHD diagnoses, and recommend three more subtypes. Each type presents with different brain function issues, which cause different symptoms, and require specialised treatment protocols. Our infographic summarises these types and their presenting symptomology.

The impact of ADHD: Insights into the South African prevalence rates are limited, but estimated to be between 2-16% in children (Boshomane, Pillay, & Meyer, 2020; Botha & Schoeman, 2023). Adult estimates are somewhat lower, at 2.5-4.2% prevalence (Schoeman & Leibenberg, 2017), although it has been noted that 60 – 70% of children diagnosed with ADHD continue to have symptoms in adulthood (Belanger et al., 2018).

Possible causes for this larger estimated range in children include overdiagnosis in younger populations (and underdiagnosis in older groups), varying methodologies and assessment practices employed to make diagnoses, and limited expertise from practitioners (Schellack & Meyer, 2016). Given the life-changing impact of an ADHD diagnosis on an individual and their families, it should not be a diagnosis that is made in haste. Rather, practitioners should be careful in ensuring that they’re obtaining as holistic a view of their client as possible, before assigning the “ADHD label”.

Having untreated ADHD affects nearly every aspect of a person’s life and has been associated with school underachievement, family conflict, drug abuse, legal difficulties and poor work performance. Additionally, even though ADHD does not cause other psychological problems, it is common that other disorders (such as mood, anxiety, substance abuse, and learning disorders) occur alongside it, making diagnosis and treatment more challenging. Stimulant medications, such as Ritalin or Adderall, are often prescribed to manage ADHD symptoms in both children and adults. However, before medicating a client, it is important to identify their specific ADHD presentation type, as stimulants can make some forms of ADHD worse, as indicated above as well. Sometimes medicinal reactions can be extreme, causing hallucinations, violent outbursts, volatile temperaments, psychosis and suicidal behaviour. Alternatively, engaging in some form of sport or art form (for example, music) has been shown to improve or reduce the frequency of ADHD symptoms.

PLEASE do not use this article as a diagnostic resource; it is meant for informative purposes only. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) has a toll-free ADHD helpline (0800 55 44 33), please reach out to them if you are concerned that you or a loved one may have undiagnosed or misdiagnosed ADHD.

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DRM Webinar: “You are the weakest Link, Goodbye” Is there a place for psychology in cybersecurity awareness?

DRM Webinar: “You are the weakest Link, Goodbye” Is there a place for psychology in cybersecurity awareness?

“You are the weakest Link, Goodbye” Is there a place for psychology in cybersecurity awareness?

Date: 19 September 2024

Time: 12h00 to 13h00

The human element is often seen as the weakest link in cybersecurity. This idea is based on the belief that human behaviour and awareness may not be as strong as the technical aspects of cybersecurity. Cyberspace is rapidly expanding and affecting society in various ways. The pervasive nature of cyber threats presents a significant challenge to governments, businesses, organizations, and individual users. Unfortunately, the South African Psychology context has not given enough attention to cybersecurity awareness as an emerging threat. This calls for urgent exploration of how the human element can adapt and improve their online security behaviour. In this latest PsySSA DRM webinar, Dr Kyle Bester argues that the human element can be both a source of vulnerability and strength in cybersecurity.

No pre-registration is required, and webinar attendance is free!

About the Presenter

Kyle Bester is a registered Research Psychologist and senior psychology lecturer and has 8 years of professional experience. He functions as a senior psychology lecturer at the University of South Africa (Unisa) and specialises in cybersecurity awareness in the SA armed forces context. He completed his PhD in Military Science at Stellenbosch University in 2023. He serves as an executive committee member in the Division for Research and Methodology (DRM) at the Psychological Society of South Africa. His research interests include military science; data colonialism; cybersecurity awareness; securitization of cyberspace and online security behaviour. He has published and presented papers both locally and internationally. He is also a product of the Emerging Psychologist Programme hosted in Prague 2024.

PsySSA DRM AGM 29 August 2024

PsySSA DRM AGM 29 August 2024

Join us for the Annual General Meeting on 29 August 2024 at 18h00

Come and hear what we’ve been up to, have your say, show your support… whatever your reason, please show up

Date: 29 August 2024

Time: 18h00 to 19h00

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84882278005?pwd=ceE0rnJ9QwDarEvOXhwg6xSBGDaO7S.1

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