A South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) support group for people struggling with depression, anxiety and trauma was launched in Stellenbosch with the aim of providing mental health support in a space free from stigma, said Josie Makkink, a volunteer support group leader. “It’s about creating a space where people feel supported and know that they are not alone,” said Krystle Kemp, the training coordinator for SADAG support groups. GRAPHIC: Jamie Venter
A support group for people struggling with depression, anxiety and trauma was recently launched in Stellenbosch with the aim of providing mental health support in a space free from stigma.
This is according to Josie Makkink, a volunteer support group leader for The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) in Stellenbosch.
The first Stellenbosch-based SADAG support group meeting was held at the Co-Create Hub on 6 June and welcomed young adults between the age of 18 and 35 to attend, explained Makkink. The group is free to all and continues to take place every Monday, she added.
Stellenbosch-based SADAG support group meetings are held at the Co-Create Hub every Monday evening and welcome young adults between the age of 18 and 35 to attend free of charge. This is according to Josie Makkink, a volunteer support group leader and postgraduate psychology student. Source/Josie Makkink
What is a SADAG support group?
“SADAG support groups provide supplementary support in an environment that is non-judgemental, free of stigma and where people can really understand what it is that you are going through,” said Krystle Kemp, the training coordinator for SADAG support groups.
“Two students who are doing their psychology honours degrees have partnered with SADAG to host the workshops,” explained Susan Yallop of the CoCreate Hub, who has partnered with Makkink to support the initative.
“The purpose of the support group is to give people a safe space to be heard and access to an alternative network of support. Many mental health challenges are accompanied by voicelessness and isolation. This support group aims to give voice to this voicelessness, and serves to remind people that you are not alone in what you are facing” wrote Josie Makkink, a volunteer support group leader, in a SADAG press release. VIDEO: Jamie Venter
Breaking stigma, building support
“So often mental illness is dismissed and there is this attitude of ‘just think positively’. But we know that it is not as easy as that,” said Kemp, adding that a lot of people don’t seek help as a result.
“It can be really difficult or feel really lonely for someone struggling with mental illness when you don’t feel understood,” said Kemp.
“In the support group, people have similar experiences and so they are able to support one another and that’s what makes it free of stigma,” she added. “It’s about creating a space where people feel supported and know that they are not alone,” said Kemp.
“Symptoms of anxiety and depression can be any change from normal behaviour,” said Krystle Kemp, the training coordinator for SADAG support groups. This can include loss of or gain in appetite, weight loss or weight gain, difficulty sleeping or oversleeping, difficulty concentrating and feelings of listlessness, anger and stress, explained Kemp. PHOTO: Jamie Venter
You are not alone
Makkink explained that often mental health support can feel inaccessible to the community.
“We have a large number of young people that are struggling with anxiety and depression,” said Yallop. Many of these young adults do not have the funds to seek support and address their struggles which is why CoCreate Hub had chosen to support the initiative.
Other initiatives exist as well, including a free hotline for counselling, support and crisis intervention in 11 official languages that was launched for students by Higher Health SA in alliance with SADAG. SU’s Centre for Student Counselling and Development also offers free and confidential support for students and staff, according to their website.
“Symptoms of anxiety and depression can be any change from normal behaviour,” said Kemp. This can include changes in appetite, weight, sleeping patterns, concentration and mood, explained Kemp.
“What I would say to anyone who’s interested in reaching out for help is that often it can be very scary, it can be overwhelming and anxiety provoking but […] you are not alone and there is help out there,” said Kemp.
The South African Depression and Anxiety group has numerous toll free hotlines available for counselling, support and crisis intervention. Source/Josie Makkink