By Gofaone Motsamai

With fewer than half the people requiring treatment for mental health getting it, traditional healers could be the answer to South Africa’s pressing mental health challenges.

This is one the findings of Goratileona Mashishi’s master’s study on the perceptions of Mahikeng community members on the role of the Mahikeng Provincial Hospital in dealing with mental health.

He recently completed a Master of Social Sciences degree in sociology at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus.

Be aware of cultural differences

A key concern that the study revealed was a lack of cultural sensitivity in dealing with mental health conditions.

“The hospital does not consider cultural differences in their healing process, even though the participants have reported to prefer a joint approach with the hospital in dealing with mental health, as patients cannot be separated from their culture and environment,” says Goratileona.

He recommends that the government should provide thorough training to informal healthcare workers such as traditional healers, and license them to provide mental health services. This would mean that indigenous and cultural methods would be included in the treatment process, increasing the potential for successful outcomes.

60% of South Africans affected

Additional healthcare resources are sorely needed as research points to a concerning gap: while approximately 60% of South Africans suffer from mental disorders, only 27% receive treatment.

Goratileona says it is not only internal factors that contribute to mental health burden, but some social factors such as one’s environment and social support. “Cultural differences also contribute and influence how one perceives the disorders and treatment process.”

His research was based on in-depth interviews with healthcare workers and families of recovered patients in the Mahikeng area. The findings revealed both positive and negative experiences. “Some respondents revealed that the hospital managed to assist them to see life differently (positively) despite the challenges they are facing, while some reported dissatisfaction with inadequate staff to cater for patients.”

Goratileona highlights gaps in community education, noting that: “The mental health programmes are not effective as many people around the community are not aware of them; therefore, there’s still a big knowledge gap in the community when it comes to mental health.”

The study calls for adequate budget to be allocated for mental health to ensure that the programmes in place are a success and assist in treating and educating communities about mental health.

Goratileona Mashishi