Struggling IN SECRET

July is Psychosocial Disability Awareness Month, so it's time for a deep dive into the often hidden mental-health challenges faced in our society

- WORDS BY AMY LEHNER

The South African Depression & Anxiety Group estimates that one in three South Africans will experience mental illness at some time in their life. With stats like this, it's likely that someone you know (or perhaps you) are affected. But not everyone can access help easily, for a variety of reasons.

Psychosocial Disability Awareness Month is aimed at raising awareness about the need for accessible, inclusive mental-health services – and this year the spotlight is falling on community organisations.

LANGUAGE MATTERS

A mental illness is a health condition that causes changes in one's emotions, thinking and behaviour. Anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), attention-deficit/hyperactive disorder (ADHD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are all forms of mental illness. You're probably familiar with at least some of these conditions, but have you heard of psychosocial disability?

Any mental illness can make you feel as if you're struggling and only just coping with life. According to the South African Federation for Mental Health, psychosocial disability is when “we do not receive timely interventions and our enduring mental and emotional distress, compounded by societal barriers, hinders our full participation in society”.

This could mean not being able to hold down a job or go to school because you are too anxious to leave your house, or you are so depressed you can't get out of bed to even shower or eat.