Stress is widely recognized as a 21st-century "health epidemic,"
With global studies showing that 79% of individuals experience stress to varying degrees, and 85% of countries reported increased psychological distress in recent years, it is time to act.
South Africa has emerged as one of the most distressed nations globally, with 70–71% of South Africans reporting high stress levels that often make them feel incapable of coping with daily life.
South Africa faces a high burden of mental illness, with depression affecting nearly a 3rd of the population.
✓ High Coping Crisis: A massive 71% of South Africans reported that stress has made them feel unable to cope with life's demands in the past year.
✓ Absenteeism: Half (50%) of surveyed South Africans have felt so stressed that they could not go to work, significantly higher than the 39% global average.
✓ Mental Health Crisis: A 2022 Wits study found that roughly 25.7% of South Africans are likely depressed, and that mental health issues are rising, with 56% reporting higher levels of psychological distress.
✓ Physical Consequences: Almost 32% of professionals surveyed in a 2025 study reported that stress has hindered their ability to exercise, and 33% reported that stress disrupted their sleep.