Mental Wealth: The Link Between Mind and Body
We focus intensely on our physical appearance, but 1 in 6 South Africans faces mental health challenges. It is time to acknowledge that our psychological well-being is the foundation of our physical health.
What is Mental Health?
Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It dictates how we handle stress, relate to others, and make life-altering choices. Good mental health is the engine that allows us to work productively and reach our full potential.
Early Warning Signs
How do you know when your mental wellbeing is under strain? Look for these shifts in yourself or those around you:
Physical Shifts
Dramatic changes in sleep (insomnia or oversleeping) and appetite (loss of interest in food or compulsive eating).
Emotional Volatility
Wild mood swings or a persistent sense of withdrawal and apathy toward hobbies and social connections once enjoyed.
Cognitive Decline
Difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, or struggling to complete tasks that were previously simple.
Why Does it Happen?
Mental health conditions are rarely the result of a single factor. They are often a combination of:
- Biology: Imbalances in brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) that carry signals through the body.
- Life Experience: Trauma or abuse can act as a trigger for long-term illness.
- Genetics: Inherited traits can make some individuals more predisposed to depression or bipolar disorder.
Emergency Support Resources
Please save these details in your phone for yourself or a loved one.
011 234 4837 / 0800 4567 789
0800 567 567
076 88 22 775
0800 12 13 14
Normalization is the Goal
Sasfin is committed to raising awareness and increasing access to treatment. Understanding your benefits is the first step toward recovery.
Need to understand the mental health benefits of your medical scheme?
Charleen Rix
Head of Healthcare, Sasfin Wealth
