Together for Mental Health: South Africa unites to break stigma and build hope

The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) has announced a nationwide campaign to mark World Mental Health Day October 10, 2025, under the theme “Together for Mental Health”.

Mental Health is one of the most urgent issues facing South Africans today, says SADAG.

“One in three South Africans will experience a mental Illness in their lifetime, yet nine out of 10 people living with a mental Illness do not have access to the treatments they need,” the organisation said in a media release this week. SADAG, together with government, corporates, schools, communities, and civil society, was determined to change this by raising awareness, breaking stigma, and mobilising action.

“Alone we can only do so much, but together we can do so much more,” said Cassey Chambers, Operations Director at SADAG. “This year’s theme reminds us that mental health affects every family, every workplace, every community. By standing together, we break down stigma, strengthen partnerships, and create hope for millions of South Africans.”

This year’s commemorations include a series of nationwide activations designed to bring Mental Health into every space – from schools and workplaces to communities and homes.

1. Go green for mental health – schools and workplaces unite

Across South Africa, schools, universities, and corporates will participate in SADAG’s Go Green for Mental Health campaign on Friday, October 10, encouraging learners, educators, employees, and leaders to wear green, decorate offices, and purchase green awareness ribbons (R10 each, proceeds go to SADAG’s Suicide Helplines).

Clinical Psychologist and SADAG Board Chairperson, Dr Colinda Linde says, “Going Green is more than just a symbol – it’s a visible show of support, a conversation starter, and a way to let people know they are not alone. The ripple effect of companies, organisations and schools across the country standing up for Mental Health can be transformative.”

2. Move for Mental Health – Parkrun Challenge

On Saturday, October 11 at 8am, SADAG is encouraging all South Africans to join their local Discovery Vitality parkrun as part of the #MoveForMentalHealth and #GoGreenForMentalHealth campaign.

With over 244 parkrun sites across the country, individuals, families, and teams are encouraged to get active, join their community, and move together for Mental Health – wearing green to show support. If you would like to join the SADAG Team in Bryanston (JHB), Century City (CT), Amazimtoti & Umhlanga (KZN), sign up here : https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SADAGParkrun

3. Ongoing activations throughout October

SADAG is running a full calendar of activities to make mental health visible and accessible throughout Mental Health Awareness Month, including:

▪Weekly Ask the Expert Facebook (@theSADAG) Live sessions on topics relevant to everyday South Africans such as the role of Culture, Stigma and Mental Health, Ask the Dr on Medication and Treatment FAQs, as well as the emotional toll of Breast Cancer.

▪ Launching new free Support Groups, including new Groups for youth, Trauma, Anxiety, educators and teachers.

▪ A new online Mental Health toolkit (www.sadag.org) with resources for schools, workplaces, and communities that includes free resources, videos, activities, brochures, etc.

▪ Special outreach projects including 12+ school talks, awareness talks across various workplaces countrywide, clinics, hospitals and community centres

▪ March for Mental Health – To wrap up Mental Health Awareness Month, on Friday, 31 October in JHB, SADAG, in partnership with NGOs, volunteers, patients, Support Groups, government stakeholders, and civil society partners, will host a March for Mental Health. This symbolic event will unite patients, families, Support Groups, healthcare professionals, government stakeholders, and communities to walk side by side – sending a powerful message of unity, collaboration, and hope.

This year, SADAG’s call is clear: Mental Health cannot be left in the shadows. Every South African has a role to play in raising awareness, breaking stigma, and offering support.

“Together for Mental Health is more than a theme – it’s a call to action,” says Chambers. “We are urging schools, companies, communities, and individuals to stand with us. Wear green, join a parkrun, attend a support group, take part in an Ask the Expert session – every action, big or small, helps to change the narrative and bring hope.”

This World Mental Health Day, remember that you don’t have to face it alone. If you or someone you care about is struggling, support is just a call or message away. SADAG’s trained counsellors are available 24 hours a day to listen, guide, and help you through whatever you’re facing. Please reach out — call 0800 456 789 or 0800 567 567, SMS 31393, or WhatsApp 087 163 2030 available Monday to Sunday 8am – 5pm.

For resources, guides, tips, and Mental Health support, access SADAG HERE