JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA (ADV) – The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) recently announced that it is giving Students, Parents, Community Members and Friends the opportunity to get FREE online help to understand more about the pressure, stress or issues a student may be dealing with at University, College or school.
According to the World Health Organisation World Mental Health Survey (2018) results indicate that one third of first year university students have a readily diagnosable mental health condition.
Prof Jason Bantjes, from Stellenbosch University, contends that 25% of South African university students have expressed suicide ideation; at least 12% suffer from Depression and a further 15% grapple with Anxiety.
“So often students don’t know how to get help when they are feeling helpless, hopeless, stressed and struggling to cope,” reads a statement by SADAG.
“Are you a parent who has found that Primary School is a huge adjustment for your child? Struggling to get them in a routine? Wondering how your child will deal with social anxiety or bullying at school? Teens are the most at risk age group for Depression and Suicide. High School learners struggle to fit in. Many high school learners struggle with relationship issues, bullying, learning difficulties, substance abuse and even family problems.”
SADAG also touched on various aspects of challenges confronting students.
“There are a variety of reasons why a University student may be struggling to cope, it can be a combination of issues such as family problems, relationships, problems with starting a new semester, death of a loved one, a recent trauma, moving away from home, struggling to cope with stress of academics and the pressure of university tests and exams.”
The group also urged teens out there to utilise their platforms.
“Join the FREE online #FacebookFriday ‘Ask the Dr’ on 15 February discussing Students and Mental Health. Join the chat 1pm – 2pm with Clinical Psychologist Suntosh Pillay, and again at 7pm – 8pm with Clinical Psychologist, Dr Charity Mkone.
“We are providing a free online chat so that we are able to provide more support and free help to people across the country who maybe wouldn’t be able to afford to see a professional face to face.”
© Bur-JHB – B.M / M.C – African Daily Voice (ADV) – Follow us on Twitter : @ADVinfo_eng
