Mental health is Dainfern Connect’s core focus
Dainfern Connect, an NPO started for youth and adolescents in the community due to continued concerns about mental illness and mental health awareness.
The Dainfern community has come together in an attempt to tackle mental health issues in adolescents by starting an NPO for adolescents and the youth.
Dainfern Connect was established in March this year, by residents and psychologists who were concerned with the high levels of stress being experienced by adolescents as well as rising levels of depression and preventing suicides in the community. They aim to provide youngsters and their families with peace of mind by equipping them with the tools to enhance mental health and thrive in these challenging times.
The NPO hosts events whereby different guest speakers address mental health issues that affect the youth.
One recent guest speaker, deputy head boy of St Alban’s school in Pretoria, Francois Janse van Rensburg was welcomed to the clubhouse by the NPO. He spoke on his encounter with attempting suicide at the age of 15.
During his speech to attendees to raise awareness about the subject, he said, “I’m not proud of it, nor am I ashamed. That difficult period has made me the person I am today, maybe more so than the good parts of my life. I was sad enough to desire death over my current situation. I felt completely isolated.
“I had a strong group of friends, caring parents, I excelled in sports and did well in school. I felt guilty about having the audacity to be depressed. My depression turned into a life-or-death battle. I won; however, the odds could very easily have been skewed in another direction. Mental health issues are the norm, not the exception.”
Francois added a dead-end can sometimes feel like the end of the road, but if one were just to turn around, retrace their steps and find a different path, they can show the resilience carried within and ask someone for help. Not only men and boys find the advice useful, but anyone who may be feeling like suicide may be their only option. “One in three people experience mental health issues, and 75% of suicides are committed by men. Suicide is the third biggest killer of men. Most men cannot talk about their feelings. This correlates to a higher rate of suicide in men. I’m here to plead. I’m baring my soul to you in the hope that even one of you can hear me, truly hear me, and find help. Boys please, I know sometimes you can feel stuck, it is okay to struggle, it is okay to not be okay,” he concluded.
The NPO offers a number of services, including counselling for self-esteem issues, psychological therapy sessions, online leadership and confidence coaching, and substance abuse therapy. Weekly Youth Circles are also hosted at the Dainfern Clubhouse in which youth community members have a space to share and discuss life challenges.
ALSO READ: Sadag launches new support group
According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), mental illness and the stigma surrounding it is a critical issue in South Africa. “SADAG is at the forefront of patient advocacy, education and destigmatisation of mental illness in the country. Its expertise lies in assisting patients and callers throughout South Africa with mental health queries,” according to their website.
SADAG said that it serves as a support network for the thousands of South Africans who live with mental health problems. “Currently, it is estimated that one in five people will, or do, suffer from a mental illness. The organisation manages a 16-line counseling-and-referral call centre, and is the voice of patient advocacy.”
SADAG has over 160 support groups nationwide. To find out more about joining or starting a support group, contact them on 0800 70 80 90. For more information about the organisation, or to learn more about mental health, visit www.sadag.org
Sadag provided the following emergency contact details:
- Department of Social Development Substance Abuse Line 24hr helpline 0800 12 13 14. SMS 32312
- Suicide Crisis Line (24 hours) 0800 567 567. SMS 31393
- SADAG Mental Health Line (08:00 and 20:00, Monday to Sunday) 011 234 4837
- Akeso Psychiatric Response Unit (24 hours) 0861 435 787
- Cipla Whatsapp Chat Line (09:00-16:00, seven days a week) 076 882 2775
- 24-hour Healthcare Workers Care Network Helpline 0800 21 21 21. SMS 43001
- Dr Reddy’s Help Line 0800 21 22 23
- Cipla 24hr Mental Health Helpline 0800 456 789
- Pharma Dynamics Police &Trauma Line 0800 20 50 26
- Adcock Ingram Depression and Anxiety Helpline 0800 70 80 90
- ADHD Helpline 0800 55 44 33
- NPOWERSA Helpline 0800 515 515. SMS 43010.
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