Mental health should be treated with the same courtesy and kindness as physical health. If someone broke their leg you would rush in and help them and the same should apply if someone were feeling suicidal.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people aged 15-29. If you are suffering please speak out and do not suffer in silence because even if you might not feel like it, your existence matters.
The South African Depression And Anxiety Group (SADAG) is a non profit organization which aims to de-stigmatise mental illness and provide education on it through workshops, community projects and training programmes. They have 200 support groups throughout the country, giving people with lower incomes the opportunity to get the help they need, even if they do not have the funds for their treatment.
SADAG has counselling lines open everyday of the week from 8am to 8pm. You can book a counsellor on their website here. If you have the means to, they will greatly appreciate any donations as it goes towards ensuring that every person that contacts them gets the assistance they need.
Here are a list of emergency helplines that you can call if you feel too overwhelmed:
- Dr Reddy's Help Line - 0800 21 22 23
- Cipla 24hr Mental Health Helpline - 0800 456 789
- Pharmadynamics Police &Trauma Line - 0800 20 50 26
- Adcock Ingram Depression and Anxiety Helpline - 0800 70 80 90
- ADHD Helpline - 0800 55 44 33
- Department of Social Development Substance Abuse Line 24hr helpline - 0800 12 13 14
- Suicide Crisis Line - 0800 567 567
- SADAG Mental Health Line - 011 234 4837
- Akeso Psychiatric Response Unit 24 Hour - 0861 435 787
Remember to be kind to others as you never know what they might be going through behind closed doors.
Nothing is important enough to compromise your mental health so do not feel guilty for making lifestyle changes in order to protect your health.
