SADAG celebrates 160 free support groups nationwide
Support groups have continued to offer a safe space for the community.
NOW a nationwide organisation, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) started as a simple support group.
This week, the organisation will pay homage to its humble beginnings and celebrate its second annual Support Group Awareness Week from January 24 to 28.
The SADAG founder and director, Zane Wilson, who struggled with undiagnosed panic disorder, started a support group when she realised there was deap-seated stigma around mental health issues in South Africa.
Fast forward 28 years, and SADAG proudly hosts more than 160 free support groups nationwide, including groups for depression, anxiety and postnatal depression.
Support Group Awareness Week is a time to celebrate the importance of support groups.
“During the pandemic, when so many felt alone and lonely, our support groups rallied together to create spaces of safety, understanding, connection and emotional support. I could not be prouder of the contribution each and every support group has made to show kindness in a time when many felt so hopeless,” said SADAG support group co-ordinator, Krystle Kemp.
For counseling psychologist, Nkateko Ndalo Magoro, support groups offer a place of acceptance and understanding.
“People often feel like they are going through their experiences alone. That, in turn, makes them feel as if what they are going through is not normal or they are ‘crazy’ to feel the way they do. A support group helps people identify the similarities in their situation with others in a support group. That way, their experiences become normalised and validated,” said Magoro.
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“Having the opportunity to tell your story with those who understand, free of judgment, goes a long way in making you feel supported and heard. Knowing that you are not alone has a massive impact on your prognosis, mentally and physically, ” said clinical psychologist, Liane Lurie.
Follow SADAG on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter throughout Support Group Awareness Week or visit the website: www.sadag.org to gain access to the Support Group Awareness Week toolkit, which includes videos and resources. SADAG is hosting its #FacebookFriday online chat on Friday, January 28 at 13:00.
For counselling queries, email zane@sadag.org. To contact a counsellor between 08:00 and 20:00, from Monday to Sunday, call 011 234 4837. For a suicidal emergency, contact SADAG on 0800 567 567.
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