Following the sad and tragic announcement of Prof Mayosi’s suicide last week, The SA Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) has been inundated with calls from people who feel completely helpless, hopeless and desperate for crisis intervention for depression, and even suicide.
This week alone we have had many additional suicide callers, concerned family members and even work colleagues calling in to ask for help, information and emergency intervention. Our volunteer counsellors have been fielding hundreds of calls per shift, while more people have been reaching out via emails, SMSes and social media needing help with various mental health issues.
Sadag is not funded at all for the Suicide Crisis Helpline, and we have to constantly source money from private donations or corporates to help pay for the telephone calls, which can cost anything from R70 000 - R80 000 per month. This month we will need more funds since we have received such an influx of calls, especially since 90% of our calls are toll free.
We usually receive up to 600 calls per day, but with the shock and sadness of Mayosi’s death, and the increased press, social media and awareness around depression and suicide, the calls have increased by 40% and we need more funds urgently.
We urge companies to donate to Sadag - we are a registered NGO, tax-free and BBBEE compliant. Our banking details are:
South African Depression and Anxiety Group, FNB, Wierda Valley, Branch Code: 251255, Account Number: 59251150677.
If you would like to help Sadag, please call 011 234 4837, or email [email protected], or donate online via www.sadag.org