SIBONGISENI MAPHUMULO
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) celebrates a remarkable milestone this year, marking 30 years of service in mental health advocacy and support. Founded by Zane Wilson, SADAG has grown from a small support group in Sandton Library into one of the country’s leading mental health organisations, providing critical resources to millions of South Africans.
SADAG’s journey began with Wilson’s own battle with undiagnosed panic attacks, which lasted for 10 years before she received a diagnosis. Inspired by her experience, she started a support group with encouragement from Professor Michael Berg. The first meeting, held in the Sandton Library on a weekday morning, saw more than 90 attendees, many of whom were struggling with their own mental health challenges or supporting loved ones.
“People don’t realise how prevalent these issues are until you see a room full of people facing similar struggles. It shows just how much support is needed,” Wilson said at the event celebrating SADAG’s anniversary.
Today, SADAG provides a wide range of services, including suicide prevention helplines, counselling support, and outreach programs aimed at reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness. The group has also played a critical role in educating the public about mental health, offering brochures and resources in multiple languages to reach South Africa’s diverse population.
World Suicide Prevention Day, observed globally, coincided with SADAG’s anniversary celebrations. Wilson highlighted the importance of raising awareness about suicide and offering support to those in need. SADAG has been at the forefront of these efforts, with over 30 media features this year alone, helping to shed light on the often hidden struggles faced by those living with mental health issues.
In addition to its local efforts, SADAG has collaborated with international experts to enhance mental health interventions. One notable partnership has been with the Carter Center in Atlanta, where South African representatives have participated in workshops to learn best practices for mental health communication and outreach.
Professor Katherine Sorsdahl, from the Alan J Flisher Center for Public Mental Health, also spoke at the event, discussing the increasing global burden of youth mental health challenges. Sorsdahl emphasised the need for collaboration among researchers, clinicians, and communities to address these issues effectively.
“The data shows that the burden of mental illness is growing, not just in high-income countries but globally, and this is something we need to tackle together,” she said. The professor underscored the importance of sharing resources and making research accessible, noting that much of their work is available for public use.
As SADAG continues to grow, it remains committed to its founding goal: providing a safe space for people to talk openly about mental health and offering much-needed support to those affected.
Anyone can benefit from SADAG’s free helplines and online platforms, where they can speak to trained counsellors about issues ranging from anxiety and depression to trauma and grief. In areas where mental health services may not always be readily available, these resources provide critical support.
For people who wants to contact SADAG’s helplines are available 7 days a week to offer support. No matter the issue, there is help at hand for those who need it.
Contact Information: SADAG Helpline: 0800 567 567
Website: www.sadag.org
- This article was first published in Talk of the Town, October 3, 2024. The newspaper serving the communities of Ndlambe and the Sunshine Coast, with a weekly wrap of Makhanda news, is available at stores from early on Thursdays.
