Latest news with #SADAG
IOL News
13-05-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Breaking the silence on mental health: how to have those difficult conversations
Despite growing awareness around mental wellness, talking about it remains a challenge. Image: Antoni Shkraba Studio/Pexels You may have a friend who seems unusually quiet or a family member who's withdrawn. You want to ask them how they're feeling, but you hesitate, afraid it might be awkward or intrusive. Sound familiar? For many, this scenario is all too common when it comes to discussing mental health. Despite growing awareness around mental wellness, talking about it remains a challenge. Why is mental health so hard to talk about? In South Africa, mental health is often clouded by stigma. According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), up to 1 in 6 South Africans suffer from anxiety, depression, or substance use disorders, yet many never seek help. Why? Talking about mental health is frequently seen as a sign of weakness or failure. Cultural beliefs also play a role. In some communities, mental illness is misunderstood, often attributed to spiritual causes or dismissed as a lack of resilience. A 2022 study by the Human Sciences Research Council highlighted that 70% of South Africans associate mental illness with social stigma, making it harder for individuals to seek help or confide in others. Economic inequality further complicates the issue. In a country where over 55% of the population lives in poverty, many prioritise survival over mental well-being. For instance, it's not uncommon for someone struggling with depression to dismiss their symptoms, saying, 'There's no time to be sad; I need to put food on the table.' Why does talking about mental health matter? Despite these barriers, discussing mental health is essential. Open conversations can lead to early intervention, reducing the severity of mental health issues. Moreover, they help normalise seeking help, breaking the cycle of stigma. Studies show that social support significantly improves mental health outcomes. A 2021 report by SADAG found that individuals who talk about their struggles are more likely to seek professional help, adhere to treatment, and experience better recovery rates. Mental health struggles are deeply personal, and dismissive comments can do more harm than good. Image: Nappy/Pexels How to start the conversation Talking about mental health doesn't have to be daunting. Here are some practical tips: 1. Start small and casual If diving straight into a conversation about mental health feels intimidating, begin with something lighter. Ask your friend or loved one how they're doing in general. For example, 'How's work been lately?' or 'How are things at home?' This approach creates a safe space for them to open up. 2. Acknowledge their struggles If you know someone is going through a tough time, whether it's job loss, grief, or trauma, acknowledge it. Say something like, 'I've noticed you've been quieter than usual. I want you to know I'm here if you need to talk.' This validates their feelings without being intrusive. 3. Offer practical support Acts of kindness can facilitate deeper conversations. Offer to help with practical tasks, such as picking up groceries or assisting with childcare. These gestures show that you care and can create opportunities for deeper conversations. 4. Avoid judgemental language Mental health struggles are deeply personal, and dismissive comments can do more harm than good. Avoid phrases like 'You're overreacting' or 'Just snap out of it.' Instead, use empathetic language such as, 'I can't imagine how hard this must be for you.' 5. Ask open-ended questions Rather than offering advice, ask questions that invite the person to share their feelings. For example, 'What can I do to support you?' or 'What do you think would help you feel better?' This empowers them to express their needs. 6. Be patient Sometimes, people aren't ready to talk, and that's okay. Let them know you're available when they're ready. \A simple message like, 'I'm here if you ever want to chat,' can make a big difference. Local resources for mental health support We live in a country with limited access to mental health services, but organisations like SADAG and Lifeline offer free or low-cost support. Encourage your loved ones to reach out to these resources: SADAG (South African Depression and Anxiety Group): 24-hour helpline at 0800 456 789. Lifeline South Africa: Call 0861 322 322 for confidential support. LoveLife: Aimed at youth mental health, they offer counselling at 083 323 1023. Community-based initiatives, such as peer support groups in townships and rural areas, also play a crucial role in bridging the mental health gap. Mental health is a journey, not a destination. By starting conversations, we can help normalise mental wellness and create a culture of understanding and support. Mental health is something we all have, and taking care of it is a collective responsibility.
IOL News
13-05-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Taming the teen storm: SADAG launches free support group for parents
Parenting a teenager is undoubtedly challenging, but it doesn't have to feel impossible. Image: Yan Krukau /pexels We've all been teenagers before. It's easy to remember the growing pains, emotional outbursts, and moments when we felt misunderstood. But what happens when it's your turn to parent a teenager, especially one struggling with emotional and behavioural challenges? It's a reality many South African families face, and it comes with its own set of difficulties. Parenting is often described as one of life's most rewarding journeys, but it's also one of the most challenging. When your child is troubled, the weight of it can feel unbearable, especially in family dynamics that are already stretched thin, like single-parent households or child-headed families. The stigma surrounding mental health can make things worse, leaving parents feeling isolated and unsure of where to turn. When a teenager is struggling emotionally or behaviorally, it's not just their problem, it's a family problem. Trauma, anxiety, and stress rarely stay contained to one person. Parents, siblings, and even extended family members can feel the impact. Jacob Thomason, a family therapist at New Vision Wilderness, explains that when you have emotional, behavioural, and mental health challenges around you, any trauma that happens isn't contained to one person. Family members will be affected.' In response to this overwhelming need for support, SADAG has launched an Online Mental Health Support Group specifically for parents of teenagers with behavioural issues. Image: Liza Summer /pexels Parents, in particular, often bear the brunt. They feel a societal pressure to "fix" their child, and if they can't, they may see it as a personal failure. This guilt can be debilitating. Siblings, on the other hand, may feel overlooked, as the focus of the household shifts entirely to the struggling teen. This imbalance can breed resentment, anxiety, and feelings of isolation within the family unit. Here are some common challenges families face when a teenager is struggling: Parents and siblings may constantly worry about saying or doing something that could upset the teen. Family members may become irritable, leading to more frequent arguments. Sleep disturbances and appetite loss may become common. Household chores and responsibilities can feel overwhelming as emotional exhaustion sets in. Mental health conditions like anxiety or depression can develop in parents and siblings, or existing conditions may worsen. In some cases, substance use becomes a coping mechanism, potentially leading to substance use disorders. The mental load of parenting a teen with emotional or behavioural issues can leave parents feeling burned out. Beyond the emotional strain, there are financial pressures, relationship challenges, and work-life imbalances to navigate. As Tselane, a support group leader for the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), explains: 'Many parents express frustrations because of their teenager's behaviour. I believe this Support Group will help those parents to understand their children better, as other parents share their challenges and experiences. "Moreover, they'll learn different ways to work with their children to support them and themselves.' Finding support through SADAG To help parents cope, SADAG has launched an Online Mental Health Support Group for Parents of Teenagers with Behavioural Issues. This initiative offers a safe and compassionate space for parents to connect, share their stories, and develop practical strategies to manage their unique challenges. 'This Group is a place to let the worry, the constant second-guessing, and exhaustion go,' says Tselane. 'You'll meet other parents who've lived through the shouting, the silence, and the sleepless nights. Together, you'll share tips that help, and maybe for the first time in a while, you'll realise that you don't have to do this alone.' The first meeting will take place on Monday, May 12 at 6pm, with sessions continuing on the first and third Monday of each month. If you're interested in joining, you can contact Tselane on 065 929 6242. For more information about other support groups or mental health resources, visit call 0800 21 22 23, or SMS 31393 to speak to a counsellor. South Africa's diverse family structures mean that mental health challenges can manifest in unique ways. For single mothers, the struggle often lies in juggling financial and emotional responsibilities alone. In child-headed families, where older siblings take on parental roles, the pressure can be immense. These scenarios make resources like SADAG's Support Groups even more vital. Parenting a teenager isn't easy. But with the right support, it doesn't have to feel impossible. Whether you're a single mom, a grandmother stepping in as a caregiver, or a sibling trying to hold things together, you're not alone. Help is out there, and it starts with reaching out.
IOL News
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Doechii and SADAG join forces: turning 'Anxiety' into action for global mental health
Doechii has channeled her personal struggles with anxiety into action, partnering with the SADAG for a groundbreaking global campaign. American Grammy award-winning rapper Doechii has teamed with the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) for a global anti-anxiety campaign. The partnership aims to " amplify Mental Health awareness as part of a global initiative' inspired by Doechii's new single, 'Anxiety'. 'Anxiety and panic affect millions worldwide, and through this collaboration, we're making critical resources more accessible. SADAG, alongside other international organisations, are featured as support resources on the webpage, it said in a statement. Additionally, the organisation shared that the website aims to connect people globally to anxiety-related information, helplines, and self-help strategies. One of the key resources available on the website is a platform where individuals can share their strategies for managing anxiety. In addition to sharing personal strategies, the website offers a space for individuals to share their stories and lend a listening ear. Users can also join communities and groups that feel safe and supportive to be assisted anonymously. Doechii's hit single 'Anxiety' is a personal and introspective song that explores the complexities of living with anxiety.
