Sadag support groups offer people living with depression, anxiety, stress, trauma and other mental illnesses, a place of warmth, understanding and support.
These benefits can be also extended to their friends and family members by providing them with helpful tips on how to assist their loved ones and how to recognise the signs and symptoms of various mental illnesses.
Sadag group leader Charlette de Villiers, who heads up a group at the Manger Care Centre, said attending these meetings allows you to share your experiences without being judged.
“These meetings also help you take control, give you and your community a voice, equip members to deal with mental health issues, help you take control and create a culture of equality,” de Villiers said.
De Villiers explained that she became part of Sadag after she experienced depression, alcohol abuse, cutting and self-harm as a way of escaping emotions.
“I also had emotional destruction due to the fact that my husband was on life support and I had to give authorisation for the machines to be turned off due to the fact that he was already brain dead and would not be able to live without life support,” said De Villiers.
She added that through her journey she has seen how people end up dead due the fact that they felt there was no other means but to end their own life by committing or attempting to commit suicide.
“Attending the meetings will help you share your problems and pain with people who have been through a similar experience.”
She said she became an alcoholic at a very young age, but said she’s been sober for over 12 years.
De Villiers added that anyone who feels sad, lonely, down, empty, tearful, and hopeless, has difficulty getting up in the morning or falling asleep at night, has headaches, feels frightened or even has thought of suicide is welcome to join the support group.
Support groups can bridge the emotional gap that exists between treatment and counselling.
Sadag is currently holding support group meetings at Manger Care Centre, 8 Kirschner Road, Brentwood Park.
The meeting are held every Monday from 7pm.
For more information, contact Sadag on 0800 12 13 14.
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