In South Africa, health authorities are expanding community-based mental health services following a sharp rise in youth depression and suicide attempts.
According to recent reports from the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), calls to suicide hotlines have increased significantly over the past year, particularly among university students and unemployed young people. Experts link the trend to persistent unemployment, financial stress, substance abuse, and social isolation.
The Department of Health has announced new investments in school-based counseling programs and partnerships with NGOs to bring therapy services closer to townships and rural communities where access remains limited.
Mental health advocates say the shift toward community-level intervention is long overdue, but they warn that stigma and shortages of trained psychologists continue to hinder progress.
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