Self-care becomes ‘survival strategy’ as South Africans face mounting mental health and economic pressures

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As economic uncertainty, geopolitical instability, and climate change reshape daily life, health experts say self-care is evolving from a wellness trend into an essential survival tool. But with counterfeit medicines on the rise and poor nutrition widespread, the question is whether South Africans are protecting their health – or putting it at risk.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that depression and anxiety cost the global economy approximately US$1 trillion annually in lost productivity, while 12 billion working days are lost each year due to poor mental health. In South Africa, the toll is staggering: mental health issues cost the country R250 billion annually, driven by 452 million lost working hours. The 2025 State of Workforce Mental Health Report revealed a stark 24% increase in South African employees reporting work-related mental health issues, with nearly 90% of affected workers receiving no assistance.

Against this backdrop, healthcare professionals are urging people to focus on what they can control.

“We are carrying demanding careers, family responsibilities, financial pressure, uncertainty and the constant noise of a world that rarely switches off – and somewhere along the way, our own health often falls to the bottom of the list,” says Kelly Widdop, Consumer Health Cluster Division Head for Bayer in Sub-Saharan Africa. “Self-care is not an indulgence; it is an essential part of how we build healthier lives and more resilient communities.”

South Africans appear to agree. According to the latest Ipsos Global Trends study, 92% of South Africans recognise they need to do more to look after themselves physically, while 92% acknowledge the need to improve their mental wellbeing – significantly higher than the global averages of 84% and 81% respectively. An overwhelming 91% express a desire for more control over decisions about their health.

The nutrition gap

An estimated 75% of South African adults have poor diet quality, with only 12.5% meeting recommended dietary guidelines, according to the South African National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Dietary data reveals that South Africans consume less than half the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables, relying heavily on refined grains, sweetened beverages and ultra-processed foods. The country faces a triple burden of malnutrition – undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and rising obesity.

“Self-care is often misunderstood as an occasional indulgence,” says Dr Renissa Naidoo, Consumer Health Medical Lead for South East Africa at Bayer. “In reality, it is about making consistent, evidence-based decisions that support both physical and mental health over time. The small choices we make every day have a cumulative impact on our long-term wellbeing.”

The hidden danger of fake medicines

But self-care extends beyond healthy habits – it also includes making informed decisions about where healthcare products are purchased.

The rapid expansion of online shopping has made healthcare products more accessible than ever, but it has also created new opportunities for counterfeit and substandard medicines to enter the market. According to the WHO, at least one in ten medical products in low- and middle-income countries, including South Africa, is substandard or falsified. These products may contain wrong ingredients, incorrect dosages or no active ingredients at all.

The problem is growing. South Africa’s health products regulator, SAHPRA, reported that investigations into counterfeit medicines increased from 130 findings in 2021/2022 to 297 the following year, and reached 507 cases in the 2024/25 financial year. In September 2025, South Africa launched a National Action Plan to combat substandard and falsified medical products.

“When consumers purchase healthcare products from legitimate, trusted sources, they are helping ensure those products meet the appropriate quality standards and have been correctly stored, transported and dispensed,” says Dr Naidoo. “That confidence is an important part of effective self-care.”

Building resilience through informed choices

As South Africans navigate economic uncertainty and an increasingly complex health landscape, experts believe self-care is becoming less about reacting to illness and more about proactively protecting long-term health.

Simple behaviours – eating balanced meals, exercising regularly, maintaining healthy sleep habits, managing stress, and seeking professional medical advice when symptoms persist – all contribute to stronger immune function, improved mental wellbeing, and a lower risk of chronic disease.

“In an increasingly uncertain world, self-care is no longer a luxury – it is an essential investment in long-term health and wellbeing,” concludes Dr Naidoo. “By building sustainable healthy habits and ensuring healthcare products are purchased from trusted sources, South Africans can take practical steps to protect themselves and their families.”