The ability to function is increasingly being mistaken for the ability to cope, with psychological distress often concealed behind professional success, family responsibilities and the expectation to remain resilient.
As Mental Health Awareness Month draws attention to the complexities of emotional well-being, Durban North psychologist Rakhi Beekrum is urging communities to reconsider what mental health struggles look like, particularly in a society grappling with financial insecurity, relentless performance pressures and the psychological influence of an increasingly digital world.
Behind the reassuring words “I’m fine” may lie exhaustion, anxiety, isolation and emotional distress that even those closest to an individual fail to recognise.
“The reality is that a person can look fine, go to work, carry out family responsibilities, fulfil social obligations and even make others laugh, while struggling beneath it all,” Beekrum explained.
She identified unexplained fatigue, emotional detachment, withdrawal, unusual irritability and persistent pessimism as subtle warning signs that should not be overlooked.
“While ordinary tiredness generally subsides with adequate rest or relief from stressful circumstances, burnout can leave individuals feeling emotionally depleted, disconnected and unable to manage responsibilities they previously handled with ease,” she said.
More concerning, she explained, are persistent changes in mood, appetite, sleep, concentration and the ability to experience pleasure, particularly when these difficulties begin affecting several areas of a person’s life. Such changes warrant further assessment, including consideration of possible medical causes.
For many South Africans, however, the pressure is not simply psychological. Escalating living costs, financial instability and the responsibility of supporting entire households have created circumstances in which emotional strain can become a constant presence.
“This is a very real problem, because financial insecurity has a direct relationship to our mental health. Prolonged economic uncertainty can trigger anxiety, insomnia, irritability and relationship conflict, while diminishing an individual’s capacity to make decisions, solve problems and plan for the future,” Beekrum said.
Yet, while financial hardship weighs heavily on some, others are confronting a different pressure: the expectation to appear successful.
According to Beekrum, social media has fundamentally altered how people measure their worth, exposing young adults to carefully constructed portrayals of wealth, physical appearance, relationships and career achievements.
This constant comparison can distort perceptions of success, encourage dissatisfaction with one’s appearance and create unrealistic expectations about what should be accomplished at a particular age.
For South Africans already facing unemployment, unequal access to opportunities and financial uncertainty, the pressure to keep pace with seemingly successful peers can further undermine self-esteem.
Paradoxically, greater digital connectivity has not necessarily produced stronger emotional connections.
“The number of social connections we have does not determine whether we feel lonely or not. Genuine companionship depends on emotional security, authenticity and meaningful relationships rather than the number of interactions or followers accumulated online,” Beekrum explained.
The increasing use of artificial intelligence for emotional reassurance and companionship has also raised concerns. Beekrum acknowledged its immediate availability and appeal to those who find human relationships difficult, but cautioned that excessive reliance on AI could reinforce unhealthy behaviours, weaken accountability and limit opportunities to develop essential interpersonal skills.
She further warned that AI chatbots cannot replace qualified mental health professionals, particularly where diagnosis, complex emotional difficulties or serious psychological risks are involved.
Beyond technological influences, Beekrum highlighted the damaging effects of generational expectations that discourage vulnerability.
“Individuals regarded as the dependable or emotionally strong members of their families may struggle to seek assistance themselves, particularly when they fear burdening others,” she explained.
Cultural attitudes can present additional barriers when psychological difficulties are dismissed as weakness or when individuals are encouraged to rely exclusively on religious practices instead of seeking treatment.
Beekrum stressed: “Spirituality can be a valuable source of strength, but should not be regarded as incompatible with professional psychological care.”
The emotional well-being of children and young adults also demands greater attention, particularly as the Class of 2026 navigates the pressures of the final matric examinations. She encouraged parents to replace excessive criticism and comparisons with practical assistance, reassurance and environments that support healthy study habits, adequate sleep and emotional stability.
Importantly, Beekrum challenged the popular belief that self-care, positive thinking and personal resilience alone can resolve psychological struggles.
Beekrum said: “Self-care and boundaries are important life skills, but are not solutions for structural issues. Expecting individuals confronting unemployment, poverty or overwhelming responsibilities to simply remain positive can invalidate genuine emotional distress.”
Compounding these challenges is the financial inaccessibility of psychological treatment for many South Africans.
Beekrum called for meaningful structural improvements to mental healthcare, including greater access to psychologists in schools and public healthcare facilities. She advised those experiencing psychological difficulties to approach a general practitioner or local clinic for assessment and appropriate referral.
However, she believes that creating mentally healthier communities requires more than clinical intervention, public campaigns or greater familiarity with psychological terminology.
“It begins with how families, schools, workplaces and communities respond when someone is struggling. Rather than dismissing concerns, offering unsolicited advice or insisting that others remain positive, I encourage people to listen attentively, recognise emotional changes and help loved ones access professional assistance when necessary. Saying the right words isn’t enough – our actions need to show that we care,” she emphasised.
Ultimately, mental health awareness cannot be confined to a commemorative month. The mind requires the same consistent attention as physical health, with emotional well-being nurtured through everyday habits, honest conversations, meaningful support and timely intervention.
October may bring mental health into the spotlight, but caring for it must remain a daily responsibility, long after the awareness campaigns have ended.
