Sadag
Cry for help: Sadag receives over 500,000 calls since start of lockdown
The pandemic has had a severe impact on South Africans' mental health, many of the calls made to Sadag were from people suffering from anxiety about their...
It aims to change the narrative around depression, trauma and anxiety - one conversation at a time - with experts from Sadag.
Post-traumatic stress disorder brought on by the pandemic has been singled out, with fears that it will hit many people only in the months to come.
The COVID-19 lockdown has had a severe impact on learners and tertiary students this year and many are still playing catch up to ensure they pass.
Since the start of this year, distressed calls to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group have increased by 63% compared to last year.
The NGO said that since January it had been inundated with calls, messages, and online communication from desperate people seeking help and advice.
According to the findings of a study, 28% of employees were experiencing constant high levels of psychological and physical distress. Women and those working remotely showed higher risks for experiencing physical stress-related symptoms.
Afriforte MD Professor Ina Rothmann said the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with an anxiety condition which 46% of employees were at high risk of experiencing.
Sadag's Cassey Chambers said as the pandemic continues to take its toll in South Africa, healthcare workers are most likely to be exposed to infection on a daily basis.
A helpline has been set up, strictly dedicated to help private and public healthcare workers with their mental health and anxiety, especially during the battle against COVID-19 battle but also beyond.
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) on Thursday said it had received double the number of calls from people feeling anxious and depressed since the start of the nationwide lockdown.
A recent Sadag survey suggests that 55% of South Africans who called them had feelings of anxiety and panic and 46% were under financial stress and pressure.
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) advised that it would remain open during this period.
Sunday marks the end of teen suicide prevention week, which highlights the plight of teenagers grappling with suicidal thoughts.
According to the South African Medical Association, a global study among medical specialists has revealed that staff are twice as susceptible to mental health problems compared to professionals in other sectors.
EWN sat down with Zamo Mbele of the South African Depression & Anxiety Group to examine how mental health needs to be prioritised in the public servant sector.
Thursday marks World Mental Health Day and this year, the World Health Organisation is focusing on suicide prevention.
This year, the World Health Organisation is focusing on suicide prevention on World Mental Health Day.
According to the World Health Organization, every 40 seconds a person commits suicide somewhere in the world.