The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) has over 160 support groups around the country that deal with depression, anxiety, trauma, chronic illness, and bipolar disorder, as well as support groups specifically for family members and loved ones. Support Groups are gatherings of people with common experiences and concerns who meet together to provide emotional and moral support for one another.
There are groups for young adults, students, frontline healthcare workers, those going through grief and for those supporting others who are struggling – if you need help, Sadag will probably be able to help you find a group.
Sadag support group leader Lindiwe Nkolombe says: “In a support group one is able to realise that they are not alone. Members feel understood because others are experiencing similar situations to them.” A support group shouldn’t replace your usual medical care.
Mental illness affects an estimated one in three South Africans, however many people don’t know where to go for help or how to manage their mental health.
“Sometimes just being at a meeting with others who are on a similar journey is enough. It’s not always about sharing your story, but knowing that you don’t have to face it alone,” explains Alexandra Wallis, founder of KZN’s Mums Support Network. For more information on finding a group, visit www.sadag.org
