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When does everyday stress stop being normal, and start being something more serious? For many South Africans, that line is blurred. Work deadlines, financial strain, family pressures and the relentless pace of modern living often feel overwhelming. But too often, what begins as “just stress” escalates into anxiety, depression or burnout.
The statistics are sobering. A Wits/MRC[i] study found that 25.7% of South Africans likely meet the threshold for depression, yet only about a quarter seek help. Research[ii] also shows that as many as 90% of people with a mental health condition in South Africa do not receive care. At the same time, 36% of employees report experiencing excessive daily stress, according to a Gallup poll[iii]. Among youth, a UNICEF poll[iv] revealed that 60% of children and young people felt they needed mental health support in the past year.
“The need is enormous, and the treatment gap is staggering,” says Tania Joffe, founder of Unu Health, a leading telemedicine platform. “Stress is often the first signal. If we ignore it, it can spiral into something far more serious. The earlier people can reflect and reach out, the better their chances of recovery.”
Experts point to a mix of economic and social stressors unique to South Africa:
- Unemployment and financial pressure: With unemployment above 30%, financial stress is one of the most common drivers of poor mental health.
- Violence and trauma: High exposure to crime and trauma increases the risk of post-traumatic stress, anxiety and depression.
- Workplace burnout: South Africa ranks among the highest globally for burnout, especially in high-pressure sectors like healthcare.
- Youth vulnerability: School pressures, social media and limited opportunities are creating new stressors for young people.
- Access barriers: Mental health services are often concentrated in cities, leaving rural and township communities with little support.
It’s not always easy to know when stress has crossed into a mental health disorder. Warning signs include persistent low mood, constant fatigue, difficulty concentrating, withdrawal from friends and family, changes in appetite or sleep, or ongoing feelings of hopelessness.
“These are the whispers people should not ignore,” says Joffe. “Mental health deserves the same attention as physical health. Nobody tells someone with diabetes or asthma to ‘just get over it’ — and we need to stop saying that to people who are struggling with anxiety or depression.”
As part of their objective to bring health care, including mental health screening, directly to the people of South Africa, Unu Health have developed a free mental health self-assessment tool available on their website. This tool is designed to help identify whether they may be dealing with more than just day-to-day stress. It is not a diagnosis, but a first step toward awareness.
“Privacy and accessibility matter,” says Joffe. “Many people hesitate to seek help because of stigma or lack of time. By offering digital tools, we make it easier for people to take that first step in the comfort of their own space.”
What can each of us do to ensure those around us are not suffering unnoticed?
For individuals:
- Pay attention to changes in mood, energy, sleep or motivation.
- Don’t wait for a crisis — talk to a doctor or counsellor early.
- Build protective habits such as exercise, rest and social connection.
For businesses:
- Train managers to recognise warning signs.
- Offer real support, such as Employee Assistance Programmes.
- Foster a workplace culture where it’s safe to talk about mental health.
For society:
- Expand mental health services at community and primary care level.
- Tackle stigma through open conversations.
- Ensure mental health is funded as a core part of healthcare, not a side issue.
The truth is, poor mental health doesn’t only affect individuals — it ripples into families, workplaces and the economy. But with technology making access easier, the first step is within reach.
“Telemedicine isn’t a silver bullet,” says Joffe. “But it gives people options they didn’t have before. If more South Africans can check in with themselves early, we can prevent small cracks from becoming deep fractures.”
For anyone wondering if it’s “just stress” or something more, the first step is to stop ignoring it. Because mental health isn’t a luxury — it’s the foundation of how we live, work and connect.
For more information, please visit http://www.unuhealth.org
[1] https://health-e.org.za/2025/05/13/90-of-south-africans-with-mental-illness-go-without-care