World Mental Health day, like most named days, means little without continued mobilisation. Raising awareness annually is meaningless without disseminating resources, increasing accessibility to treatment, and the normalisation of mental health conversations within society. Below we’ve included a list of places that you can get help for yourself or someone you know, and some resources to aid understanding.
Destigmatising common mental illnesses
Destigmatisation happens slowly. It requires confronting and understanding mental illness. These videos are recommended by The South African Depression And Anxiety Group (SADAG), and look at a few specific mental illnesses visually through interviews and animation.
Depression
Bipolar
Suicide
Anxiety/Panic
The SADAG site also includes brochures, videos, articles, helplines, and questionnaires to check your mental health. They offer Q&A sessions and over 200 support groups throughout the country. Their phone lines are open from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week. SADAG also houses resources for ADHD, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, PTSD/Trauma and other disorders like schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, sleeping disorders, cutting and self-injury.
Support services
Here are some additional helplines to store in your phonebook or pass onto a friend or relative who may need it:
Adcock Ingram Depression and Anxiety Helpline
0800 70 80 90
Suicide Crisis Line
0800 567 567 or SMS 31393
Pharmadynamics Police &Trauma Line
0800 20 50 26
Destiny Helpline for Youth & Students
0800 41 42 43
ADHD Helpline
0800 55 44 33
Department of Social Development Substance Abuse Line 24hr helpline
0800 12 13 14
SMS 32312
SADAG Mental Health Line
011 234 4837
Akeso Psychiatric Response Unit 24 Hour
0861 435 787
Find a Support Group in your area
0800 21 22 23
Don’t let stigma prevent you from taking action, getting help or speaking out. If you have any more resources or information to add to this post, please email us at this address: abigail@assocmedia.co.za.
