MHM Magazine

Issue 2 | 2022 | MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS | 41 MHM SADAG has over 160 Support Groups around the country that deal with all manner of mental health related issues, as well as Support Groups specifically for family members and loved ones. SADAG guides and trains new Support Group Leaders on running a group step-by-step. We help with training webinars, materials, handouts, information and more. While caring for a child with special needs can be rewarding, it also comes with challenges that not many understand. The demands of this mean that parents and caregivers often forget that their own needs are still important. This month’s featured Group is the Mental Health Support Group for loved ones and caregivers of children with special needs hosted by Justine du Plooy. Justine’s Support Group is a safe space for parents and caregivers of children with special needs ranging from autism spectrum disorder to cerebral palsy and ADHD. The Group provides mental health support to loved ones who can easily forget that caring for themselves is okay and still a priority. The Group is a non- judgemental space where people can share their experiences with others in similar positions and find support through difficult circumstances. Some words from Justine: Why was it important for you to start this particular Support Group? As a former senior SADAG counsellor, I know there is always a space for free mental health support wherever we can get it. As a special needs professional, I have recognised the huge need for mental health awareness and support for parents and caregivers of children with special needs, as these are often the people who neglect themselves, as they give so much to others. I wanted to create a safe space where parents and caregivers could share their experiences, and not feel judged for caring for their own needs too. Who can join your Group? Any parent or caregiver of a child with special needs can join the Support Group. What are the benefits of joining a Support Group? The benefits of joining a Support Group are that they encourage a sense of community for people who share in a certain difficulty or life challenge, and create a safe, non-judgmental space for those who often don't often seek out support for themselves, or who often feel alone in their situation. Support Groups help create this platform for support and understanding, where you can share your thoughts and feelings, gain emotional support, and often learn coping tools from others, on how to support yourself better. MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP FOR LOVED ONES AND CAREGIVERS OF CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS If you have a patient who could benefit from this Support Group please provide them with the Support Group Leader's details below or the following email address: supportgroups@anxiety.org.za Mental Health Support Group for loved ones and caregivers of children with special needs