Depression and Anxiety Support Group coming to Ballito

Members of the community suffering from mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety will now be offered a place of warmth, understanding and support, with the upcoming launch of the Depression and Anxiety Support Group.

The free group will be hosting its first meeting at the Ballito Library next week, and those in need of support, as well as their partners, are encouraged to attend.

This group is one of many run by The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) – a non-profit organisation (NPO) striving to educate patients, families, professionals and the general public on the nature and management of mental illnesses and substance abuse.

Also read: Depression: a darkness we do not talk about

Research shows that support groups help people cope with and recover from a wide variety of problems.

They help you deal with a mental illness diagnosis in a well-adjusted way.

They also provide information on the illness and ways to treat and manage it, as well as help give patients and loved ones time to adjust.

Guest speakers and experts in the field of psychology will at times be giving talks to the group.

Groups discuss effective ways of managing symptoms, self-help tips and how to help a loved one with mental health or substance abuse issues.

To attend the free Depression and Anxiety Support Group, call SADAG on 0800 12 13 14 or send an SMS to 32312.

SADAG support groups are run either by members who have recovered from one of these disorders or by professionals in the community.

Also read: Fighting the good fight

These groups allow members the opportunity to form connections with others experiencing similar troubles and to learn from one another in a non-judgmental, confidential atmosphere.

The NPO also aims to eliminate the discrimination and stigma that surround mental illness, as well as to increase access to high-quality care for all South Africans.

The first meeting will be on Thursday, 31 May at 5pm.

For more information, video clips, as well as local and international articles or to download brochures please visit www.sadag.org.

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