Culture Craze
One in Three South Africans Affected: SADAG Calls for United Action on Mental Health
A Nation in Need of Healing
Mental health in South Africa has reached a breaking point. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) has sounded the alarm, revealing that one in three South Africans will experience a mental illness during their lifetime. Yet, despite the scale of this crisis, nine out of ten people still go untreated.
This stark reality has driven SADAG to launch a new call for unity, urging citizens, workplaces, schools, and communities to stand together against stigma and support those living with mental illness.
Go Green for Mental Health
This October, during World Mental Health Month, SADAG is leading a national campaign themed “Together for Mental Health.” The campaign’s message is simple but powerful: mental health is everyone’s issue.
The initiative includes a countrywide movement called Go Green for Mental Health, encouraging schools, offices, and institutions to show solidarity by hosting awareness events, wearing green, and opening up conversations that too often remain hidden.
According to SADAG operations director Cassey Chambers, this year’s drive is about more than awareness; it’s about collective action. “Our combined efforts will produce greater results than our individual work alone,” she said.
Breaking the Silence
Chambers added that every family, every workplace, and every community has been touched by mental illness in some way. Whether through anxiety, depression, burnout, or trauma, mental health challenges are no longer an exception; they are part of daily life.
“The time for silence is over,” she said. “We must work together to end discrimination, reduce stigma, and build a culture of compassion and understanding.”
SADAG’s chairperson, Dr Colinda Linde, echoed this sentiment, describing the Go Green movement as an “expression of national solidarity.” She said South Africa must bring mental health “out of its hidden state” and into the heart of everyday conversation.
A Growing Crisis
The warning comes at a time when South Africans are feeling the mental strain more than ever. Economic hardship, unemployment, trauma, and social pressure have contributed to rising rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide across the country.
For SADAG, this crisis can no longer be managed by health professionals alone. It requires collaboration between government departments, corporates, schools, and civic organisations, and the support of everyday citizens willing to talk, listen, and reach out.
How You Can Help
SADAG is inviting South Africans to show their support by joining local Go Green events, wearing green on World Mental Health Day (10 October), or sharing messages of hope online.
For those who are struggling or know someone who is, help is available. SADAG operates a 24-hour Suicide Crisis Helpline (0800 567 567), a mental health support line (0800 456 789), and offers WhatsApp support on 31393.
A Call to Unity
As South Africans, our strength has always come from community. SADAG’s campaign reminds us that healing begins with understanding and that no one should have to suffer in silence.
By standing together, speaking openly, and supporting one another, we can change the national conversation on mental health from shame to solidarity.
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Source: The South African
Featured Image: Amaha
