Mental Health Support

If you or someone you care about is experiencing a mental health crisis, it’s essential to know that help is available — and you don’t have to face it alone. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, suicidal, or are supporting someone in distress, there are trained professionals and organisations ready to support you. Get Urgent Mental Health Help If you’re in crisis and need immediate support, call 0800 456 789 toll-free to reach the Suicide Crisis Helpline, available 24/7. This service is run by the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG). You can also reach out via SMS at 31393, or WhatsApp SADAG on 087 163 2030 (Monday to Sunday, 8am–5pm) for free support and advice. If someone’s life is in danger — whether they have harmed themselves or are at risk of doing so — call 10111 for emergency services or go to your nearest hospital emergency room immediately. Speak to a GP or Mental Health Professional If your situation is not immediately life-threatening but you need help: Free and Confidential Support Services There are several helplines and listening services offering confidential support, even if you’re not sure what you’re going through: 1. SADAG (South African Depression and Anxiety Group) 2. Childline South Africa (for children and teens) 3. Lifeline South Africa These services are free, confidential, and open to anyone, regardless of age, background, or situation. If You’re in Crisis But Not in Immediate Danger Sometimes you may not need emergency care, but you still need support getting through a difficult moment. There are tools and resources that can help you manage anxiety, panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, or feelings of hopelessness. Visit SADAG’s website for: Staying Safe (UK-based, but globally helpful) In Case of Emergency: Call 10111 or Go to Hospital Mental health emergencies are real emergencies. If: 👉 Call 10111 (South African Police Service) or👉 Go to the nearest hospital emergency department Hospital staff are trained to treat both physical and mental health emergencies. You may be referred to a psychiatry unit, crisis team, or inpatient care depending on your needs. What Happens in Emergency Mental Health Care? At the hospital, you’ll be assessed by a nurse or doctor. If they believe you need specialised mental health care, they may refer you to a: They may also create a treatment plan and help you access community-based services for follow-up care. Planning Ahead: Make a Mental Health Safety Plan Whether you’ve had suicidal thoughts, overwhelming anxiety, or just want to be prepared, creating a safety plan can be life-saving. Living with mental health challenges can feel isolating, but help is out there. South Africa has a growing number of support services, and even if you don’t know where to start, reaching out to just one helpline can open the door to support, care, and hope. 👉 Next: National and Provincial Mental Health Helplines in South Africa Reviewed April 2025. Always consult a professional for individual guidance. The Mind Space Counsellor Randburg Claremont Chiropractic Health Centre Claremont Daily Steps to Manage Depression Crisis and Support Helplines in South Africa