Medical Matters

Is Mental Health Still an Afterthought in South Africa’s Healthcare System?Despite rising awareness, mental health remains alarmingly sidelined in South Africa’s healthcare system. In this eye-opening episode of Psychological Matters, we confront the harsh reality: a chronic lack of investment, staggering mental health stats, and the deep economic and personal toll of untreated psychological conditions.With sobering data from the 2024 Sapien Lab Mental State of the World Report — placing South Africa near the bottom globally — we explore why mental health continues to be treated as an afterthought, and what must change to make it a national priority.If you care about health equity, systemic change, and the well-being of our nation, this conversation is a must-listen.