Championing Youth and Men's Mental Health: A Call to Action

June marks two significant commemorations in South Africa: Youth Month and Men's Mental Health Month. Both observances offer a vital opportunity to reflect, raise awareness, and take meaningful action toward addressing the challenges faced by our youth and men in society.

As we navigate these important themes, it's essential to acknowledge the intersecting pressures that can impact the mental health of young people and men, and to advocate for a future where mental well-being is prioritised.

Youth Month in South Africa is a time of remembrance and celebration. It honours the brave students who stood against the oppressive apartheid regime on June 16, 1976, during the Soweto Uprising. This day is a cornerstone in our history, reminding us of the power and potential of young voices to instigate change. Nelson Mandela once said, "The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow," highlighting the critical role that young people play in shaping our nation's future.

Despite the progress made, many challenges remain. Youth unemployment, educational disparities, and social inequalities continue to affect young South Africans. It's imperative that we invest in our youth, providing them with the tools, opportunities, and support needed to thrive. Education, mentorship, and mental health support must be at the forefront of these efforts, ensuring that the leaders of tomorrow are equipped to navigate and overcome the challenges they face.

June also shines a spotlight on men's mental health, a topic often shrouded in stigma and silence. Men are frequently conditioned to suppress their emotions and to view vulnerability as a sign of weakness. This societal expectation has dire consequences. According to the World Health Organisation, men are less likely than women to seek help for mental health issues, leading to higher rates of untreated depression and suicide. It is crucial to foster environments where men feel safe to express their emotions and seek help without fear of judgment.

Renowned South African psychologist Dr. Cooper emphasises, "Mental health is a critical component of overall health, and its time we prioritise it as such, especially among our men who often suffer in silence." Internationally, figures like Prince Harry have also brought attention to this issue, advocating for open conversations about mental health and breaking down the stigma associated with it.

To bring these themes into a more personal perspective, we feature an insightful conversation with Lucky Shilli, a finance analyst at Muluma, who shared his journey and thoughts on mental health.

Q: Can you share a bit about your journey from being a trainee in 2019 to becoming a full-time employee at Muluma?

Lucky Shilli: I started working here as a trainee in October 2019 while still studying. Initially, it was challenging, especially with the onset of COVID-19, but I saw many growth opportunities within the company. The supportive culture at Muluma made the transition smoother for me.

Q: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during your transition?

Lucky Shilli: Time management was a significant challenge, transitioning from being a student to a full-time employee. The daily and yearly schedules were very different. However, Muluma's supportive environment and assistance from HR and management helped me up-skill and manage these changes.

Q: How do you prioritise mental wellness in your daily routine at work?

Lucky Shilli: I used to start my day with a cup of tea to calm myself, then plan my day, which helped me operate efficiently. It's also important to protect personal space and not take things personally at work.

Q: What strategies would you suggest for maintaining mental wellness in the workplace?

Lucky Shilli: Prioritising sleep is crucial. Also, creating a routine and understanding that work isn't personal helps maintain mental peace. It’s okay to apologize if you’ve made a mistake, as it shows accountability.

Q: Looking ahead, what are your future goals at Muluma, and how do you plan to achieve them while maintaining your mental wellness?

Lucky Shilli: I aim to structure the finance department better by splitting it into accounts payable and receivable, which will help manage the workload. This restructuring will also create opportunities for more interns, which in turn can reduce stress.

Q: What are your hopes for the future regarding mental health support at Muluma?

Lucky Shilli: I think introducing quiet rooms or inviting psychologists for office-wide sessions could greatly benefit employees. These initiatives could provide the necessary support to ensure mental wellness.

As we commemorate Youth Month and Men's Mental Health Month, it is crucial to create supportive environments both in educational institutions and workplaces.

Encouraging open dialogues, providing mental health resources, and fostering a culture of empathy can significantly improve the mental well-being of our youth and men.