Mental Health Calendar
PsySSA Commemorates National Women’s Day 2025
This National Women’s Day, PsySSA reflects on psychology’s role in advancing gender equity and socio-economic justice for women and gender-diverse communities in South Africa. In our opinion piece by Angeline Stephens, PhD, we critically explore psychology’s evolving role from supporting apartheid ideologies to promoting inclusive practices that empower marginalized communities.
Additionally, our statement from the Decolonising Psychology Division and Imbumbe Yabafazi highlights the importance of grassroots women’s dialogue spaces, emphasizing the need for culturally rooted, collective healing approaches in the African context. These spaces foster solidarity, cultural grounding, and resilience, showcasing the power of community-based mental health care and decolonial ethics of care.
Read our opinion piece and statement to learn more about how psychology is transforming to support gender equity and justice.
Mandela Day 2025!
On Mandela Day 2025, PsySSA honours the enduring legacy of Nelson Mandela, whose vision of justice, dignity, and equality continues to guide our work as psychologists.
This year’s theme, “It’s Still in Our Hands to Combat Poverty and Inequity,” calls on us to take meaningful action to address the psychological impact of poverty, especially in a country still grappling with deep social and economic divides.
SANCA Drug Awareness Week 2025
In recognition of SANCA Drug Awareness Week 2025, PsySSA’s Sexuality and Gender Division draws attention to the growing mental health concerns related to chemsex—sexualised drug use most common among men who have sex with men (MSM).
In a thought-provoking article, Dr. Cornelius (Niel) Victor examines the intersection of substance use, stigma, HIV risk, and psychological well-being. He calls for affirmative, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive interventions to support affected communities and reduce harm.
PsySSA remains committed to evidence-based, inclusive care that upholds human rights and dignity for all.
Youth Day 2025
In commemoration of Youth Day on 16 June 2025, the Psychological Society of South Africa (PsySSA) Student Division proudly presents a comprehensive awareness campaign under the theme:
“Skills for the Changing World – Empowering Youth for Meaningful Economic Participation.”
Men’s Health Month 2025
This June, PsySSA commemorates Men’s Health Month with timely contributions from the Division for Research and Methodology (DRM), the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Division, and the South African Society for Clinical Psychology (SASCP). Together, these insights explore the complex realities of men’s mental health in South Africa—challenging stigma, expanding access, and reimagining how technology, research, and practice can work together to support men’s psychological well-being.
PsySSA commemorates Child Protection Week (29 May – 5 June 2025)
In recognition of Child Protection Week, the Psychological Society of South Africa (PsySSA) reaffirms its commitment to the protection, empowerment, and psychological well-being of children across the nation. This year’s theme, “Every Conversation Matters”, underscores the urgent need to create safe spaces where children are seen, heard, and protected.
PsySSA invites you to engage with critical thought leadership in our featured articles by the South African Educational Psychology Society (SEPSA) and the Trauma & Violence Division (TVD). These insightful pieces highlight the psychological impact of violence and neglect on children and propose proactive, community-rooted responses rooted in ethical, evidence-based practice.
Let us continue to centre children’s voices in our professional and personal spaces, advancing PsySSA’s mission of promoting human rights, social justice, and psychological well-being for all.
Read the full articles here.
PsySSA supports the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) 2025
Why Communities Matter in Addressing Prejudice
Read our article by the Sexuality & Gender Division!
PsySSA Commemorates Hospice Week 2025
PsySSA Commemorates PsySSA Commemorates Hospice Week 2025- 4 – 10 May 2025. Read these insightful contributions by PsySSA’s RCP and Student Division.
Freedom Day 2025 – Psychology’s role in advancing the spirit of Freedom Day
In celebrating Freedom Day, PsySSA aligns itself with the pursuits and ideals of equity, education and social upliftment to ensure that the nation, and especially historically disadvantaged communities, can thrive and reap the benefits of the struggle for freedom and democracy.
World Health Day – 7 April 2025
PsySSA Commemorates World Health Day – 7 April 2025
Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures: Advancing Maternal and Newborn Health in South Africa
Read these insightful contributions by PsySSA’s Psychology in Public Service (PiPS) Division