SADAG

The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is a registered Non-Profit Organisation and is the leading voice of patient advocacy in the mental health sector, working in urban, peri-urban and the most rural communities across South Africa. SADAG is at the forefront of increasing psychosocial education and training at various levels which involves the training of support group leaders, peer counsellors at a lay counselling level, progressing to the training and development of recognised mental health counsellors in the healthcare sector.

SADAG has on its Board a powerful team of patients, psychiatrists and psychologists. It was established 24 years ago to serve as a support network for thousands of South Africans who live with mental health problems and other associated disorders such as HIV/AIDS, TB and Substance Abuse. Currently, it is estimated that one in three people in South Africa will, or do, suffer from a mental illness at some point in their life.

Our focus this month is on Friday 10th September is World Suicide Prevention Day :

Do you know someone who may be suicidal – you can do something to help.

Looking out for a friend or loved one is an important part of preventing suicides.

In South Africa, there are 23 suicides a day recorded and 230 serious attempts.

Please make use of our important online Suicide Prevention Tool Kit below to access helpful self-tips, how to identify warning signs, posters and ways to get help.

Please click HERE to view the toolkit and share this with friends, family, your community and even via
social media - help us reach more people and prevent suicides.

You can call SADAG to talk on behalf of a loved one, colleague, or friend.

Trained counsellors are there to help and refer you to local counsellors, facilities and

Support Groups.

0800 21 22 23 (8am to 8pm)

0800 12 13 14 (8pm to 8am)

Or SMS 31393.

What is happening in this person's life? Have they experienced any life changes recently? A recent loss (of a loved one, a job, an income/ livelihood, a relationship, a pet)
• Major disappointment (failed exams, missed job promotions)
• Change in circumstances (separation/ divorce, retirement, redundancy, children leaving home)
• Mental disorder or physical illness/ injury
• Suicide of a family member, friend or a public figure
• Financial and/ or legal problems.
• Traumatic experience, Fire, Rape, Accident.

How To Be Helpful to Someone Who Is Threatening Suicide

Be direct. Talk openly and matter-of-factly about suicide.
• Be willing to listen. Allow expressions of feelings. Accept the feelings.
• Be non-judgmental. Don't debate whether suicide is right or wrong, or whether feelings are good or bad. Don't lecture on the value of life.
• Get involved. Become available. Show interest and support.
• Don't dare him or her to do it.
• Don't act shocked. This will put distance between you.
• Don't be sworn to secrecy. Seek support.
• Offer hope that alternatives are available but do not offer glib reassurance.
• Ask if you may contact a family member
• Take action. Remove means, such as guns or stockpiled pills.
• Don’t leave them alone, get help from persons specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention.
• If necessary get in touch with the police

Be Aware of Feelings

Many people at some time in their lives think about suicide. Most decide to live because they eventually come to realize that the crisis is
temporary and death is permanent. On the other hand, people having a crisis sometimes perceive their dilemma as inescapable and feel an utter loss of control.

These are some of the feelings and thoughts they experience:

Can't stop the pain
• Can't think clearly
• Can't make decisions
• Can't see any way out
• Can't sleep, eat or work
• Can't get out of depression
• Can't make the sadness go away
• Can't see a future without pain
• Can't see themselves as worthwhile
• Can't get someone's attention
• Can't seem to get control
• Feel hopeless and helpless - if you experience these feelings, get help!

If someone you know exhibits these symptoms, offer help!

Please go to our comprehensive website - there is help - you do not have to suffer alone. sadag.org.za

What this video - there is help available 24/7