In Conversation WIth Shaakera Subjee Educational Psychologist

As South Africa marks Mental Health Awareness Month in May 2026, growing attention is being placed on the mental wellbeing of young people, particularly adolescent girls navigating increasingly complex emotional, academic, and social pressures. Research from the South African Medical Research Council indicates that approximately 10.1% of young people experience depressive disorders, 6.7% experience anxiety disorders, while nearly 17.6% are affected by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Mental health experts continue to warn that many young people suffer silently, often without adequate emotional support systems, access to counselling, or safe environments where they can openly discuss emotional challenges. Educational institutions are increasingly being called upon to play a more active role in supporting learners beyond academics alone. Schools are no longer viewed only as places of learning, but also as environments where emotional development, self-esteem, resilience, leadership, and psychosocial wellbeing are shaped. The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls has become one example of an institution attempting to integrate holistic and trauma-informed educational approaches into student development. Trauma-informed education recognises that experiences such as violence, poverty, family instability, bullying, social pressure, grief, and community trauma can significantly affect a learner’s emotional regulation, behaviour, confidence, relationships, and academic performance. The conversation also comes at a time when many young girls face mounting pressure linked to social media, identity, beauty standards, cyberbullying, academic competition, gender-based violence, and economic uncertainty. Mental health advocates argue that schools must become safer and more emotionally responsive spaces where young people feel seen, heard, supported, and empowered. Instagram · Twitter