Mental health crisis: City of Cape Town expands screening services amid rising suicide attempts

Cape Town is facing an alarming mental health crisis, with attempted suicide cases surging by 145% over the past year at the city's Community Day Centres.

This dramatic increase has prompted City Health officials to intensify their focus on mental wellness as a strategic priority, implementing new screening tools and expanding services across all districts.

According to officials, the City of Cape Town has treated over 163 attempted suicide cases at its 13 Community Day Centres (CDCs) in the past year. In response to this concerning trend, a comprehensive mental health screening tool has been successfully implemented at these facilities, with plans underway to expand to all City clinics, ensuring every resident who visits these facilities receives appropriate assessment.

"City Health is placing mental health firmly at the heart of its strategic priorities, ensuring that preventative care, early detection, and community support are central to its services," said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Francine Higham.The expansion of mental health services has yielded significant results:

• Mental health screenings have increased by 251% - from 8,616 to 30,230 in the past year
• Patient visits to mental health clinicians rose by 16.3% - from 5,772 to 6,714
• Services have expanded from three subdistricts to all eight City Health subdistricts

This initiative aligns with the 2025 World Mental Health Day theme: 'Mental health in humanitarian emergencies', reflecting the City's commitment to building resilient communities by addressing mental well-being before crises occur.

"Preventing mental health challenges before they escalate is just as important as treating physical illnesses," explained Higham.

"We are committed to equipping our communities with the tools, support, and understanding they need to thrive."

City Health psychologists have launched innovative awareness campaigns at the community level, making mental health information accessible, culturally sensitive, and easy to understand in all three official languages. These initiatives aim to break down stigma and discrimination while encouraging open conversations about mental health challenges.

Residents experiencing psychological distress can access support through their nearest CDC or city clinic, where trained staff can provide screening, counseling, and referrals to specialized services when needed. Early intervention has proven crucial in preventing more serious mental health crises.

Cape Town's approach represents a significant shift in public health strategy, recognizing mental wellness as equally important as physical health. By addressing mental health proactively and comprehensively, City Health hopes to reverse the troubling trend of increased suicide attempts and create more resilient communities.

City Health urges residents to prioritize their mental well-being, reach out for support when struggling, and participate in community programmes designed to strengthen mental health across the city. Through collective effort and reduced stigma, officials believe the mental health crisis can be addressed effectively.