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Dis-chem Random Acts of Kindness recognizes SADAG
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About UsShanne Altshuler
 Thinking back over the past twelve years, of my time with SADAG, I had to reflect on just how I had come to counsel for The South African Depression and Anxiety Group.I had been working in the prisons with juvenile offenders for a number of years and decided to take a break. Mysteriously fate led me to the group when I wasn’t looking. There I found a space, where I could help, even in some small way, by focusing on a larger cross section of the South African population, irrespective of age, gender, creed or socio economic standing. Through a simple telephone we can reach out and be accessible to all. These years of counselling have taught me humility and made me more aware of how desperately the need for mental health education is required. Stigma is still a major obstacle regarding community collaboration in our country. Counselling I find it is in itself challenging, heart-wrenching yet fulfilling. It carries with it the responsibility of weighty decisions often under pressure, when faced for example with an eminent suicide threat. One is constantly aware of how vulnerable the phone link is with the caller. For me each call is the most important call at the time and problem-solving becomes the focus as each case is unique. I thrive on the ongoing training by professional lecturers and further studying. Passion is our driving force and dedication sustains us all. On reflection I consider I have grown with SADAG and it has become part of my life. Peter Matlhaela
 In 1991, I was involved in a horrible car accident in which I was trapped in the minibus wreckage. On the second day in bed at the hospital, I was suddenly struck, out of the blue by an intense fear that was accompanied by racing heart, nausea, dizziness and a feeling like going crazy. I struggled to reach a nurse who ordered me back to bed. The doctors were unable to diagnose the condition and neither was my GP I visited long after my discharge. Help came six years later when I read an article about SADAG. I contacted Zane Wilson who discussed treatment options, and was able to send me pamphlets, informed me about her experiences, and invited me to their workshops. SADAG influenced me to conduct research in my community into how people cope with mental disorders. The findings were frightening, people were suffering and did not know where to get help. I opened the Siyabuswa Depression and Anxiety Support Group in 2000. We meet once a month where we exchange experiences, share ideas, distribute pamphlets and share videos on latest therapies and treatments. I also participate on TV programmes, radio and films on mental disorders and offer articles to media. I also share my knowledge with two newly opened support groups from the neighbouring townships, which I lead, including the local Catholic Church Home Based Care Givers Team. Sally Smith
 The Rosebank Depression support group was started around 2000. It was started by one of the priests, Julia, at St Martins Church. Julia felt there was a need for a group in the the community to meet regularly and discuss the many aspects of depression and anxiety. Julia left the group when she had twins! and I took over organising the group. Linda Trump helped with presentations and finding speakers for many years ,but as she was also running the Bipolar Group, found she couldn't do both. Fortunately, Marguerite Theron, a counselling psychologist now leads our meetings.New members are referred to me by SADAG and I really enjoy speaking with them and giving them information about our group. I believe that the group gives members hope, a feeling of belonging, more information about depression and anxiety and the knowledge that they are not alone in their illness. Some of the topics introduced by Marguerite included sleep problems, dreams, anxiety. At each meeting members are given the opportunity to share how they are feeling. In the group are members who have been coming for many years and find the group has helped their wellness. People are very welcome to come and experience the support group for themselves. “Supporting other people I have to be helpful in my own healing and wellbeing. Going to the meetings is an amazing learning experience for me as well as all the other members .” Thavanisha Shanmugam
My name is Thavanisha Shanmugam and I have been a telephonic counsellor with SADAG for a little over 5 years now. I have also represented SADAG at various awareness days, training workshops as well as talks country wide. I live in Pretoria and work as a KUMON teacher in Pretoria.I travel from Pretoria to our head offices in Sandton every Sunday morning to make my 8-12 counselling shift at SADAG. Now, of course, the travelling to and from Sandton is not an easy task nor is waking up early on a Sunday morning but I gladly do it as I hold in such high regard the work that SADAG does as well as the values they uphold. I believe SADAG has done so much for so many over the years and I am so grateful to have been apart of it. It is my passion to complete my studies and someday become a psychologist so in the meantime, SADAG affords me the opportunity to help people in distress from all walks of life and as a result, I believe this has made me a better person and scholar as I am gaining insight into the various mental illnesses as they are experienced by their sufferers that no textbook could impart.
Scientific & Advisory Board
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group has on its scientific and advisory board, psychologists, psychiatrists, doctors, and business people who have a keen interest and role in mental health advocacy and are committed to SADAG’s aims and ideals. The board ensures that the information the counsellors have is both current and relevant. In addition, the highly qualified board plays a vital role in dealing with any complex or crisis cases effectively, appropriately, and timeously.
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