The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) requests all citizens to join forces against mental health discrimination.
Mental illness affects one in three South Africans throughout their lives, but nine out of ten people with mental illness remain untreated.
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) has initiated a public call to fight against mental illness together with its associated social discrimination.
Sadag Launches National Awareness Campaign
Sadag started a public education initiative about mental health during World Mental Health Month.
The organisation reports rising mental health cases in South Africa while demanding participation from all sectors of society.
The operations director of Sadag Cassey Chambers announced that this year’s initiative will focus on “Together for Mental Health” as its main theme.
The current mental health situation in South Africa requires immediate attention from all citizens, according to Chambers.
“Our combined efforts will produce greater results than our individual work alone.“
“The organisation requires Sadag to unite with government institutions and corporate entities and educational facilities and community groups, and civil organisations for effective mental health awareness promotion and stigma reduction and meaningful action development,“ added Chambers.
‘Mental Illness Affects Everyone’
Every family unit and workplace, and community sector experiences the impact of mental illness, according to Chambers.
According to her statement, the collective effort of people will eliminate stigma while building stronger alliances, which will bring hope to millions of South Africans.
Sadag plans to organise multiple nationwide events which will bring mental health discussions to schools and workplaces and universities, and domestic settings.
Showing Support and Solidarity
The campaign, titled Go Green for Mental Health, would target schools, workplaces, universities and corporations.
Dr Colinda Linde, who serves as Sadag board chair and clinical psychologist, describes Go Green as an expression of collective support for mental health awareness.
“The current year brings a new message from Sadag, which demands that mental health emerge from its hidden state.“
“All South Africans need to participate in mental health awareness efforts while working to eliminate discrimination and provide assistance to those who need it.“
