Addressing the mental health pandemic
08 December 2022
Conversations with specialists on the impact of mental health in the South African workplace.
7 min read | 10 min video | 23 min podcast
One in three individuals suffer from stress, anxiety and depression. It’s time to ask ourselves if we’re doing enough to improve our mental wellbeing. This Investec Life content series brings together some of the top experts and innovators in the fields of psychology and psychotherapy, medicine and medical technology to unpack how we can reimagine mental health within a South African landscape. It explores current approaches to managing mental health issues, while also sharing some of the inspiring stories that are changing the way we understand wellness.
The increasing demands on human capital in an interconnected and hyper-competitive world are largely reflected in the expectations that have been placed on students and young professionals today. In this podcast, we unpack how new entrants into the job market are managing their mental health and work to succeed. We are joined by Sicelo Joja, Executive Assistant to Chief Executive Officer of Investec Private Bank, Dr Tshepile Tlali, interim Chairperson of the Junior Doctors Association of South Africa and the interim vice-Chairperson of the South African Registrars Association and Chantelle Oosthuizen is the Executive Director for Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET).
In this episode of the reimagine mental health podcast series, we examine the relationship between mental and physical health. We are joined by some of the top minds in this field; Nicola Tager, Global Head of Investec Careers and Employee Experience at Investec, Dr Joseph Mwangi, MD, PhD. Medical Officer and Advisor for Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health World Health Organization (WHO), Professor Lesley Robertson, a professor in the department of psychiatry at University of Witwatersrand.
We are joined by Dr. Sumaiyah Docrat (Global Consultant and Health Economist), Bharti Patel (National Executive Director of SA Federation for Mental Health) and Sinenhlanhla Sithomo (Head of Insurance Business at Investec Life), as we seek to understand the scale and impact of the mental health crisis on our country. The guests also identify how various industries, like the life insurance industry, can support positive change for South Africans.
Technology has opened new doors in mental health support and data collection, broadening access to support and enabling proactive management of mental illness. Katy Katopodis speaks to Behavidence's Dr. Janine Ellenberger, Panda's Allan Sweiden and Hannover Re's Dr. Matthew Procter.
A conversation with specialist panellists from the medical and insurance fields, on the role life insurers in the destigmatisation of mental health in South Africa. This extends from how the industry underwrites mental health conditions and to how insurers can support a change in the perceptions surrounding mental health.
Investec Life offers a full suite of tailored life insurance solutions.
Recover without financial shortfalls
If you are diagnosed with a severe illness like cancer, a stroke or heart attack, you need the breathing room to recover. Protect yourself against financial shortfalls – even from future unknown illnesses – and any treatment costs not covered by your medical aid.
Enabling your lifestyle adjustment
When the unexpected happens and you’re forced to adapt, financial worries should be the last thing on your mind. We will pay you a lump sum to help you cover expensive rehabilitation or changes to your home and lifestyle so you can focus on recovery.
Let your legacy be their future
Even in your absence, you can ensure your loved ones live an extraordinary life, enabling them to maintain their lifestyle, assets and aspirations. To make things easier, we’ll pay your family up to R100,000 within two business days while we assess the claim.
Keep your home in the family
If something happens to you, your outstanding Investec home loan balance will be settled. We offer the most efficient cover in the market, with premiums that automatically adjust to your home loan balance, saving you up to 50% in premiums over the term of the policy.
Pays you a salary while you recover
Protect your ability to earn an income if you are unable to work due to an illness or injury. Income Protection Cover helps you meet monthly financial commitments with cover of up to 100% of your net of tax income. You are also protected for both temporary and permanent disabilities.
Keep your business going when life pushes pause
They say running a business is like raising a child – it needs constant care and attention to grow. When you’re unable to work due to an illness or injury, we will cover up to 100% of your business’s fixed expenses while you recover.