As South Africa continues to grapple with one of the highest youth unemployment rates in the world, mental health experts warn that feelings of hopelessness, depression and isolation are becoming increasingly common among young people.
Image: Freepik
As South Africa marks Youth Day, attention once again turns to one of the country's most pressing challenges: youth unemployment.
While the economic impact is widely discussed, the emotional and psychological toll often receives far less attention.
For thousands of young South Africans, the search for work is about more than earning an income. It is a daily battle against uncertainty, self-doubt and the fear of being left behind.
Prolonged unemployment can chip away at confidence, strain relationships and leave young people questioning their place in society.
Twenty-year-old Mia from Cape Town knows that feeling all too well. So does 23-year-old Okgethilwe, who says unemployment has forced him to confront anxiety, self-worth and the pressure of trying to build a future without financial stability.
Though their experiences are different, both reveal the hidden mental health burden carried by many young job seekers across the country.
As South Africa continues to grapple with one of the highest youth unemployment rates in the world, mental health experts warn that feelings of hopelessness, depression and isolation are becoming increasingly common among young people.
This Youth Day, the stories of Mia and Okgethilwe offer a powerful reminder that behind every unemployment statistic is a person trying to hold on to hope while searching for an opportunity.
For Mia, unemployment is not just financial; it is deeply emotional.
“You’re left just trying to survive each month. That alone is exhausting,” she says.
“Money really does make the world go around, and without it, you’re left just trying to survive each month.”
She talks openly about the creeping fear when hope fades. “It gets to you,” she admits. “You start thinking you’ll end up on the streets, never getting anywhere, never getting a job. You feel helpless.”
Mia doesn’t sugarcoat her struggles. “I don’t really cope. I just sleep and let the day pass,” she says. “I tell myself I can’t do it, even if a small part of me hopes one day I might.”
Lack of support has affected her deeply. “Many of them had more support, like parents who could help them through school, guide them, or pay for extra help.”
Her self-esteem has suffered. “I’ve let myself go,” she says. “I used to want to be better, but now, looking for a job feels hopeless. It’s like nothing will ever change.”
Living alone without a steady income adds more pressure. “Nothing comes for free, and if you’re broke, you’re broken,” she says. “It’s hard to stay motivated when it feels like nothing you do matters.”
Even attempts to improve are met with rejection. “They feel dark and depressing,” she says of her days. “I spend a lot of time just thinking of ways to make money, but even when I try, rejection hits hard. It makes things worse.”
She also feels judgment from others. “I feel like a disappointment, like I’m just surviving off other people’s money,” she shares.
Support from her mother and boyfriend provides brief relief. “They remind me that I’m worthy of good things and capable of greatness, even when I don’t believe it myself.”
Yet, talking doesn’t always help. “People can’t fix how I feel,” she says. Past attempts to seek help have not brought relief. “None of it helped me, not even a little.”
Despite the struggles, she keeps going. “I’m forced to wake up every day. It’s not really a choice.”
Even amid the darkness, a glimmer of hope remains. “In the next year, I want to get a job, save up for a motorbike, and eventually move into my own apartment. A goal that gives me something, however distant, to reach for.”
Unemployment is not just financial; it is deeply emotional.
Image: Freepik
Okgethilwe describes the emotional impact of unemployment in blunt terms.
“It really knocked my confidence,” he says. “I stress that not having everything together now makes me look useless to my family and peers. Being unemployed has caused me to belittle myself and become anxious about my own future.”
He has struggled with stress and depression while pursuing independence. “I’ve often felt like I’m not doing enough, even when I have more support than some of them,” he admits.
Social media became more of a distraction than relief. “I had to shift my focus back to real progress,” he says. “I had to step back.”
Through self-reflection, he has built resilience. “I’ve learned what it takes to be part of a team and to keep pushing myself,” he says. “Being unemployed actually made me more confident in what I can do.”
The job search itself is frustrating. “You can apply to 50 jobs in a day and still hear nothing. There’s no guidance, no feedback, nothing to help us improve,” he explains.
Many face barriers due to lack of resources. “Not everyone has access to resources like data or job platforms, which is a major barrier for many.”
Despite challenges, he remains focused. “I’m working hard to become a chef. I do my assignments, practice my skills, and focus on improving myself every day.”
Judgment from others has been difficult. “I felt that others have misunderstood that even though you are staying with or being supported by family, it does not mean that I have decided to waste my time and slack around.”
Support from loved ones is crucial. “Because we all believe that the truth is part reality and no matter how painful it is, my mom does not hesitate to hold me accountable for my actions, emotions, character, happiness and peace,” he says.
While he hasn’t seen a therapist, conversations with family and friends help. “I used to think asking for help meant I didn’t know what I wanted, but I’ve learned I can still grow with support from the people around me.”
His mantra reflects self-reliance: “Knowing no one is coming to save me.”
With opportunity in sight, he remains hopeful. “With access to technology, online income streams, and business resources, I see more potential now than ever before.”
His goals are clear. “Continue my studies, grow as a chef, and keep working on my mental well-being. I want to be better than I was yesterday, both in the kitchen and in life.”
Many struggle with stress and depression while pursuing independence.
Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers
SADAG professionals observe a widespread pattern of stress, burnout, and depression among South Africa’s unemployed youth.
Roshni Parbhoo-Seetha, Education Project Manager at SADAG, explains the emotional toll. “Many young people describe feeling hopeless, overwhelmed, and stuck. It can lead to burnout, anxiety, and even depression.”
Shame and perceived failure make matters worse. “There’s this sense of failure. And when that’s paired with poverty or no support, it can even lead to suicidal thoughts.”
Registered counsellor Vanishaa Gordhan Narotam highlights anxiety and depression as common consequences. “There’s often a sense of constant worry about the future, which fuels anxiety. And deep feelings of sadness or hopelessness that can spiral into depression,” she says.
Loss of identity is particularly damaging. “They internalise the idea that they’re ‘not good enough’ or ‘failing at life.’”
Access to support is critical. “Someone from a stable home might have some financial cushion or emotional backing. For others, especially from low-income households, unemployment becomes a family burden.”
Even without money, emotional support matters. “Being emotionally present can make a world of difference,” Vanishaa says.
SADAG encourages young people to reach out. “Whether it’s through our helplines, a local counsellor, or someone they trust, talking helps,” says Parbhoo-Seetha.
She also advises young people to find value beyond employment. “Your value isn’t defined by employment. Skills programmes, volunteering, or joining support groups can bring back structure and connection.”
For Mia, Okgethilwe, and countless others, the battle is not just about work. It’s about holding on to themselves amid uncertainty.
The emotional toll of unemployment is real and profound, yet often overlooked. We must stop measuring worth by productivity and start truly listening to the experiences of those living through it.
Behind each unread application and quiet day at home are young voices that dream, hope, and fight to be heard.