Latest news with #Sadag
TimesLIVE
10-07-2025
- Health
- TimesLIVE
'The panic you don't see': Sadag shines light on silent struggles this Panic Awareness Day
As South Africa observes panic awareness day on Thursday, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) is calling for greater understanding of panic attacks, saying not all battles are visible. In its 2025 campaign titled 'The Panic You Don't See', Sadag aims to highlight the silent, internal experiences of those living with panic disorder. While some symptoms of panic attacks, such as gasping for air or visibly shaking may be obvious, Sadag said many others are hidden behind a calm exterior. 'As we approach Panic Awareness Day, it's crucial to highlight 'The Panic You Don't See'. For many, panic attacks involve visible symptoms, but for others, they are silent, internal battles that go unnoticed by those around them.' Panic attacks can strike suddenly, marked by intense fear or discomfort. Not all symptoms are physical; they can also manifest as racing thoughts, a sense of detachment from reality, overwhelming dread or difficulty breathing, while the individual appears outwardly composed. Sadag board chairperson and clinical psychologist Colinda Linde emphasised the importance of recognising these subtle signs. 'Panic doesn't always look like gasping for air. It can be the quiet no-shows, invitations declined, the life slowly shrinking behind closed doors. On Panic Day, let's speak up about the panic you don't see, because naming it is the first step to overcoming it.' The organisation urged people not to mistake the absence of visible distress for wellness. 'Often, people with panic disorder may experience a feeling of being trapped, a desperate urge to escape, or fear of losing control, while maintaining a calm outside.' In a heartfelt plea to address gender-related stigma, Sadag board member Nkini Phasha said the pressure for men to hide emotional struggles has contributed to a mental health crisis. 'When it comes to men and mental health in South Africa, we are facing a silent pandemic. Mental health conditions such as panic disorder and other anxiety-related conditions are often hidden behind a mask of masculinity,' said Phasha. 'We suffer in silence because we fear the stigma to be judged by society as not being a 'real' man. But mental health issues do not discriminate based on gender. It is not a weakness to suffer from panic disorder as a man, it's only human.' Sadag's founding traces back to a deeply personal struggle as the organisation's founder Zane Wilson suffered from panic disorder for more than a decade before receiving help and recovering. 'Panic disorder can be a terrifying illness that can cause great distress, isolation and limit your life. I experienced panic for more than 10 years and I kept it a secret from most people,' said Wilson. 'With the right treatment and support, eventually I was able to recover fully and take back control of my life. I started Sadag in 1994 to help others living with anxiety and panic. I got the help I needed and so can you.' To deepen awareness, Sadag will host a free live webinar on Thursday (July 10) at 6.30pm. A panel of mental health experts will discuss coping strategies, lived experiences and how to support loved ones facing panic disorders. The session will be held via Zoom and streamed live on Sadag's Facebook page. The organisation encouraged the public to approach panic disorder with compassion and understanding and to support those around them, even if their struggles are not immediately visible.
The Citizen
01-07-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
New school screening aims to tackle teen mental health crisis
A rising wave of mental health challenges among South African teenagers is pushing schools and the healthcare industry to act urgently. A new school-based mental health screening initiative, developed by local health-tech startup Ajuda, is now offering teens a confidential and accessible way to flag emotional distress before it spirals into crisis. 'Teens need access to mental health screenings, just as much as physical ones,' says Dr Liza Street, paediatrician and co-founder of Ajuda. 'Early detection and support can change the trajectory of a young person's life.' According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag), suicide accounts for 9% of all teen deaths in the country, with the highest rates among girls aged 15 to 19. Also read: Artists channel creativity into mental wellness awareness Ajuda's new screening tool is designed to be both anonymous and engaging, helping students speak up without fear. 'It's thoughtfully designed, not just black ink on white paper like a test. It folds up like Origami at the end,' says Street. While students can choose to remain anonymous, they may also include their name if they want help. The completed assessments are scored independently by Ajuda's clinical team, and schools receive a summary of findings across grades. This approach allows for group-level interventions without singling out individuals. 'This gives schools insight they wouldn't otherwise have,' Street explains. Also read: Wellness Day becomes a hit at La Vie Nouvelle Retirement Village In addition to screenings, Ajuda offers a free, anonymous helpline for learners seeking support, ensuring that help is accessible, even to those reluctant to come forward. Ajuda chairperson Allan Sweidan, a clinical psychologist and founder of Akeso Hospital Group, says the programme is also about education and empowerment. 'What happens if your friend tells you they're suicidal? What must you do?' he asks. 'There's a big movement around youth mental health first aid.' Also read: How to get your head in the game – the mental edge behind school sports success Street emphasises that adolescence is a critical period for intervention. 'It's a phase where structural rewiring in the brain is still possible,' she says. 'If a teenager becomes depressed and doesn't get help, they're probably going to become a depressed adult.' As mental health stigma slowly lifts, Ajuda hopes this initiative will become as routine as eye tests and dental checks in schools. 'If there's something we can identify now to help a young person grow into a healthier adult,' Street says, 'we should absolutely do it.' Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts!
IOL News
12-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
More than half of South African employees face a mental health crisis
new study by the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag has painted a grim picture Image: FreePik A study by the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) has painted a grim picture, revealing that more than half of South African employees are struggling with mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and burnout due to work stress and insecurity. Based on responses from over 960 participants, the survey found that six in ten workers wished they could afford to quit their jobs, and nearly half reported feeling unhappy at the start of the workweek. "Work emerged as a consistent stressor for many survey respondents, regardless of their employment sector, which included education, health, NPOS, finance, government, retail and media", the study noted. The survey also found that 52% of respondents have been diagnosed with a mental health condition, with 32% experiencing depression, 25% clinical stress, 18% anxiety, and 13% burnout. Nearly 38% of participants reported fearing job loss, while almost one in five said they had been forced to take on the responsibilities of former colleagues, often without additional support as employers opted not to replace staff who had resigned. SADAG founder Zane Wilson emphasised the urgent need for companies to prioritise mental health in the workplace, calling for proactive efforts to create healthier work environments. 'From the survey, we learn that more needs to be done at companies regarding Mental Health. The integration of innovative programmes to ensure that employees are working in a mentally healthy environment, and more Mental Health education will assist employers with an atmosphere of a more productive workforce," she said. Following Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana's recent announcement that the government would scrap the proposed Value Added Tax (VAT) increase last month, Andrew Cook, founder of the employee engagement platform HeadsUp, warned that South African businesses are facing a more persistent and costly issue. "Companies are still quietly haemorrhaging far more through a different kind of tax–one that's not debated in Parliament, doesn't make front-page news, but continues to drain productivity and profitability every day: burnout and disengagement," he said. 'Businesses were rightly concerned about the VAT increase, but many are already bleeding far more than that through disengaged employees. Burnout isn't just a wellness issue anymore – it's a financial one,' Cook said. IOL Business Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
The South African
08-05-2025
- Health
- The South African
SADAG: Over half of SA workers suffer from mental health issues
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) released the Working Life Survey , which shows that 52% of surveyed workers have received mental health diagnoses. The study found that 32% of participants have depression, 25% suffer from stress, 18% face generalised anxiety disorder, 13% experience burnout, and 10% deal with trauma. The Citizen reported that, Labour analyst Bukani Mngoma said the results didn't surprise him. 'Many employees are taking on extra responsibilities because companies don't replace staff who leave,' he said. 'This job enlargement strategy leaves workers overwhelmed and without proper rest or leave. Clinical psychologist and JVR Africa Group CEO Dr Jopie de Beer said many workers deal with abusive leadership, discrimination, and toxic environments. 'Even those with jobs face deep uncertainty because of weak economic growth. People carry emotional and physical scars from stress inside and outside the workplace,' he said. He noted that stress often leads to physical symptoms, substance abuse, burnout, and depression. 'Employers must acknowledge what their workers are going through and take responsibility for supporting their mental well-being,' De Beer said. To support affected workers, Sadag launched a free online support group. Sadag projects manager Krystle Kemp stated that 'Our support group creates a safe, caring space where people can speak openly, share experiences, and receive help from others who understand.' She added that people with depression, anxiety, or burnout often feel isolated, especially when their families don't understand their struggles or expect them to 'get over it.' Need help? Contact Sadag on 0800 567 567. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
08-05-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
More than half of SA employees diagnosed with mental health issues linked to work
Depression, stress and anxiety are leading the diagnoses. More than 50% of employees in the country are suffering from mental health conditions caused by conditions in their workplace, according to a study conducted by the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag). The recently released Working Life Survey revealed there was a critical need for mental health support in the workplace as it indicated 52% of employees surveyed had been diagnosed with mental health conditions. According to the study, 32% were diagnosed with depression, stress 25%, generalised anxiety disorder 18%, burnout 13% and trauma 10%. Free online support group Sadag projects manager Krystle Kemp said to mitigate the situation, the organisation has launched a free online support group to assist the affected employees. 'The support group aims to provide a safe and caring space for people to speak openly about their feelings, share their experiences and receive support from others who truly understand,' said Kemp. 'It will be guided by our experienced and compassionate support group leader, who is passionate about mental health and creating meaningful connections.' Kemp said living with depression, anxiety, or burnout can feel incredibly lonely, 'especially when your support system doesn't understand what you are going through because the family members often can't relate if they don't have their own first-hand experience, which can lead them to diminish your feelings or put pressure on you to just get over it'. ALSO READ: Urgent mental health support needed as SA teachers buckle under pressure Overworked and unsupported Labour analyst Bukani Mngoma said the survey results were not surprising because there has always been a concern about the state of workplace health in South Africa. 'The main reason is that in many workplaces workers are doubling up on their jobs for space of others. In some instances, this situation has been caused by the increase in the workload workers are carrying daily,' Mngoma said. 'Many organisations have implemented what is called job enlargement programmes, instead of replacing employees who leave their employment. In some instances, this has kept workers pinned down at work without having time to take their annual leave.' Clinical psychologist and JVR Africa Group CEO Dr Jopie de Beer said many people were stressing about many things, including unemployment and those fortunate enough to be employed may face abusive leadership, toxic work environments, discrimination, and bullying. 'Job insecurity is also widespread due to slow and stagnant economic growth,' said De Beer. 'Today, job security and career development are far from guaranteed. Life, both inside and outside the workplace, is difficult, and many people carry the emotional and physical scars. 'Some experience physical symptoms, others may turn to substance abuse and many struggle with burnout, stress, anxiety, depression and hopelessness. People can only take so much.' De Beer said employers have a particular responsibility to recognise the realities their employees are experiencing and to prioritise their well-being. 'What Sadag is doing is good' A teacher from Boksburg, who was hospitalised for about three weeks, said she suffered from depression after she was subjected to unconducive working conditions by the principal. 'The principal was targeting me. He would give me warnings without me doing anything wrong,' said the teacher, who did not want to be named. She said the stress affected her health in many ways as she started having insomnia because of overthinking. ALSO READ: How Covid changed our lives, mental health and shopping habits Her body was painful and her shoulders were heavy, she had constant headaches and her blood pressure was high. 'What Sadag is doing is a good thing because there are many people who are in my situation, but do not know who they can talk to.' Sadag's Lindsey Dickson said every day it becomes evident that there are not enough resources available to service all the needs in this country. 'So, if by starting a group I can help even one person, it would have made a difference'. Breaking the silence Dickson said her organisation of more than 30 years' experience. Support groups were helpful for people who may not have access to professional help. 'By connecting with others who are experiencing similar challenges, members can gain comfort, confidence and tips to manage daily stress,' she said. 'The groups also help break the silence around mental health and encourage open conversations in a safe, nonjudgmental space.' The online support group was launched this week and the affected people are encouraged to contact the organisation to be part of the group. If you need help, call Sadag on 0800-567-567. NOW READ: How Covid changed our lives, mental health and shopping habits
