Latest news with #SADAG
The Citizen
4 hours ago
- Health
- The Citizen
South African Depression and Anxiety Group launch substance abuse WhatsApp line
THE South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), in partnership with the Department of Social Development, has launched the country's first WhatsApp chat platform to fight substance abuse, with a special focus on helping the youth. Also read: Thabitha takes a stand: Fighting substance abuse The Ke Moja WhatsApp Chat Platform (087 163 2025) provides free, anonymous live chats with professional counsellors seven days a week from 08:00 until 17:00. The service hopes to provide greater access to assistance to South Africa's techno-savvy youth, who increasingly use instant messaging as the principal means of communicating. Dr Busisiwe Twala, SADAG project manager, said the organisation decided to develop the campaign since there was a sharp rise in youth seeking assistance. 'Between April 2021 and March 2022, we have had 89 992 youths contact us through our existing helplines, an increase of 107% from 2020. Younger people use WhatsApp frequently and we believe that this new platform will offer more options when seeking support, guidance or help, whether for themselves or a family member,' said Twala. The most at-risk group to drug abuse, young people aged 15-34, is estimated to grow over the next decade, especially in low-income countries, according to the World Drug Report 2021. The average age of drug dependency in South Africa is a staggering 12 years, with almost half of teenagers drinking alcohol. SADAG warns that widespread availability of drugs, peer pressure and socio-economic issues are fuelling the epidemic. Contributing causes: Peer pressure Mental disorders like depression and anxiety, isolation, neglect by parents, poor social relation and poverty. Abuse of substances is associated with crime, violence, bullying, academic underachievement and school dropout. Most prevalent substances: The South African Community Epidemiology Network on Drug Use (SACENDU) reports that among those under 20 admitted to treatment centres in 2021, cannabis was the most common primary drug of use. Other widely abused substances include alcohol, crystal meth (tik), ecstasy, codeine, nyaope, flakka, cocaine and mandrax. Warning signs of addiction: Loss of interest in daily activities Skipping school or dropping out Associating with new friends who use substances Moodiness, irritability or anxiety Difficulty concentrating and lethargy Aggressive behavior and fighting or criminal activity Physical symptoms like red eyes, nose stuffiness, weight gain or loss How to get help: Use the Ke Moja WhatsApp Chat Facility by contacting 087 163 2025. Department of Social Development 24-hour Substance Abuse Helpline on 0800 12 13 14 Send an SMS to 32312 Early intervention can avert the terrible long-term consequences of substance abuse. For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox.
IOL News
10-07-2025
- Health
- IOL News
The silent struggle of panic attacks: how South Africans cope daily
Panic attacks are a mental health condition characterised by unexpected, intense episodes of fear and physical discomfort, which can feel utterly disabling. Image: Pavel Danilyuk /pexels July marks Mental Health Awareness Month in South Africa, and on 10 July, we pause to spotlight something many people live with but few talk about openly: panic attacks. But here's the thing, panic doesn't always look the way you might imagine. Sometimes it's loud and visible; other times, it hides behind a composed face, a polite smile or an empty chair at the dinner table. This year, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) has chosen a theme that couldn't be more real: 'The Panic You Don't See.' It reminds us that panic disorder and anxiety are not always about gasping for air or clutching your chest in public. It's a mental health condition marked by unexpected, intense episodes of fear and physical discomfort that can feel utterly disabling. Often, it's the silent dread, the racing heartbeat in the middle of a meeting, or the countless invitations quietly declined. 'Panic doesn't always look like gasping for air, it can be the quiet no‑shows, the life slowly shrinking behind closed doors, says Dr Colinda Linde, SADAG board chairperson and clinical psychologist. "On Panic Day, let's speak up about the panic you don't see, because naming it is the first step to overcoming it.' Panic attacks can manifest loudly and visibly, or they can be concealed behind a composed expression, a polite smile, or even an empty seat at the dinner table. Image: MART PRODUCTION What does panic really feel like? If you've never had a panic attack, it can feel almost impossible to picture. Imagine suddenly feeling an overwhelming wave of fear or dread, even when nothing around you seems obviously wrong. You might feel your heart race, your chest tighten, or your breath catch. Some people feel dizzy, shaky, or disconnected from reality, like watching life through frosted glass. And while these feelings are intensely real and terrifying, the outside world might see someone who looks completely fine. That gap between what's happening inside and what's visible outside can make living with panic disorder deeply isolating. Why can panic stay hidden? Linde explains that people with panic disorder often become experts at masking their distress, especially in public or professional spaces. Every day, moments can feel overwhelming. But from the outside, it just looks like someone who is composed. And for many South Africans, especially men, the pressure to 'hold it together' can be even greater. This silent struggle can lead to self-isolation, as individuals avoid situations that might trigger an attack. Over time, their world shrinks, impacting relationships, work, and overall well-being. SADAG founder Zane Wilson, who battled panic attacks for over a decade, shares: 'Panic Disorder can be a terrifying illness that causes great distress, isolation, and limits your life. For years, I suffered in silence. "But with the right treatment and support, I was able to recover fully and take back control of my life.'
IOL News
09-07-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Can AI chatbots replace human therapists? Unpacking the mental health revolution
AI serves as a supportive tool but should not replace professional care. Image: Ron Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept it's here, embedded in our daily lives, reshaping how we work, connect, and even care for our mental health. But can a chatbot like ChatGPT truly replace a human therapist? The question might sound far-fetched, but as the use of AI in mental health continues to grow, this debate has become urgent and deeply personal. To explore this, I turned to Cassie Chambers, operations director at the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), who offered thoughtful insights into this complex conversation. Let's dive into the pros, cons and the bigger picture of AI's role in mental health support. What AI can and can't offer AI tools like ChatGPT are undeniably convenient. Available 24/7, stigma-free, and offering instant responses, they're a lifeline for people seeking immediate support. 'AI can simulate conversations, suggest coping techniques, and even provide resources like breathing exercises or links to helpful videos," Chambers explains. "But it cannot replicate the deep empathy, compassion, and authentic human connection that come from a skilled therapist.' Human therapists bring something irreplaceable: the ability to read subtle cues like tone, body language and even those heavy pauses that convey unspoken emotions. 'Therapists rely on intuition, warmth, and their own lived experiences, Chambers says. "This creates a healing relationship built on trust, shared humanity and vulnerability, something no algorithm can fully replicate.' The wake-up call for traditional therapy AI's growing popularity highlights gaps in the traditional mental health care model. People want flexibility, affordability, and immediate support qualities often missing in conventional therapy. 'When someone is in crisis, they can't always wait weeks for an appointment,' Chambers notes. 'Traditional models need to evolve to meet these changing demands.' AI offers an accessible, user-friendly option. It's as simple as opening an app or sending a message, making support available when and where people need it most. SADAG, for example, has embraced a hybrid approach, offering both human-led support groups and digital tools to reach people on their terms. Therapists rely on intuition, warmth, and their own lived experiences. This creates a healing relationship built on trust, shared humanity, and vulnerability something no algorithm can fully replicate. Image: Pexels The bigger question: What does this say about us? Perhaps the most thought-provoking aspect of this debate isn't about AI replacing therapists, but what it reveals about human connection today. Chambers reflects on how many people feel more heard and understood by AI than in their real-life relationships. She says, 'This is deeply telling. It shows how much we struggle to find safe spaces where we feel free to open up and be vulnerable.' The pandemic only deepened this disconnect. 'Covid-19 disrupted our ability to communicate and connect," Chambers explains. Young people, in particular, have struggled to rebuild those skills. It's like that saying: You can be in a room full of people and still feel utterly alone. While AI chatbots can simulate empathy and active listening, they can't replace the mutual connection and shared humanity of real relationships. Research during Covid highlighted the power of a simple phone call with a loved one, which could boost mood and mental well-being as effectively as therapy. AI can access vast amounts of data, providing insights into therapy techniques, psychological models and case studies. However, the human touch remains irreplaceable for complex issues such as trauma, addiction or depression. Image: Ron Can AI handle complex mental health issues? AI excels in accessing vast amounts of data, offering insights into therapy techniques, psychological models, and case studies. But when it comes to complex issues like trauma, addiction, or depression, the human touch remains irreplaceable. 'These cases require nuanced, moment-to-moment intuition shaped by personal history, cultural context, and emotions,' Chambers explains. "A therapist's ability to adapt their approach to each person's unique story is something AI can't replicate.' That said, AI can complement human therapists by streamlining their work and handling routine tasks like screenings or resource sharing, freeing up therapists to focus on deeper, more complex care. Emotional bonds with AI: A growing concern One troubling trend is the emotional attachment some users form with AI. Vulnerable individuals, particularly young people, have reported naming their AI companions and even building what feels like romantic relationships. These attachments, while understandable, can lead to heartbreak and even harm when users realise the relationship isn't real. 'This is why critical thinking and education are so important,' Chambers stresses. "AI can be a supportive tool, but it should never replace professional care. Just like you wouldn't trust Google to treat cancer or diabetes, you shouldn't rely solely on AI for mental health.' So, where do we go from here? Chambers envisions a collaborative future where AI and human therapists work together. 'AI can handle the basic screenings, psychoeducation, and routine check-ins while human therapists focus on the deeper work of healing, she says. "This partnership could make mental health care more accessible without losing the deeply human aspect that's essential for true healing.' However, the risk is that people might see AI as 'good enough' and stop seeking human connection altogether. 'We must ensure that humans remain at the heart of mental health care, Chambers emphasises. Post-Covid, we've learned that humans need humans. No machine can replace the profound impact of genuine human connection.' The rise of AI in mental health is a wake-up call not just for therapists, but for all of us. It forces us to examine how we connect and how we can do better. While AI can be a powerful tool, it's not a solution. It's a supplement, a first step, but never the whole journey. As we navigate this new digital age, we must prioritise fostering compassionate, accepting relationships in our homes, workplaces and communities. At the end of the day, no machine can ever make us feel as seen, heard, and valued as another human being can.
The Citizen
04-07-2025
- The Citizen
Elderly woman critical after allegedly jumping off Atterbury Bridge on N1
An elderly woman is believed to be in critical condition after allegedly jumping off the Atterbury bridge over the N1 southbound in Pretoria earlier today, causing a serious accident on the freeway. Details are still emerging, and emergency services are on the scene. Motorists are urged to avoid the area and use alternative routes, as traffic on the N1 southbound is heavily backed up. This is a developing story. More information will be shared as soon as it becomes available. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm or suicide, help is available. In Pretoria, you can contact the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) 24-hour Suicide Crisis Helpline at 0800 567 567, or SMS 31393 for assistance. SADAG also offers free counselling and support groups for those in need. Remember — reaching out is a sign of strength, and support is just a call or message away. Also read: Look: Snow confirmed in these parts of SA Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
29-06-2025
- General
- IOL News
'Emotional toll of being unemployed is relentless'
Unemployed South African youth are battling depression and low self-esteem. Image: Ron In South Africa, where youth unemployment has reached alarming levels, a quiet crisis is unfolding, one not just of economics, but of identity, anxiety, and emotional survival. For many young people, the struggle to find work is also a battle to stay hopeful. Through the stories of Mia-Mae, a 20-year-old from Cape Town, and Okgethilwe, 23, and the expert insights of professionals from the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), we take a look at what it means to be young, unemployed, and trying to hold on to a sense of self. 'If you're broke, you're broken.' For Mia-Mae, the emotional toll of being unemployed is relentless. 'You're left just trying to survive each month. That alone is exhausting,' she says. 'Money really does make the world go around, and without it, you're left just trying to survive each month.' She speaks openly about the fear that creeps in when hope runs low. 'It gets to you,' she admits. 'You start thinking you'll end up on the streets, never getting anywhere, never getting a job. You feel helpless.' Mia-Mae doesn't sugarcoat her hard days. 'I don't really cope. I just sleep and let the day pass,' she says. 'I tell myself I can't do it, even if a small part of me hopes one day I might.' She doesn't compare herself to her peers, but the lack of support has not gone unnoticed. 'Many of them had more support, like parents who could help them through school, guide them, or pay for extra help.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Her self-esteem has taken a serious hit. 'I've let myself go,' she says. 'I used to want to be better, but now, looking for a job feels hopeless. It's like nothing will ever change.' Living alone without a steady income has added layers of stress. 'Nothing comes for free, and if you're broke, you're broken,' she says. 'It's hard to stay motivated when it feels like nothing you do matters.' Even when she tries, rejection can be crushing. 'They feel dark and depressing,' she says of her days. 'I spend a lot of time just thinking of ways to make money, but even when I try, rejection hits hard. It makes things worse.' She also feels the sting of judgment. 'I feel like a disappointment, like I'm just surviving off other people's money,' she shares. Support from her mother and boyfriend provides moments of comfort. 'They remind me that I'm worthy of good things and capable of greatness, even when I don't believe it myself.' Still, opening up is difficult. 'Talking doesn't always help,' she says. 'People can't fix how I feel.' For unemployed youth rejection can be crushing which can lead to depression. Image: Freepik Though she has sought help in the past, it hasn't brought relief. 'None of it helped me, not even a little.' She's aware of organisations offering support, but says: 'I just don't think they can help either.' So what keeps her going? Her answer is as raw as it is honest: 'I'm forced to wake up every day. It's not really a choice.' And yet, even amid the darkness, a faint hope lingers. 'In the next year, I want to get a job, save up for a motorbike, and eventually move into my own apartment. A goal that gives me something, however distant, to reach for.' 'No one is coming to save me' For Okgethilwe, unemployment has been a deeply emotional experience. 'It really knocked my confidence,' he says. 'I stress that not having everything together now makes me look useless to my family and peers. Being unemployed has caused me to belittle myself and become anxious about my own future.' He's battled stress and depression, especially in his pursuit of independence. 'I've often felt like I'm not doing enough, even when I have more support than some of them,' he admits. Social media and streaming platforms proved to be more of a hindrance than an escape. 'I had to shift my focus back to real progress,' he says. 'I had to step back.' Even when comparisons eat at his confidence, he's found strength in self-reflection. 'I've learned what it takes to be part of a team and to keep pushing myself,' he says. 'Being unemployed actually made me more confident in what I can do.' One of his greatest frustrations is the job search itself. 'You can apply to 50 jobs in a day and still hear nothing. There's no guidance, no feedback, nothing to help us improve,' he explains. On top of that, many are simply excluded from opportunity. 'Not everyone has access to resources like data or job platforms, which is a major barrier for many.' Still, he stays focused. 'I'm working hard to become a chef. I do my assignments, practice my skills, and focus on improving myself every day.' Constantly being rejected can take toll on young people. Image: / Freepik Judgment from others stings. 'I felt that others have misunderstood that even though you are staying with or being supported by family, it does not mean that I have decided to waste my time and slack around.' Fortunately, he has a strong support system. 'Because we all believe that the truth is part reality and no matter how painful it is, my mom does not hesitate to hold me accountable for my actions, emotions, character, happiness and peace,' he says. Though he hasn't spoken to a therapist, conversations with loved ones have helped. 'I used to think asking for help meant I didn't know what I wanted, but I've learned I can still grow with support from the people around me.' His mantra now is a declaration of self-responsibility: 'Knowing no one is coming to save me.' Looking forward, he sees possibility. 'With access to technology, online income streams, and business resources, I see more potential now than ever before.' His goals are clear: 'Continue my studies, grow as a chef, and keep working on my mental well-being. I want to be better than I was yesterday, both in the kitchen and in life.' A national issue Mental health professionals at SADAG are seeing the same patterns, stress, burnout, and depression play out across the country. Roshni Parbhoo-Seetha, Education Project Manager at SADAG, says the emotional cost of youth unemployment is immense. 'Many young people describe feeling hopeless, overwhelmed, and stuck,' she says. 'It can lead to burnout, anxiety, and even depression.' And then there's the shame. 'There's this sense of failure. And when that's paired with poverty or no support, it can even lead to suicidal thoughts.' Registered counsellor Vanishaa Gordhan Narotam agrees. 'There's often a sense of constant worry about the future, which fuels anxiety. And deep feelings of sadness or hopelessness that can spiral into depression,' she says. She adds that the loss of identity is one of the most damaging effects. 'They internalise the idea that they're 'not good enough' or 'failing at life.'' Not all young people have access to emotional support, and that can make all the difference. 'Someone from a stable home might have some financial cushion or emotional backing. For others, especially from low-income households, unemployment becomes a family burden.' But even without money, encouragement helps. 'Being emotionally present can make a world of difference,' Vanishaa says. SADAG encourages young people to reach out. 'Whether it's through our helplines, a local counsellor, or someone they trust, talking helps,' says Parbhoo-Seetha. She also urges young people to find value beyond employment. 'Your value isn't defined by employment. Skills programmes, volunteering, or joining support groups can bring back structure and connection.' Holding on For Mia-Mae and Okgethilwe, as for many others, the struggle isn't just to find work, it's to hold on to themselves in the process. The emotional toll of unemployment is profound, but it's too often overlooked. We must stop measuring worth by productivity, and instead start listening, truly listening, to the experiences of those living through it. Because beneath the silence of unread job applications and quiet days at home are voices that still dream, still hope, and still fight to be heard.
