SADAG counsellor turns personal depression into lifelong support for Diepsloot community
Sbusisiwe Gana reflects on 12 years of helping local residents and learners through mental health struggles after overcoming her own hardship.
Sbusisiwe Gana turned her experience with depression into a journey dedicated to helping others.
Gana became involved with the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) after losing her job while her mother moved from Johannesburg to the Eastern Cape.
“I think sometimes when you are going through something yourself, you understand the importance of having somebody who can sit with you and listen without judging you,” said Gana. “That experience made me realise that there are many other people who are also going through difficult situations and may not know where to turn.”
Read more: Sadag seeks volunteers
The organisation was founded by Zane Wilson, who currently lives overseas.
Gana initially joined the organisation as a volunteer, where she was allowed to train as a lay counsellor. She has now been with SADAG for 12 years and continues to work with people in Diepsloot.
“Becoming a lay counsellor changed the way I looked at mental health,” said Gana. “I was able to learn how to support people, but I also learnt that asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Sometimes you just need someone to help you understand what you are going through.”
Diepsloot mental health support
SADAG has been operating in Diepsloot for the past 12 years, offering face-to-face counselling and mental health awareness programmes.
The organisation also conducts educational talks and works with schools to provide counselling and mental health support to learners.
Also read: Sadag launches new support group
Gana is among those helping take these services directly into the community.
“When we speak to learners, I want them to understand that their feelings matter,” said Gana. “Young people face so many pressures, and having a safe space where they can talk about what they are experiencing can make a difference.”
Residents who do not want to visit SADAG’s container in Diepsloot can access its call centre in Rivonia by calling 0800 567 567.
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