MHM Magazine

heighten the risk of anxiety and depression. Upon graduation, interns face intense workloads, operational inefficiencies, and minimal psychological support, often leading to burnout and isolation. Support Systems and Institutional Gaps Psychosocial support improves performance and well-being. A key intervention is the Young Doctors and Medical Students Mental Health Helpline, launched by Discovery Health in collaboration with the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) in 2017. This dedicated helpline supports medical students and junior doctors with on demand mental health support 24/7. While labelled as a helpline for young doctors, it’s available to all clinicians. Call data reveals that mental health challenges are often linked to financial stress, food insecurity, loneliness, and academic pressure — exacerbated by South Africa’s socio-economic inequalities. Dispelling the Myth of Invulnerability Part of providing meaningful support, must include support with coping mechanisms, tools and tactics to properly and successfully navigate the complex system as a student and young professional. Some ideas that Dr Khatle has found to be successful include structured reflection cycles to assess emotional capacity and work-life balance. Being able to recognise patterns and early signs of burnout (e.g., loss of enjoyment, disrupted eating, social withdrawal) enables timely intervention. Most profoundly, destigmatising help-seeking behaviour and allowing healthcare workers to set and keep their emotional and physical boundaries, while also considering the potential impact on their colleagues and clinician community should become standard practice. Conclusion Mental health support is an essential component of pursuing medical education and becoming a competent and successful medical practitioner. The well- being of healthcare workers should be something we all strive to improve, because of its implications on effective patient care and improving the healthcare system. The Discovery-SADAG Young Doctor Mental Health Helpline continues to strive to be a platform that supports the success of students and young doctors, because we truly believe them is not just compassionate — it’s essential for the health of our nation. The Discovery South Africa Medical Students Helpline: 0800 323 323 If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, call SADAG’s 24-hour helpline: 0800 567 567 References available on request. MHM | 2025 | Volume 12 | Issue 4 | B eyond the Bedside: Mental Health Realities for Young Doctors and Medical Students MHM Teen Suicide Prevention Week F bruary World Bipolar Awareness Day March July Support Group Awareness Week 26-31 9-16 30 World Schizophrenia Awareness Day Substance Abuse Awareness Day May June 24 26 Mental Health Awareness Month 1-30 Panic Awareness Day World ADHD Awareness Day 10 14 January World Suicide Prevention Day 10 September World Mental Health Awareness Month 1-31 World Mental Health Day 10 October Mens Mental Health Month 1-30 World Stress Awareness Day 6 November 5202 MENTAL HEALTH CALENDAR www.sadag.org 0800 567 567 0800 456 789 076 882 2775 Teen Suicide Prevention Week February World Bipolar Awareness Day March July Support Group Awareness Week 26-31 9-16 30 World Schizophrenia Awareness Day Substance Abuse Awareness Day May June 24 26 Mental Health Awareness Month 1-30 Panic Awareness Day 10 January 5202 MENTAL HEALTH CALENDAR