South Africa continues to grapple with persistently high rates of teenage pregnancy, prompting renewed calls for greater awareness and mental health support for young mothers.
Stepping into this critical space, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is set to host a Live Online Expert Q&A on Friday, February 27, 2026 at 1pm, aimed at addressing the often-overlooked emotional toll of adolescent pregnancy.
According to a 2025 analysis by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), births to mothers under the age of 20 account for approximately 13% of all births nationwide.
The figures underscore that adolescent pregnancy remains a significant public health and social challenge, particularly in communities already burdened by poverty, inequality and limited access to healthcare services.
Beyond the physical health risks, global data further highlights the psychological impact. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that between 10% and 20% of pregnant adolescents experience depression or anxiety during pregnancy or after giving birth. This demonstrates that teenage pregnancy is not only a medical issue, but also a serious mental health concern requiring urgent and compassionate intervention.
The upcoming session, which will stream live on Facebook at @TheSADAG and is open to the public, seeks to create a safe and informative platform for teenagers, young parents, caregivers, teachers, healthcare workers, social workers and community leaders.
The discussion will provide practical guidance on recognising the signs of depression and anxiety, offering emotional support, reducing stigma and connecting young mothers and their families to appropriate care and resources.
Roshni Parbhoo-Seetha, SADAG Project Manager, stressed the importance of centering mental health in conversations about teenage pregnancy.
“When a teenager finds out she is pregnant, it can feel like her world has collapsed. It is not just a medical moment; it is an emotional one. Many young girls are already facing poverty, trauma, or unstable homes. If we focus only on the pregnancy and ignore her mental health, we miss the silent fear, shame, anxiety, and depression she may be carrying. If we truly care about both mother and baby, we must care for her mind and heart too.”
Adding to this, Slindile Thabede highlighted the disproportionate psychological burden placed on adolescent mothers.
“Teenage pregnancy causes a lot of strain on teenage girls, significantly impacting their mental health. Young mothers face up to double the amount of depression and anxiety compared to adult mothers. They suffer severe stress, low self-esteem, social isolation, stigma and fear of the future.”
The Live Online Expert Q&A will feature Dr Shaheda Omar, who will offer professional insight into adolescent mental health and support strategies. Joining her will be Slindile Thabede, an Isibindi Ezikoleni Mentor from KwaZulu-Natal representing the National Association of Child Care Workers (NACCW). Thabede will share first-hand experiences from working directly with young people and families in vulnerable communities.
SADAG says the initiative is about more than a single online event, it is about breaking the silence surrounding teenage pregnancy and mental health.
By encouraging open dialogue and community collaboration, the organisation hopes to reduce stigma and remind young mothers that they are not alone.
As the country confronts the realities reflected in the HSRC data, Friday’s conversation aims to ensure that both mother and child receive not only medical care, but also the compassion, psychological support and dignity they deserve.
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za
