The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is putting the theme Lived Experience at the centreof the Mental Health conversations on World Mental Health Day on Saturday October 10.

Their message is simple but powerful – Real Stories. Real Voices. Real Change.

For SADAG, this is more than a campaign theme, because Lived Experience is where SADAG began.

Thirty-three years ago, SADAG Founder Zane Wilson’s own experience of Panic Disorder and the challenges of finding understanding and support eventually led her to establish an organisation to help others facing similar struggles.

What began with a Support Group has grown into a national Mental Health organisation with more than 40 Toll-Free Helplines, over 200 Support Groups and thousands of people reaching out for support every day. Today, SADAG receives between 2 000 to 3 000 calls per day and over 900 WhatsApp messages a day.

Behind every call is a person with a story, someone who has experienced anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, suicidal thoughts, grief, stigma, even recovery or the challenges of living with a mental health issue.

The founder says SADAG’s history shows why it is important to listen to people who have experienced Mental Health challenges themselves.

People who need help with mental health issues, can visit their website at https://www.sadag.org