Three-quarters of South Africans experiencing common mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), remain untreated. This is due not only to the limitations of the healthcare system but also to pervasive stigma, misinformation, and fears of discrimination, job loss, or social rejection.

Poor mental health significantly contributes to absenteeism, decreased work performance, and productivity losses. With depression identified as the world’s leading cause of disability and ill health, the impact is staggering. In South Africa, it costs the economy over 5% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) annually.

The Role of Stigma in Untreated Mental Health

Professor Renata Schoeman, head of the MBA in Healthcare Leadership at Stellenbosch Business School, describes stigma as a major barrier to effective mental health treatment. “Stigma involves negative labelling and stereotyping of people with mental health conditions,” she explains. “This leads to discrimination, loss of identity, and social exclusion, making it difficult for individuals to fully engage in society and the workforce.”

Prof Schoeman emphasises that organisations and the media play crucial roles in breaking down these barriers. “Mental health is surrounded by silence, stigma, and misconceptions. How it is represented in the media and addressed in the workplace can profoundly affect the well-being of those impacted,” she says.

The stigma attached to mental health issues not only impacts the quality of life of those affected but also has economic consequences. “People are often told to ‘just get over it’ and fear being perceived as weak or unworthy of career advancement. This internalised stigma leads to low self-esteem and a lack of self-belief, preventing individuals from seeking help and thriving in work and social environments,” Prof Schoeman adds.

Leadership’s Role in Normalising Mental Health Conversations

Prof Schoeman calls on leaders to “normalise the conversation” around mental health. “Responsible leadership involves being vulnerable and authentic. If leaders have faced mental health challenges or sought counselling, sharing their experiences can make it easier for others to open up.”

By conveying that seeking help is a sign of strength, leaders can change workplace culture. Although employers have a legal obligation to accommodate employees with mental health conditions, leaders should also promote resilience and self-care.

“All work has stress factors. While employers should support mental health and ensure workplace wellness programmes are accessible, employees must also be encouraged to take responsibility for managing external stressors,” she says.

Leaders must work to remove workplace stressors that hinder employee well-being. “Providing access to mental health resources is essential, but leaders must also consider what is reasonable and fair for both the organisation and the employees,” Prof Schoeman explains.

The Media’s Role in Reducing Mental Health Stigma

The media’s portrayal of people with mental health conditions can either perpetuate or combat stigma. Prof Schoeman stresses the importance of using neutral, accurate language when discussing mental health. “The media should avoid sensationalism and work with mental health professionals to provide fact-based reporting,” she advises.

She also warns against the misuse of diagnostic terms in everyday conversations. “Terms like ‘depressed,’ ‘ADHD,’ or ‘bipolar’ are often used carelessly, which is hurtful to those genuinely diagnosed and receiving treatment,” she notes. Diagnosis should be based on whether symptoms impact an individual’s ability to function emotionally, socially, or at work.

Prof Schoeman suggests that the media and businesses can reduce stigma by creating platforms where people can share their lived experiences. “Highlighting positive stories of recovery and daily life with mental illness fosters understanding, empathy, and compassion,” she says. “It’s about creating awareness through factual and empathetic portrayals.”

Conclusion

Breaking the stigma surrounding mental health requires a collective effort from leaders, media, and society. By fostering open conversations and using accurate representations, South Africa can pave the way for better mental health outcomes and a more inclusive society.

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Press Release Submitted By

Company Name: Stellenbosch Business School
Contact Person: Prof Renata Schoeman
Website: www.stellenboschbusiness.ac.za

Total Words: 660

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Stigma: The Barrier to Mental Health Treatment
3 in 4 South Africans go untreated for depression and anxiety due to stigma. Learn how leaders and media can make a difference.

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