SADAG Dedicated Student Helplines Aims and Objectives

For over a decade, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) has established Dedicated University Helplines to address the pressing Mental Health needs of students across various higher education institutions. These helplines play a crucial role in providing immediate support, information, and resources to students experiencing Mental Health challenges.

Purpose and Objectives

The primary purpose of the Dedicated University Helplines is to offer accessible and confidential Mental Health support to students. The objectives include:

• Providing 24/7 helpline services for students in distress.
• Offering counselling and crisis intervention.
• Giving information and referrals to appropriate Mental Health resources and services.
• Reducing the stigma associated with Mental Health issues within the university community.
• Promoting Mental Well-Being through outreach and educational programmes.

• To provide psychoeducation on Mental Health issues to all students: SADAG provides relevant and useful information on various Mental Health topics via the distribution of brochures, the use of presentations and workshops, webinars, YouTube videos and website exposure.
• To promote a continuum-of-care framework for students living with a Mental Illness: Managing treatment can be a major challenge for students and learners resulting in decreased academic performance, increased absence and lack of motivation. SADAG uses a coordinated continuum of care approach to assist students holistically.
• To bridge the Mental Health gap: SADAG wants to ensure that students receive a network of resources and support services providing a holistic approach and a solutions-focused treatment plan.
• To encourage more people to screen for Mental Health issues: We want to ensure prevention and/or early identification of Mental Illness. These early interventions will facilitate the de-stigmatization of Mental Illnesses.
• Offer a range of support services: Increased support helps students to cope better with their Mental Health.

SADAG Dedicated Student Helplines Offerings

Each SADAG dedicated Helpline can be custom tailored to meet your organisations needs

• SADAG offers telephonic support via dedicated toll-free helplines, available 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. This allows students and staff access to ‘Just-In-Time’ services as and when they need them. The telephonic counselling is conducted by trained dedicated SADAG counsellors and is available in eleven South African official languages.
• A dedicated email address can be provided to your students and learners or staff members to email their requests for help and support, which will also be monitored 24 hours a day.
• SADAG’s first line of intervention includes confidential telephonic assessments, screening and containment of Mental Health issues.
• SADAG can arrange for student/staff crisis interventions such as Trauma Debriefing, and Bereavement counselling for individuals and groups of people – and would be costed on an ad hoc basis.
• SADAG offers referral services with timeous track and follow-ups being conducted with acute cases.
• SADAG can facilitate Wellness Day talks which are focused on the promotion of Mental Health and emotional well-being.
• SADAG also offers training on Mental Health topics as well as psychological first aid for your staff and team. These are conducted online in webinar format. Our introductory presentation included an overview of Mental Health 101, Psychological First Aid, What to do in a Crisis as well as the SADAG Helpline available to students.
• WhatsApp Chatlines availibe between 8am – 5pm, 7 days a week
• Monthly check in calls with students
• Dedicated 24/7 SMS line
• Regular Monetoring and Evaluation reports
• Students will receive details of SADAG’s online platforms including our website (www.sadag.org), our Facebook page (The South African Depression and Anxiety Group) and our Twitter account (@The SADAG). The website and social media platforms are updated daily.
• Callers can log on to the free Facebook Friday ‘Ask The Expert’ which is open from 1pm-1:30pm every week, where an expert in the field of Mental Health answers questions on a variety of Mental Health issues.

Services Offered

SADAG’s University Helplines offer a wide range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of students:

• Telephonic Counselling: SADAG counsellors are available around the clock to offer support and guidance.
• Crisis Intervention: Immediate assistance is provided to students in crisis situations to ensure their safety and well-being.
• Information and Referrals: The helplines offer information on Mental Health issues and refer students to appropriate Mental Health professionals and services.
• Follow-Up Services: Ongoing support is available for students who require further assistance after the initial call.
• Outreach and Education: Workshops, webinars, and informational materials are provided to educate students about mental health and well-being.
• WhatsApp Chatlines
• Regular Monetoring and Evaluation Reports

Impact and Reach

Since their inception, the Dedicated University Helplines have had a significant impact on student Mental Health:

• Increased Access to Support: Thousands of students have utilised the helplines, gaining access to crucial Mental Health support.
• Crisis Management: Numerous crises have been successfully managed, preventing potential harm and promoting student safety.
• Enhanced Awareness: The helplines have contributed to greater awareness and understanding of Mental Health issues on campuses.
• Reduced Stigma: By providing a safe and confidential space for students to seek help, the helplines have played a key role in reducing the stigma surrounding Mental Health.

Partnerships and Collaboration

SADAG collaborates with various universities and higher learning institutions to ensure the helplines are effectively integrated into the existing support systems. These partnerships involve:

• Training Programmes: University staff and peer counsellors are trained to identify and support students in need.
• Joint Initiatives: Collaborative efforts with university health services to promote Mental Well-being and provide comprehensive support.
• Feedback Mechanisms: Regular feedback from universities and students to continuously improve the helpline services.

List of Dedicated Higher Learning Helplines

Some of the higher learning institutions with Dedicated University Helplines include:

• University of Pretoria
• University of the Free State
• Tshwane University of Technology
• University of Cape Town
• University of the Western Cape
• Higher Health
• Motsepe Foundation
• STADIO
• Discovery Young Doctors and Medical Students

Staff and Employee Mental Health Helplines

In addition to student support, SADAG also offers dedicated Mental Health Helplines for staff and employees at various universities. These helplines provide tailored Mental Health services to university personnel, addressing their unique challenges and promoting overall well-being. Notable examples include:

• University of Cape Town
• Tshwane University of Technology

Mental Health Study of University Students

South Africa National Student Mental Health Survey, conducted in 2020, collected data from undergraduate students at 17 institutions. More than 70 000 students responded to the survey, making it one of the biggest national student Mental Health surveys in the world and the first study of its kind in South Africa to collect data from many universities and assess a wide range of Mental Health problems. The study found that:

• 20 – 30% of Students are at risk of developing a Mental Illness
• 16.3% of students met the diagnostic criteria for a Mood Disorder (either Major Depressive Disorder or a Bipolar Mood Disorder)
• While 10.9% experienced a Generalised Anxiety Disorder.
• 21% of students reported clinically significant symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, highlighting the high rates of trauma among the country’s young people.
• 6.6% of students are likely to meet the diagnostic criteria for a Substance use disorder
• 22.7% of students reported symptoms of an Eating Disorder and 24.5% reported symptoms of social anxiety

The initial results from the survey are an important step towards identifying where interventions are needed, what kinds of problems students are struggling with and the number of students who need help. The Mental Health of our country’s students is a key priority, not least of all because Mental Disorders may lead to lower academic attainment given that higher education is integral to economic growth and human development. Reliable epidemiological data about Mental Disorders is required to help plan effective campus-based interventions, formulate context-sensitive policies, establish priorities, especially in resource-constrained environments, and ensure that limited resources can be allocated to where they are most needed. 

https://mg.co.za/thoughtleader/opinion/2022-11-09-large-mental-health-study-finds-20-30-of-students-at-risk/

Future Goals

SADAG aims to expand the reach and effectiveness of the Dedicated University Helplines through:

• Increased Funding: Securing additional funding to enhance service capacity and ensure sustainability.
• Technological Advancements: Leveraging technology to offer more innovative and accessible support options.
• Expanded Outreach: Reaching more universities and students, especially in underserved areas.
• Enhanced Training: Providing ongoing training and development for helpline counsellors to ensure high-quality support.

In conclusion, SADAG’s Dedicated University Helplines are an essential resource for students and staff facing mental health challenges. By providing immediate, confidential, and professional support, these helplines contribute to the overall well-being and academic success of university communities across South Africa.