Taking care of your mental health is important to ensure your overall well-being. Seeking help can be a challenge if you are not sure where to turn to for help. Fortunately, there are mental health organisations that offer assistance and support for mental health conditions. Mental health organisations provide a safe and healthy environment that allows you to talk openly about what you are going through.

Here are some organisations you can reach out to:

Visit A Public Clinic

You can speak to a healthcare provider at your local clinic. After an assessment, you will be given a referral letter if necessary. You can then use this referral letter to get further assistance where you were directed. Be sure to give the healthcare provider as much information as you can about what you are going through so they can refer you to the best place possible.

SADAG (South African Depression and Anxiety Group)

SADAG is Africa’s largest mental health support line. They offer free telephonic counselling. You can reach SADAG at 0800 456 789 or you can call their suicide helpline at 0800 567 567, toll-free. SADAG help lines are open 24 hours, so you can call anytime.

Lifeline South Africa

Lifeline offers a free, 24-hour telephonic counselling line. They offer mental health and emotional support and assistance. Lifeline also operates a crisis and suicide prevention helpline. You can contact Lifeline at 0861 322 322, toll-free.

SABDA (The Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder Alliance)

If you or someone you know are dealing with bipolar mood disorders or schizophrenia, SABDA is there to give you the support you need. SABDA is a support group for parents, caregivers and people with schizophrenia and bipolar mood disorders. SABDA also offers a housing solution for adults with mental health disorders.  You can contact SABDA at 011 362 0661. Their office hours are Monday to Friday, 8h00 to 16h00.

SAFMH (South African Federation for Mental Health)

SAFMH is an organisation aimed at providing community mental health care. Their working hours are Monday to Thursday from 07h30 to 16h00 and Friday from 07h30 to 13h00. You can reach SAFMH at 011 781 1852.

These organisations are available for you to reach out to, either for yourself or for a loved one who needs support. All mental health organisations offer confidentiality and a safe space where you can talk freely about your feelings and get the support you need to improve the quality of your life.

If you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, a Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).