MHM Magazine

8 | MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS | 2024 | Issue 4 MHM ‘From my first SADAG meeting 27 years ago, 23 years as a Board member and current Chairperson, my life has been touched and enriched immeasurably. For me, the deep care that every member of SADAG embodies, is illustrated by one of my favourite analogies. When the foot has a thorn in it, the hand is not in pain. Yet it helps the foot by removing the thorn, out of kindness and from understanding the interconnectedness of the whole body. I stand in awe of the way in which SADAG cares for every person in this country, irrespective of who they are, where they live, or what they’re going through. May there be another 30 years and beyond!’ - Colinda, SADAG Board Chairperson, Clinical Psychologist Throughout my time here, I've learned how to navigate complex and often heartbreaking situations, developing a skill set that is both professional and empathetic. The emotional demands of this work are significant, but being part of a team that emphasizes balance and personal well-being has helped me maintain my own mental health. This environment has not only allowed me to grow professionally, but has also provided me with memories of connection, teamwork, and the powerful impact of collective compassion - Hannah Kockott, SADAG Counsellor It started in 2022 as I was working with pregnant moms and moms with babies offering support also empowerment free in my community. I would receive calls from a lot of moms saying they are depressed, and they need help, and I would refer them to SADAG and later I thought these counsellors are doing the world's best job ever saving lives, their commitment to helping others truly inspired me and I said to myself why not do the same - Sanele Vilakazi, SADAG Counsellor & Gauteng Support Group Leader ‘I started my SADAG journey at 16 years old, where I was invited to sit in on the counsellors training, to learn more about the world of mental health. I have no doubt I would not be in the position I’m in today, as a clinical psychologist with my own practice, had it not been for my experiences with SADAG. I would have never taken the initiative to start UCT’s first ever support group for depression and anxiety, had it not been for Zane introducing me to a fellow student who was looking to do just that. With my lack of confidence and the head of psychology at the university’s lack of support at the time, the only reason we got that support group up and running was because of the huge encouragement and practical support SADAG provided.’ - Alexa Scher, Clinical Psychologist It has been rewarding having to teach the young ones and making a difference in their lives and I am very Proud to be a part of making that difference. Although some days are difficult as we do not get to see each learner or grades and it may be chaotic because of school’s disorganization however we work together as a team and try our best to have a fruitful day and productive despite the challenges we come across. Other days are very easy, and we get to do everything we are set out to do. We rely on each other most of the time and we provide each other with great support. I am proud to say that SADAG is my second home and family - Gugu Manzini, SADAG University Project Team Leader ‘One of the flagship programmes that SADAG introduced over the 30 years is Teen Suicide Prevention Programme. Through this programme, thousands of young people and Educators have been empowered to firstly, understand what suicide is and the warning signs; secondly, to talk about it, to come forward to seek help; and most importantly, how to access the professional help which SADAG offers. It is truly remarkable in this year we celebrate SADAG’s 30th Anniversary, it is also the year the much-anticipated court judgment in the Life Esidimeni catastrophe was handed down, finally serving justice and bringing some closure to over 140 families that lost their loved REFLECTIONS, 30 YEARS ON… MHM | 2024 | Volume 11 | Issue 4 | Reflections, 30 years on… H