Feeling down? Listen to these motivational speakers for courage and hope
COVID-19, unemployment, crime, mental health, and burnout are taking their toll on many.
According to the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa has the eighth highest rate of suicide in the world, with around eight thousand people committing suicide every year.
In 2020, the World Health Organisation (WHO) announced the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic.
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People around the world were forced to stay indoors to prevent the spread of the deadly virus. Millions of people lost family members and loved ones due to the pandemic, but also due to suicide.
The devastating social impact of COVID-19, whether from the trauma from the economic fallout from the virus, the mass loss of human lives or the effect of “cabin fever” from the lockdowns, has had a massive impact on human beings.
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In February 2021, Philicity Reeken lost her 17-year-old nephew after he committed suicide.
According to the university, "record numbers of people will suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD cases), the combination of stress, anxiety and depression that develops in some people who have experienced a terrifying event."
The report also states that mental illnesses are likely to increase because of financial stress, anxiety, and self-isolation.
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"As COVID-19 rages, many South Africans with other illnesses are either not seeking medical help; or not getting attention - as the hospitals are turned into Covid-19 treatment theatres. This means that many South Africans may die of non-COVID-19 related causes."
In June, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that South Africa is currently in its third wave.
Gauteng continues to record the most number of positive cases at 69%.
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On Monday, 21 June, Premier David Makhura warned that residents of Gauteng could face stricter lockdown measures.
Many South Africans feel like we are "back where it all began".
Motivational speakers Siphiwe Moyo, Cindy Norcott, Kimberley Malope and Steve Harris joined the Scenic Drive with Rian to encourage listeners to not give up.
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