Mental health issues in South Africa are often sidelined in favor of more mainstream healthcare topics, but with South Africa’s violent and divided history, and the disabling effect that these disorders have on those affected (80% of schizophrenics in SA are unemployed), far more attention needs to be paid to the mental wellbeing of the population.

Mental health is not only the absence of disease, but also the ability of people to cope effectively in and contribute to society. A person’s mental wellbeing is shaped by their interpersonal relationships, their community and the society they live in. Our history of human rights abuses, racial segregation, displacement of communities, repression and poverty has affected the psyche of many South Africans. This presents itself in high levels of violence, alcoholism, drug abuse and depression as well as anxiety disorders like post-traumatic stress syndrome and mood disorders. A lack of understanding of mental health issues, limited resources and a lack of psychological or psychiatric support in many communities exacerbates these problems and prevents their cure.

Traditionally mental health issues were dealt with in large institutions, but increasingly the responsibility for care is being devolved to community clinics, support groups and residential rehabilitation programs, slowly increasing access to care. An increase in this kind of support is essential in supporting people infected with HIV/AIDS and their home-based caregivers who are both highly vulnerable to depression. Education around mental health disorders is also essential in reducing the stigma associated with mental disorders and increasing the willingness and ability of people to seek help.

Several Connect-123 interns have been involved in doing occupational therapy, counseling and social work in mental health programs, whilst others have been involved in psychiatric research. The lack of staff and resources in the sector means that additional skills are highly valued and with the right skills there is a lot of potential to get involved in some very interesting projects.

Chronic diseases of lifestyle are becoming increasingly prevalent in today’s modernizing world, both in developing and developed countries. Smoking, consuming a high fat, high sugar diet and lack of exercise lead to tobacco addiction, hypertension, blood sugar imbalances and obesity. These factors put populations at risk of developing chronic diseases of lifestyle such as lung cancer and chronic bronchitis, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer.

The World Health Organization has identified chronic diseases of lifestyle as the leading cause of death in the future and it is very important that these issues be addressed through proper education and initiatives to promote physical activity, especially amongst younger populations that are particularly vulnerable.

South Africa displays high levels of both infectious diseases related to poverty and chronic diseases of lifestyle (CDL). Increased adoption of a Westernized diet without sufficient education on nutrition or the importance of exercise puts significant numbers of South Africans at risk, especially in urban areas where “junk” food, high in carbohydrates and saturated fats is cheaper and more readily available than fresh, healthier food.

Obesity in South Africa, especially in woman (40% of population) is very high. Bigger woman are considered more beautiful in many African cultures and this contributes to and exacerbates the problem. As HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis are associated with weight loss, slimness is seen as an indication of sickness and the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS discourages South African woman from attempting to lose weight.

Physical education and sports are no longer part of the national curriculum in South African government schools, meaning that many younger South Africans are not exposed to any forms of exercise, increasing the likelihood that children and adolescents will continue with sedentary behavior into adulthood.

Connect-123 works with several sports development, exercise promotion and health education organizations in Cape Town and Buenos Aires where CDLs are also an increasing problem. These organizations promote life skills, healthy eating and participation in sports such as rugby, athletics, soccer and basketball or community-run, age appropriate fitness classes. The work done by these organizations is integral to developing healthier attitudes and healthier people in South Africa and Argentina and the assistance of Connect-123 interns enhances their capacity to engage with and assist local communities.

Cape Town is (literally) buzzing with the arrival of the 2010 World Cup. Flags are the latest décor covering windows, cars and even substituting as hair pieces. No advertisement is complete without a soccer ball thrown in for good measure, and Shakira’s theme song can be heard coming out of nearly every minibus taxi.

Coming up to the halfway mark now, World Cup fever is leaving no area untouched! It has offered an exciting distraction for so many South Africans not excluding the littlest ones. At the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, the staff have gone out of their way to hang flags throughout the hospital and even installed a life size Zakumi in the main foyer. Doctors have even added colorful hats to their typical scrub attire in support of the festivities (which makes quite an impression in the operating theatre).

These days, it is every child’s dream to become a professional soccer player and mini vuvuzelas and soccer balls litter the wards. Toddlers have been outfitted in green and yellow “Bafana” beanies and Zakumi tattoos – completely unaware of their allegiance (and how adorable they look!).

Connect-123’s child life program has taken full advantage of the excitement and utilized the diski dance as a means of getting the children moving, soccer facts as conversation starters, and has coined the games, “name that flag” and “what else could this vuvuzela be?” The latter could also be called, “let’s think of something else to do with this besides annoy everyone around us.”

Even in a place where illness and injury don’t take a break to follow the matches, World Cup excitement is high. It is everywhere. Pride resonates from every corner. Even though our passion for soccer ranges from person to person and our country of allegiance may differ, we have all been touched in some way or another.