Support Group Awareness Week highlights the power of connection in mental health

Support Group Awareness Week begins on Sunday, January 25, with a focused message from the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG): connection remains one of the most powerful tools in mental health care.

Running until Saturday, January 31 under the theme “Finding Hope Through Support Groups,” the awareness week highlights the role that free support groups play in helping people manage mental health challenges and reduce isolation.

For more than 30 years, support groups have formed the foundation of SADAG’s work, offering structured, safe spaces where people can share experiences, listen to others, and find reassurance through connection. This year’s campaign aims to remind the public that support groups remain a practical and accessible mental health resource.

Why support groups matter

“Support Groups remind people that they are not alone,” says Anita McKenzie, SADAG’s Support Group Leader Coordinator. “Whether someone has just been diagnosed, has lived with a mental health condition for years, or simply needs extra support, being part of a support group can offer hope, understanding, and practical tools for coping.”

SADAG currently facilitates more than 200 support groups across South Africa. These are available both in person and online, allowing people to participate using a cellphone or computer, regardless of where they live.

All SADAG support groups are led by trained facilitators and are designed to be non-judgemental spaces where participants can speak openly, listen to others, or simply attend at their own pace.

Wide-ranging support

The scope of issues covered by SADAG’s support groups is broad. Groups focus on experiences including depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, gender-based violence, substance abuse, bipolar disorder, unemployment, postnatal depression, chronic illness, grief and loss, among others.

Durban-based support group leader Dianne Kendal, who runs online groups focused on childhood trauma, family toxicity and pet bereavement, says shared experience is often the most powerful element.

“The understanding that comes from lived experiences is remarkable,” she says. “It’s the one space where you don’t have to explain yourself, where people understand the feelings you can’t always put into words.”

Natasha Mizra, who facilitates an online trauma support group, echoes that view. “Support groups provide a space where experiences are shared, and healing can take place among others who truly understand.”

Beyond emotional support, groups also help participants learn coping strategies and build resilience through listening to how others manage similar challenges.

Built on togetherness

SADAG founder Zane Wilson, who started the organisation 32 years ago as a support group for panic, says the strength of support groups lies in collective experience.

“Support groups bring together people from different backgrounds, ages, and experiences and show that healing is stronger when it happens together. They remind us that mental health challenges are not something to face alone, but something we can overcome with support, compassion, and care.”

What’s happening this week

As part of Support Group Awareness Week, SADAG will host an Ask The Expert online question-and-answer session on Friday, January 30, at 1pm. The Facebook Live discussion will feature support group leaders sharing their experiences and explaining how support groups build connection and practical coping skills.

The session will be streamed on SADAG’s Facebook page, @TheSADAG.

Throughout the week, SADAG will also share free online resources and training through its website and social media platforms. These include information on how support groups work, how to join a group, frequently asked questions, and guidance for people interested in starting a support group in their own community.

Where to find help

For more information about SADAG support groups, how to join, or how to start one, visit www.sadag.org or call the 24-hour helpline on 0800 456 789.

Anyone struggling with mental health is encouraged to reach out via the WhatsApp Chat Line on 076 882 2775 between 8am and 5pm to speak to a counsellor, or SMS 31393 to receive a call back.