Creating More Jobs Key to Easing Youth Mental Health Issues, Says YES

South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis is not only devastating communities and the national economy but also driving a rise in mental health issues among the country’s youth. The challenges include depression, anxiety, stress, anger, fear, despair, loneliness, and social isolation.

According to Stats SA's latest Labour Force Survey for Q2 2024, the official unemployment rate increased by 0.6%, bringing the total to 33.5%. The expanded unemployment rate for youth aged 15-34 is even more alarming, standing at 56%, a figure that takes a significant psychological toll on young people.

The Ripple Effect of Employment

Aditi Lachman, head of youth programmes at the Youth Employment Service (YES), highlights the powerful impact of creating jobs: “One of the insidious effects of unemployment is its impact on youth mental health. When we create jobs, we’re not just putting people to work; we’re also lifting the burden of mental health issues from families and communities.”

YES Youth data shows that 78% of participants come from grant-recipient households, and 74% have dependents. Thus, placing youth in 12-month work experiences has an almost immediate ripple effect on entire communities, providing both economic and social benefits.

Mental Health Struggles Among South African Youth

A UNICEF South Africa U-Report poll reveals that 60% of young South Africans felt the need for mental health support in the past year but did not know where to find it. The report identifies poverty and a lack of hope for the future as top reasons for anxiety among young people. Additionally, 48% of respondents expressed concerns about building skills for future employment, marking a 16% increase compared to last year.

The Need for Support and Diagnosis

Research published in Nature indicates that the lack of proper mental health diagnosis and support contributes to societal issues like post-traumatic disorders, unemployment, workplace burnout, and addiction. These challenges can perpetuate cycles of distress across generations.

YES’s Mental Health Support: Mindful Matters

To support its participants, YES has introduced Mindful Matters, an initiative offering online counselling services in partnership with Syked. This programme provides YES Youth and alumni with one-on-one remote counselling, virtual support groups, and a wealth of digital resources, including videos, podcasts, and blogs. The service aims to build mental resilience, helping youth navigate work pressures and the challenges of job-seeking after the programme.

Building Resilience and Self-Reliance

YES research shows that 77% of youth rely on themselves for career guidance, rather than seeking advice from family, friends, or mentors. The Mindful Matters initiative is designed to address this need by providing emotional support, helping young people balance their work, mental health, and home lives.

A Call to Action for Businesses

“We’ve become so accustomed to South Africa’s unnaturally high unemployment rate, but behind the statistics lies a human tragedy that affects us all,” says Lachman. “More businesses must become part of the solution. The future of our youth—and our economy—depends on it.”

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Creating More Jobs Key to Easing Youth Mental Health IssuesUnemployment is not just an economic crisis; it's a mental health crisis for SA’s youth. Let’s work together to provide jobs and hope.

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