As we observe Mental Health Day, I feel it’s important to share my personal story—and the invaluable support I’ve received along the way, something quite rare in our country. First, I want to thank my parents. From a young age, they educated me about mental health, fostering an environment where open conversations about mental well-being were not just encouraged but normalised. Thanks to them, I’ve never felt embarrassed or ashamed about my mental health conditions—General Anxiety Disorder and recently diagnosed ADHD. I speak about them freely, and that sense of freedom has been a key pillar of my journey.
I’m also immensely grateful to my boss, who has created a safe and supportive space for me at work. Understanding my journey and the neurodivergence I navigate, he gives me the flexibility I need to work in ways that align with how my brain functions best. This understanding and trust have made all the difference, allowing me to show up authentically and contribute meaningfully while caring for my mental health.
In addition to work support, I’m deeply thankful to my partner, who has supported me every step of the way and taken the time to learn about my mental health conditions. Having a support system outside of work is just as important, and I’m fortunate to have someone who is there for me as I navigate my mental wellness journey.
Additionally, I want to express my deep gratitude to my psychiatrist and psychologist. Finding mental health professionals I can truly connect with has been a critical part of my healing and growth, and I’m thankful every day for their guidance and support.
As a mental health advocate, I often speak to employees about my own mental wellness, and often, people are surprised to hear that I have mental health conditions.
What many don’t realise is that, just like physical illnesses, mental health conditions are not always visible. This is why it’s so important to have open conversations in safe spaces—because you can’t always “see” what someone is going through.
In fact, I’ve had people tell me, “In my community, we don’t deal with these things, we are told not to talk about it.” This is a sentiment that resonates with many people in South Africa, where only 1 in 10 individuals with a mental health condition actually receives mental health care. It is therefore paramount that we destigmatize mental wellness in our communities so that the right support can be provided, and people feel empowered to seek help when they need it.
It’s also important for companies to make reasonable accommodations for neurodivergent employees that enable them to thrive in their roles. Often, neurodivergent individuals are misunderstood or seen as underperforming, when in reality, they may just need slightly different working conditions compared to neurotypical people to perform at their best. Creating environments where neurodivergent employees can flourish benefits not only the individual but the entire organisation by unlocking potential that might otherwise go unnoticed.
As a country, we still have a long way to go to break the stigma and ensure that sufficient, affordable mental health care is accessible to all. But by speaking up, supporting one another, and creating more open conversations, we can start moving in the right direction. Let’s continue to work towards a future where mental health is as normalised and prioritised as any other aspect of well-being.
By Santhana Pillay, Organizational Development Specialist [first published on LinkedIn]
A huge thank you to Santhana for sharing her story with us. Santhana was also a speaker at our recent webinar focused on practical strategies for building mentally healthy workplaces. You can watch the webinar here.
For more on why we need to prioritise mental health in the workplace, read our World Mental Health Month concept document here.