SANDTON – On World Mental Health Day (October 10,) the South African Depression and Anxiety Group emphasized this year’s international theme, mental health in an unequal world.
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) continues to highlight the importance of mental health.
On World Mental Health Day (October 10,) the group emphasised this year’s international theme, ‘mental health in an unequal world’, and breaking the barriers around mental health stigma.
“One in three South Africans will or do have a mental health issue at some point in their lifetime, and only one in 10 people with a mental illness access mental health treatment.
“[This is why] it is important that Sadag keeps raising awareness about mental health issues in South Africa, and keep advocating for better treatment and care so that we can see the gap in treatment closing for the all those in our population who need care,” said Sadag operations director Cassey Chambers.
According to founder Zane Wilson, since Sadag’s inception 27 years ago, it has been able to break some of the stigma around mental illness by having more people share their own stories and experiences.
“But more needs to be done to help encourage more people to get help and let them know that it’s okay not to be okay, but that there is help and they are not alone, more activity is needed in rural areas with poverty, fewer clinics and limited mental health care,” said Wilson.
Chambers added that a lot more work still needed to be done to break down the stigma and improve our mental health treatment and care in South Africa,
“We owe it to families who are impacted and don’t know how to get help or support. And we owe it to our most vulnerable group of people who are not able to speak for themselves and deserve better care and treatment today and every day.”
Do you need someone to speak to?
– Chat online with a counsellor seven days a week from 09:00 to 16:00 via the Cipla Whatsapp Chat Line on 076 882 2775.
– SMS 31393 or 32312 and a counsellor will call you back
– Call the Sadag helplines on 0800 21 22 23, 0800 70 80 90 or 0800 456 789
– Call the suicide helpline on 0800 567 567.
Sadag helplines provide free telephonic counselling, information, referrals and resources seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
