23 people in South Africa die by suicide every day. The likes of World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September) and World Mental Health day (10 October), like most named days, mean 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 disorder

 

Suicide

 

Anxiety/Panic

The SADAG site also includes brochures, videos, articles, helplines, and questionnaires to check on your own 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 on to a friend or relative who may need it:

Adcock Ingram Depression and Anxiety Helpline

0800 70 80 90

Suicide Crisis Line (and for a suicidal emergency)

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

011 234 8182

 

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.