The South African Depression and Anxiety Group says they have experienced an increase in calls to their suicide hotline since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
SADAG operations director Casey Chambers says they receive more than 3 000 calls a day.
The line is manned by more than 250 volunteer counsellors. Chambers says the rolling blackouts have further impacted their operations.
“We deal with so many different other technical issues. Like load shedding, network signals that are not so great. And it’s important that SADAG is always available. So, what we offer people is if perhaps if there in an area where there is load shedding and cell phone towers are down, and the network is not so great. Perhaps even some of these electrical storms have been experiencing have an impact on all these different technical issues. SADAG is still around. There are so many different ways you can contact us and speak to a counsellor.”
Meanwhile, Chambers says those close to people with mental health issues don’t always have to have the answers to a problem.
She says just being there for someone, can be the biggest gift.
“Do you want me to go with you to the shops? Do you need help with your shopping? Do you want me to go and do it for you? Why don’t we just sit and chat. You know you can also do a mental health check-in with your loved one: How are you feeling? How are you doing? Let’s just have a break. Let’s just talk about it. Very small practical things can really help break up a busy day, a busy week, break up those feelings of being overwhelmed and just letting that person know that you are there and that they’re not alone,” adds Chambers.
Video: SADAG sees an increase in the number of suicide-related calls
