SADAG runs the only toll-free Suicide Crisis Lines in the country, a toll-free Substance Abuse Line, Toll free Police Help line, and a 15-line call centre seven days a week from 8am to 8pm, helping all South Africans, and their loved ones, suffering from depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder and a host of other mental illnesses.
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group brings hope and recovery to thousands of South Africans living with mental illness, people for whom SADAG is truly a lifesaver. "SADAG saved my life – literally! The counsellor was there to talk to and she listened, she helped me cope and get help near where I live", said one SADAG caller.
Our telephone counsellors, dedicated volunteers, provide knowledge and education to callers through accurate information packs and brochures, support through their empathy and understanding, and assistance through referrals to appropriate help throughout the country. "Thank you for the information brochures you sent me. You have made such a difference in my life – and my son's!" Mother from Knysna.
We are looking for new volunteers to help us in our mission. We are based in Sandton and if you are over 21, have experienced and overcome a mental illness, or have had a family member with mental health problems or just would like to offer hope and help to those in crisis, and have 4 hours a week or over the weekend to spare, you may want to volunteer as a counsellor at SADAG in Sandton..
The two-day training will take place over a weekend in February 28th to allow those who work to participate. The training, given by psychologists, psychiatrists and senior SADAG counsellors, gives an in depth look at mental illnesses and their treatments, counselling, and telephone help.
Many of SADAG's counsellors feel that this work has given them the opportunity to turn a personal experience of loss or depression into a positive way of helping others. There are many opportunities to do this at SADAG through telephonic counselling, school and community outreach talks, and support groups.
Cassey Amoore, SADAG's Counselling Services Manager says that SADAG is looking for. "People who are conscientious about the work they take on, who understand that these are people's lives and whose motivation is to benefit the callers". For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Chevonne on 011 262 6396 or Cassey on 011 262 6396 or sms us on 31393, or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
volunteering at South Africa's largest mental health NGO is an amazing way to learn about mental health, and enrich our communities. With suicide, depression and anxiety on the increase in South Africa, this is a powerful way to make a difference.
SUPPORT GROUPS
SADAG has over 160 free Support Groups. To find out more about joining or starting a Support Group click here.
#BRAVETOGETHER
SADAG & Maybelline launch the #BraveTogether dedicated WhatsApp counselling chat line available 7 days a week, from 8 am-5 pm.
IN THE WORKPLACE
SADAG NEWSLETTER
MHM JOURNAL
JOURNALISTS
If you are a journalist writing a story contact Kayla on 011 234 4837 media@anxiety.org.za
MYSCHOOL
It’s the small things that make a BIG difference. Sign up for the “My School | My Village | My Planet” Card and start making a difference to Mental Health in South Africa today.
SPEAKING BOOKS
Literacy is a luxury that many of us take for granted. That is why SADAG created SPEAKING BOOKS and revolutionized the way healthcare information is delivered to low literacy communities.
The customizable 16-page book, read by local celebrity audio recordings, ensures that vital health and social messages can be seen, heard, read and understood by everyone across the world.
We started with books on Teen Suicide prevention , HIV, AIDS and Depression, Understanding Mental Health and have developed over 100+ titles, such as TB, Malaria, Polio, Vaccines for over 45 countries.
- Click here to see speaking books in action
- Click here for sample book on clinical trials
- Click here to connect to international site
- Speaking books for Health Care YouTube
EMERGENCY LINES
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
SMS 32312
Suicide Crisis Line
0800 567 567
SADAG Mental Health Line
011 234 4837
Akeso Psychiatric Response Unit 24 Hour
0861 435 787
Cipla Whatsapp Chat Line
(9am-4pm, 7 days a week)
076 882 2775
24 hour Healthcare Workers Care Network Helpline
0800 21 21 21
SMS 43001
NPOWERSA Helpline
0800 515 515
SMS 43010
UNIVERSITY LINES
EMERGENCY Contact Numbers for Students in South Africa - Click here
MENTAL HEALTH CALENDAR 2022
Support Group Awareness Week
24-28 January
Teen Suicide Prevention Week
14 - 21 February
World Bipolar Day
30 March
Bipolar Awareness Day
26 May
Substance Abuse Awareness Day
26 June
Mental Health Awareness Month
1 – 31 July
Panic Awareness Day
10 July
World Suicide Prevention Day
10 September
World Mental Health Day
10 October
World Mental Health Awareness Month
1 - 31 October
INFOGRAPHICS
SADAG KZN Branch
SADAG KZN opened its doors in 2018 and our office is currently based at UKZN, Howard College, Durban. This project is coordinated by Prof Suvira Ramlall and Suntosh Pillay, and is locally managed by Lynn Norton and Chantelle Booysen, with the support of the national office based in Gauteng.