SADAG survey: Did you make use of online mental health services?

RESEARCH is being done to find out exactly how social distancing has impacted people’s ability to access and make use of mental health services.

The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), Africa’s largest mental health support and advocacy group, is conducting an online survey to collect data about virtual counselling as a result of the need for social distancing.

ALSO READ:   #Covid19Lockdown: Durban psychologists step up offer of free mental health services

In the survey, both professionals’ and patients’ experience of online and telephonic counselling over the past four months are being sought.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has brought significant changes to all areas of life and has raised concerns for mental health. Lockdown and social distancing meant that people cannot easily access face-to-face therapy sessions with mental health service providers,” said founder and director of SADAG, Zane Wilson.

“We are urgently looking for patients and professionals who have used telephonic or virtual online means for counselling and consultation to share their own experiences,” he said.

If you have done online or virtual counselling sessions during COVID-19, we NEED your HELP! Please help SADAG learn more about your experience, the effectiveness and challenges of telehealth online sessions.
Click here to participate: https://t.co/KMUpwrONT4#OnlinePatientSurvey pic.twitter.com/blIS4oO7uH

— SADAG (@TheSADAG) August 23, 2020

“If you had to do online or remote sessions with your mental health professional – perhaps your psychologist or psychiatrist – we would like to learn more about your experience, understand the benefits and learn more about the challenges,” added Wilson.

ALSO READ:   #Covid19Lockdown: Online meetings for addicts provide hope and recovery

The survey, which can be accessed via a link on the tweet from SADAG above should take less than 10 minutes to complete. 

Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting