According to studies, 14% of the 59 million people in South Africa are affected by mental diseases. Furthermore, 75% of people who are affected with a mental illness have no access to psychiatric or therapeutic care. But what does this look like for women?

The cost of women’s mental health

This women's month, as we celebrate the resilience of women, it is also important to highlight persistent battles that women are faced with. While there is an array of mental health illnesses that can affect any one of us at any given time, there are also types of depression that specifically affect women such as perinatal depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and perimenopause-related depression. Without a support structure in place or a financial safety net to cushion the impact of being affected by having a mental illness, many women find themselves having to push through for those around them.

With 6.1 million homes in South Africa where women are the primary breadwinners, taking a break to seek help for mental illnesses can be seen as a risk. Despite the gender pay gap that results in 61% of women earning less than their male counterparts, it has been revealed that women are better savers than men. Having a safety net to fall back on in the form of medical aid, disability cover or life cover to cushion the effects of a mental illness are some of the ways to safeguard yourself and your loved ones. However, when it comes to planning for long-term financial curveballs such as being diagnosed with a mental health illness that can affect your ability to earn an income, many women struggle.

Taking care of what matters the most

Your mental health matters. Being able to take care of it is vital, but sometimes not being able to afford the best care that your finances can offer can be demotivating. However, there are affordable and free alternatives that women can look into to when it comes to dealing with a mental illness.

A common misconception is that you only need to seek professional help from the likes of a psychologist when you have hit rock bottom, but even going for a general mental health check-up is important. Doing this will help raise flags of things that could develop into bigger issues later. Speaking to your doctor or reaching out to free counselling services such as SADAG is important. Some small steps that you can take today are: 

Talking to someone you trust. Talking about what is currently affecting you can help. It can also help you feel less alone and find healthy solutions to facing the situation you find yourself in.

Look after your physical health. Staying on the move and eating a balanced diet can help improve your mental health. Having a fitness partner who will support you on those days that are hard can also help.

Do more of what you enjoy. Doing something meaningful and enjoyable during a difficult period in your life can seem pointless, but it is the small things that can help you maintain a routine and also find pockets of happiness throughout the day to boost your mental health.