One in four students experience depression - SADAG
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) says research shows one in four university students experience depression.
This was revealed on Tuesday, as the world marked World Mental Health Day.
The day is meant to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world, to mobilise efforts in support of mental health and to advocate against social stigma.
Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande echoed what SADAG said, stating that nearly half of all deaths in the 15-24-year age group are due to interpersonal violence, suicides and accidents.
“Within the Post School Education and Training sector, a 2015 study by Stellenbosch University found 12% of students had symptoms of moderate to severe depression and 15% had symptoms of moderate to severe anxiety,” said Nzimande.
"Furthermore, depending on whether one takes the 2012 South African Medical Research Council or 2015 Stats SA figures, suicide features in the top five or top nine causes of death among young adults, with many more making an attempt to self-harm.”
Nzimande said Higher Health and his department managed 53 619 reported mental health cases by students within the Post-school Education and Training in South Africa in the past two years.
"Through Higher Health Mental Health Prevention, we provided mental health support to 321 004 students from January 2021 to June 2023 aimed towards fighting the stigma and taboos around mental health," Nzimande added.
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