South African Depression and Anxiety Group
| Abbreviation | SADAG |
|---|---|
| Established | 1994 [1] |
| Founder | Zane Wilson |
| Founded at | Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Type | Non-Profit Organisation |
| Focus | Mental Health |
| Headquarters | Catherine St, Johannesburg, 2000, South Africa |
Region | South Africa |
| Zane Wilson Dr. Frans A Korb Dr. Colinda Line Nkini Phasha Kevin Bolan Zamo Mbele Dr. Dora Wynchank Dr. Jan Chabalala | |
| Volunteers | 100 (2010) [2] |
| Website | sadag |
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is a South African non-profit mental health organisation that provides support, education, advocacy, and counselling services nationwide.[3] Founded in 1994, the organisation operates national helplines, support groups, and public awareness programmes across South Africa.[4]
History
SADAG was founded in 1994 in Johannesburg by Zane Wilson.[4]It began as a support group for individuals living with panic disorder and anxiety.[4]
During the late 1990s and 2000s, SADAG expanded its services to include national toll-free helplines for depression, anxiety, and suicide crisis support.[5]
In 1997, the organisation launched rural outreach initiatives aimed at increasing mental health awareness in underserved communities.[4] In 2018, SADAG opened a provincial office in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.[6]
By the 2020s, SADAG reported operating more than 30 national helplines, including 24-hour suicide crisis lines and digital support services via SMS and WhatsApp.[7]
Activities
Helplines and Crisis Support
SADAG operates national helplines providing free and confidential support for individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use challenges, and suicidal ideation.[8] Services include telephonic counselling, crisis intervention, and referral to mental health professionals.[9]
Support Groups
The organisation facilitates community-based and online support groups across South Africa.[10]
In 2025, SADAG launched online support groups targeting educators experiencing burnout,[11] young adults,[12] and persons with disabilities.[10] Reported figures on the number of support groups range between approximately 180 and 250 nationwide.[4]
Education and Public Awareness
SADAG conducts school and workplace mental health awareness programmes and suicide prevention initiatives.[13] It has also highlighted youth substance use issues during public awareness campaigns.[14]
Digital Initiatives
The organisation expanded its digital service delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic.[5] During the national lockdown period (March 2020 – February 2021), SADAG reported receiving more than 500,000 calls for assistance, including over 100,000 calls to its suicide helpline.[5]
Reception and Public Response
SADAG has been cited in South African media reporting on mental health trends and service demand.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Bhekisisa reported increased demand for mental health helplines, including those operated by SADAG.[5] In 2025, TimesLIVE and The Herald reported on anxiety among matric learners and quoted SADAG representatives on examination-related stress and youth mental health concerns.[13][15]
In the same year, Jacaranda FM reported that funding constraints placed pressure on SADAG’s crisis helpline services, raising broader concerns about the sustainability of non-profit mental health support in South Africa.[7]
Organisation
SADAG is headquartered in Sandton, Johannesburg, with additional regional presence in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape.[3] It collaborates with government departments and participates in national mental health advocacy structures, including initiatives associated with the South African Federation for Mental Health.[16]
References
- ^ Webb-Robins, Lisa M.; Wilson, Zane (2008). "Analysis of HIV Caregivers in South Africa: A South African Depression and Anxiety Group". Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment. 17 (3–4): 49. doi:10.1080/10911350802067765. S2CID 144828143.
- ^ Shamos, Janine (September 2010). "SADAG - SA's most influential mental health NGO". African Journal of Psychiatry: 327.
- ^ a b "SADAG – The SA Depression and Anxiety Group". The Mental Health Information Centre of South Africa. Retrieved 2026-03-02.
- ^ a b c d e Reporter, Talk of the Town (2024-10-03). "SADAG marks three decades of support for mental health and wellbeing". Talk of the Town. Retrieved 2026-03-02.
- ^ a b c d "Covid-19: SA's mental health hotline calls spike during lockdown". Bhekisisa. 11 August 2020. Retrieved 19 February 2026.
- ^ "South African Depression and Anxiety Group". Women and Value SA. Retrieved 19 February 2026.
- ^ a b "SADAG crisis helpline in jeopardy amid funding shortfall". Jacaranda FM. 2025. Retrieved 19 February 2026.
- ^ "Helplines and crisis support". South African Depression and Anxiety Group. Retrieved 20 February 2026.
- ^ "Research Spotlight: SADAG counselling services" (PDF). Centre for Public Mental Health. 2025. Retrieved 19 February 2026.
- ^ a b "SADAG launches free online mental health support group for people with disabilities". DFA. 24 March 2025. Retrieved 19 February 2026.
- ^ "SADAG launches free online support group for educators coping with anxiety and burnout". Media Update. 1 October 2025. Retrieved 19 February 2026.
- ^ "SADAG launches online support group targeting young adults". eNCA. 13 August 2025. Retrieved 19 February 2026.
- ^ a b "Matric stress: SADAG says mental health comes first". TimesLIVE. 19 August 2025. Retrieved 19 February 2026.
- ^ "World Drug Day 2025: "Our Youth, Our Future" – SADAG shines spotlight on substance abuse among young people". Howick Village. 2025. Retrieved 19 February 2026.
- ^ "Rising mental health calls spotlight SA youth struggles". The Herald. 29 October 2025. Retrieved 20 February 2026.
- ^ "Annual Report 2021–2022" (PDF). South African Federation for Mental Health. 2022. Retrieved 20 February 2026.