The lack of resources to fight mental health in children reflects a need to develop a centre of excellence in child and adolescent mental health care for the province of KwaZulu-Natal.
This was revealed at the commemoration of World Mental Health Day at the Children’s Hospital on Thursday morning.
Senior specialist and lecturer from King Dinuzulu Memorial Hospital and University of KwaZulu-Natal Discipline of Psychiatry Professor Saeeda Paruk, said South African children are exposed to high levels of adverse life events which increases their risk of mental illness.
Prof. Paruk said the country’s recognition of the need for mental health and the National Mental Health Policy that affirms the government’s commitment to prioritise the needs of children and adolescents remains limited.
She said almost two-thirds of children in the country live below the poverty line and 42% have experienced violence, including physical and sexual abuse in many instances. Prof. Paruk said young children often have neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD or autism.
“As they grow older they are vulnerable to other mental illnesses including depression, anxiety, psychosis, and substance use orders based on biological vulnerabilities and environmental factors,” she said.
She said there were currently only two qualified child and adolescent psychiatrists in the State sector in KZN - the province which has the second largest children population under the age of 17 in SA.
KZN premier Thami Ntuli said mental health illnesses was not just an isolated issue or a personal battle.
“It is a community concern, a societal challenge, and a global priority. It is depressing to learn that many children and adults in our province are struggling with mental health challenges,” he said.
Ntuli said what made the situation worse was the lack of resources needed to support those with mental health challenges. He said the stigma surrounding mental illness was a significant barrier to care.
“In KwaZulu-Natal, the prevalence of mental illness among young people is a growing concern,” said Ntuli.
He said statistics revealed that a large number of children faced psychological challenges, yet lack access to adequate healthcare services that address their needs.
As a community, as a province, and as a nation, we must confront these challenges head-on until we solve them.
The Department of Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane who was at the event reminded the audience that during her budget speech, she said her department would prioritise mental health wellness.
She said in the black community mental health was still regarded as something that affects white people and said this should change.
“As long as we continue to stigmatise mental health we will never be able to solve the problem that we are facing. Some people need to open up about the challenges that they face but because of the stigma they are unable to do so,” said Simelane.
The event was also attended by Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Narend Singh.
Sunday Tribune