Sadag is excited to have launched a new grief and bereavement support group for people who have lost pets on April 7.
The mental health support group met via Zoom at 10:00, and the purpose was to offer a place of warmth, understanding and support to anyone that needs it.
According to support group leader Dianne, research shows support groups help people cope with and recover from a variety of problems. They help people deal with a mental illness diagnosis in a well-adjusted way.
Dianne said they also provide information on the illness and ways to treat and manage it, as well as help give patients and loved ones time to adjust.
“When I saw that Sadag was doing support group leader training two years ago, I thought it would be great to help people who had lost pets.
“At that time, I decided that facilitating an anxiety and depression group would be a good way to start my journey with Sadag.
“Unless friends and family members have pets themselves, they don’t understand how difficult grieving a pet can be. The purpose of my group is so that parents can share their stories with others who understand their loss.”
Dianne said guest speakers and experts in the field of psychology will at times be giving talks to the group.
Groups discuss effective ways of managing symptoms, self-help tips and how to help a loved one with mental health or substance abuse issues.
To attend this free mental health support group contact Dianne on 082 662 6659.
For more information on Sadag support groups, visit www.sadag.org on 0800 21 22 23 or send an SMS to 31393.
This group is one of many run by Sadag, a NPO striving to educate patients, families, professionals and the general public on the nature and management of mental illnesses and substance abuse.
The NPO also aims to eliminate the discrimination and stigma that surround mental illness, as well as increase access to high-quality care for all South Africans.
Sadag support groups are run either by members who have recovered from one of these disorders or by professionals in the community. These groups allow members the opportunity to form connections with others experiencing similar troubles and to learn from one another in a non-judgemental, confidential atmosphere.
For more information, video clips and local and international articles or to download brochures, visit www.sadag.org
BENEFITS OF SUPPORT GROUPS
• They provide a place of stability and security, a place in which you can feel respected, nurtured and cared for. It’s the first place you can go where everyone understands and no one judges.
• There’s a code of confidentiality within the group and each member’s privacy and dignity are respected.
• A group offers hope by allowing you to be around those who have recovered.
• When you’re in a terrible place, it’s a wonderful experience to get a visit from a caring group member who is calling just to see how you’re doing.
• It’s equally gratifying to visit someone in distress and be able to help them.
• Knowing someone else truly understands by virtue of having ‘been there’ themselves brings a sense of relief – you are no longer alone.
• Everyone is given the freedom to draw on the strength of the group as needed and extend strength to others when possible.
• Through group discussions, a great deal of information and education is gained.
• It helps to share coping tips and methods that haven’t only come from books.
• By being with others who share your symptoms, you realise you’re not alone; there’s an immediate feeling of acceptance and belonging.
• Being with others who are experiencing the same illness as you and are successfully getting on with life despite their problems can be the best encouragement of all.
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