OP-ED: Why SA must invest in young people’s mental health sooner rather than later
Delaying accessible, preventative mental health and psychosocial support carries costs across education, employment, families, communities and the economy.
The article highlights the urgent need for South Africa to invest in young people's mental health, emphasizing that delaying accessible and preventative support can lead to significant costs across various aspects of society. According to a report commissioned by the national Department of Health, unaddressed mental, neurological, and substance-use conditions could cost around 4% of GDP annually, while current public spending on mental health is only about 5% of the public health budget.
The article argues that investing in mental health during adolescence, a critical period of identity formation, relationship-building, and decision-making, would yield substantial benefits, as the cost of treating deteriorated mental health is far higher. The report also underscores the importance of early intervention, noting that many young people who need mental health care do not receive it, leading to disrupted education, unemployment, violence exposure, family strain, reduced productivity, and narrowed prospects.
Brief written by urgent.news from Daily Maverick's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
