As the festive season approaches, many South Africans face a time that can feel overwhelming, stressful, lonely, or emotionally heavy.

While the holidays are often associated with celebration, they can also bring increased Anxiety, Depression, financial pressure, family conflict, Grief, and heightened feelings of isolation. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is reminding the public to that they are not alone, and that help is available every single day – even on public holidays.

SADAG will not close over the festive season. Trained Volunteer Counsellors will continue providing free, confidential telephone counselling, 24-hours day, throughout December and January, for anyone who needs to talk or get help coping with difficult emotions.

SADAG Call Centre Manager Tracy Feinstein says, “We need to be open and available to help anyone during their time of need. Many other resources have skeleton staff schedules during the holidays, so often speaking to a SADAG Counsellor is the only access to support and care.”

This time of year, SADAG continues to get calls from people across the country – of all ages, races and genders – who feel hopeless, stressed, anxious or overwhelmed. SADAG is encouraging families, communities and workplaces to actively share SADAGs Helpline numbers and free resources to ensure that anyone struggling knows that support is just a phone call or message away.

SADAG’s free Mental Health support services available throughout the festive season include:

▪ 24/7 Toll-Free Helplines providing immediate counselling and crisis support, day or night – 0800 456 789 or 0800 567 567

▪ WhatsApp Chat Counselling (available daily from 8am – 5pm): 076 882 2775. For those who prefer text-based support, WhatsApp chat counselling offers a safe and accessible way to speak with a trained Counsellor through confidential messages, particularly helpful for people who feel anxious about calling or who find comfort in writing.

▪ Online Mental Health Toolkit (www.sadag.org) with free self-help tools, coping guides, and holiday-specific resources for managing Grief, Anxiety, Depression, financial strain, and emotional distress.

▪ Support Groups (online and in-person) continuing throughout December, offering safe, supportive spaces for people experiencing Grief, Anxiety, Depression, addiction recovery, and other Mental Health challenges – for more details visit www.sadag.org or call SADAG 0800 21 22 23

▪ Substance Abuse Support Services: Helpline: 0800 12 13 14 | SMS: 32312 | WhatsApp: 087 163 2025 (available 7 days a week, 8am–5pm)

▪ Follow us on social media (Facebook, Instagram, X andTikTok) – get daily Mental Health tips, resources, and support throughout the festive season.

“With 1 in 3 South Africans living with a type of Mental Health condition, this time of the year can be a very sad and a triggering time for many. And perhaps it can also serve as a harsh reminder of a very traumatic or stressful experience which occurred during this time of the year. It is therefore very crucial that South Africans prioritise Mental Health to ensure that we can celebrate with resilience and compassion. By talking openly, supporting one another, and reducing stigma, we can make this season not just about celebration, but connection. It is therefore very crucial that we make Mental Health a priority this festive season, because Mental Wellbeing is worth celebrating,” says Nkini Phasha, SADAG Board Member.

As the festive season unfolds, SADAG reminds the public that reaching out for help is a strength, not a weakness. No one should have to suffer in silence. Support is always available, day or night.