With the festive season upon us, the risk of becoming depressed or suffering from anxiety is high.
There are numerous support groups and material that can help deal and work through many issues associated with mental illness.
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) offers insight into the concept of support groups, “Groups can be formed to focus on
the feelings of the sufferers of various conditions such as post-natal depression, bi-polar depression, drug addiction or breast cancer.
Members freely express their feelings and ideas about their conditions and are not judged by anyone. Support groups are different from group therapy. In group therapy several people are brought together, facilitated by a healthcare professional that facilitates the interpersonal interactions between the members so they can learn about their blind spots and increase their awareness about their behaviours and relationships.”
Selma Rudd hosts a group dedicated to problems such as these, “I host a Sadag Depression and Anxiety Support Group every second Sunday afternoon in Kelly Road, Boskruin. It’s held at the Barn Church in a classroom that’s been made available to me.”
See below for lists of other groups in the Randburg area:
- Depression, bi-polar and substance abuse: Fairlands Megan, 073 173 5391.
- Loved ones with depression: Boskruin, Sally, 073 594 0424 or Brita, 072 754 0712.
- Depression and anxiety: North Riding, Leslie, 073 588 5724.
Details: Sadag, www.sadag.org or 011 234 4837; Selma Rudd, 083 260 6414 .
