Taming the teen storm: SADAG launches free support group for parents
Parenting a teenager is undoubtedly challenging, but it doesn't have to feel impossible.
Image: Yan Krukau /pexels
We've all been teenagers before. It's easy to remember the growing pains, emotional outbursts, and moments when we felt misunderstood.
But what happens when it's your turn to parent a teenager, especially one struggling with emotional and behavioural challenges? It's a reality many South African families face, and it comes with its own set of difficulties.
Parenting is often described as one of life's most rewarding journeys, but it's also one of the most challenging. When your child is troubled, the weight of it can feel unbearable, especially in family dynamics that are already stretched thin, like single-parent households or child-headed families.
The stigma surrounding mental health can make things worse, leaving parents feeling isolated and unsure of where to turn.
When a teenager is struggling emotionally or behaviorally, it's not just their problem, it's a family problem. Trauma, anxiety, and stress rarely stay contained to one person. Parents, siblings, and even extended family members can feel the impact.
Jacob Thomason, a family therapist at New Vision Wilderness, explains that when you have emotional, behavioural, and mental health challenges around you, any trauma that happens isn't contained to one person. Family members will be affected.'
In response to this overwhelming need for support, SADAG has launched an Online Mental Health Support Group specifically for parents of teenagers with behavioural issues.
Image: Liza Summer /pexels
Parents, in particular, often bear the brunt. They feel a societal pressure to "fix" their child, and if they can't, they may see it as a personal failure. This guilt can be debilitating.
Siblings, on the other hand, may feel overlooked, as the focus of the household shifts entirely to the struggling teen. This imbalance can breed resentment, anxiety, and feelings of isolation within the family unit.
Here are some common challenges families face when a teenager is struggling: Parents and siblings may constantly worry about saying or doing something that could upset the teen.
Family members may become irritable, leading to more frequent arguments.
Sleep disturbances and appetite loss may become common.
Household chores and responsibilities can feel overwhelming as emotional exhaustion sets in.
Mental health conditions like anxiety or depression can develop in parents and siblings, or existing conditions may worsen.
In some cases, substance use becomes a coping mechanism, potentially leading to substance use disorders.
The mental load of parenting a teen with emotional or behavioural issues can leave parents feeling burned out. Beyond the emotional strain, there are financial pressures, relationship challenges, and work-life imbalances to navigate.
As Tselane, a support group leader for the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), explains: 'Many parents express frustrations because of their teenager's behaviour. I believe this Support Group will help those parents to understand their children better, as other parents share their challenges and experiences.
"Moreover, they'll learn different ways to work with their children to support them and themselves.'
Finding support through SADAG
To help parents cope, SADAG has launched an Online Mental Health Support Group for Parents of Teenagers with Behavioural Issues.
This initiative offers a safe and compassionate space for parents to connect, share their stories, and develop practical strategies to manage their unique challenges.
'This Group is a place to let the worry, the constant second-guessing, and exhaustion go,' says Tselane.
'You'll meet other parents who've lived through the shouting, the silence, and the sleepless nights. Together, you'll share tips that help, and maybe for the first time in a while, you'll realise that you don't have to do this alone.'
The first meeting will take place on Monday, May 12 at 6pm, with sessions continuing on the first and third Monday of each month.
If you're interested in joining, you can contact Tselane on 065 929 6242. For more information about other support groups or mental health resources, visit www.sadag.org, call 0800 21 22 23, or SMS 31393 to speak to a counsellor.
South Africa's diverse family structures mean that mental health challenges can manifest in unique ways. For single mothers, the struggle often lies in juggling financial and emotional responsibilities alone.
In child-headed families, where older siblings take on parental roles, the pressure can be immense.
These scenarios make resources like SADAG's Support Groups even more vital. Parenting a teenager isn't easy. But with the right support, it doesn't have to feel impossible.
Whether you're a single mom, a grandmother stepping in as a caregiver, or a sibling trying to hold things together, you're not alone. Help is out there, and it starts with reaching out.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
5 hours ago
- IOL News
Men's Health Month: Why prostate cancer screening is crucial for your health
This Men's Health Month, let's challenge ourselves and those around us to prioritise our health. Prostate cancer isn't just a scary headline or another item on a doctor's checklist - it's a very real, very present risk that could impact you or the men you care about. Every year, thousands of South African men are diagnosed, and the reality is stark: one in eight men here will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime. When last did you have an honest conversation about your health? If you're like most South African men, the answer is: not often enough. What should you look for? According to Dr Hannes Brummer and Dr Johan Coetzee, experienced urologists at Netcare Greenacres Hospital, 'Most men don't feel any symptoms until prostate cancer has already progressed. That's why regular screening is so important.' It's easy to put off check-ups, especially when you feel fine. But here's the catch, early-stage prostate cancer almost never shouts for attention. By the time you notice obvious changes, it might already be serious. That's not just a statistic; it's a neighbour, a brother, a father, a friend. To be honest, many of us would rather ignore the quiet warnings our bodies send. But prostate cancer is sneaky - it's called the silent threat for a reason. In South Africa, though, many men only seek help when symptoms are advanced often too late for simple treatments. For most men, early prostate cancer doesn't come with a flashing warning sign. However, changes in urination may indicate other underlying issues Here's what to keep an eye out for, even though these are often caused by less serious issues, like an enlarged prostate (a very common, non-cancerous problem): Difficulty starting or stopping urination A weak urine stream Feeling like your bladder isn't emptying fully Dribbling after urination Needing to go more often, especially at night An urgent need to urinate, sometimes with leaks These symptoms are more often linked to benign conditions, but they're still worth a chat with your GP. The real game changer is early detection. Catching prostate cancer early can save lives. Thanks to advances like the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) blood test, available at most South African GPs, early detection is more possible than ever. Coetzee explains, 'The PSA test is a simple blood test that can pick up signs of trouble before symptoms appear. This gives men a much better chance of treating the cancer while it's still highly curable.' Globally, research shows that countries with higher rates of screening have lower death rates from prostate cancer. In South Africa, though, many men only seek help when symptoms are advanced - often too late for simple treatments. When things get serious If prostate cancer grows outside the prostate or spreads to other parts of the body, the symptoms can become more obvious and serious. These can include: Persistent back, hip or pelvic pain Blood in urine or semen Problems getting or keeping an erection Unexplained weight loss. It's critical to know that these symptoms can also be caused by other health issues, but ignoring them is never the answer. There's a stigma Many of us grew up believing men should just "tough it out" and not talk about personal health. But what's tougher: facing a quick, routine check-up or battling a disease that could have been prevented? Brummer puts it simply: 'Making the time now and every year could help save your life.' This Men's Health Month, let's challenge ourselves and those around us to prioritise our health. Book that screening. Start the conversation. Ask questions. It's not just about you; it's about being there for your family, your community, your future.
IOL News
10 hours ago
- IOL News
Puff, Puff, Pass. . . Outside? – Backlash brews over new proposed smoking laws
The Department of Health's proposed changes to tobacco laws could see smokers face jail time for smoking entjies and e-cigarettes indoors and failing to adhere to other prohibited smoking legislation. Image: Thirdman/Pexels South African liquor traders have raised serious objections to proposed new smoking legislation that would require significant changes to bars, taverns, and restaurants across the country. The legislation, currently being processed by the Department of Health, aims to ban the display advertising of tobacco products, standardise packaging, and introduce stricter controls on e-cigarettes and vaping. While the proposed changes affect the wider hospitality industry, including the ban on vending machines, the biggest challenge lies in where people can smoke. Under the new Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill, smoking would be outlawed indoors and in certain public spaces, forcing patrons to move outside. New regulations also stipulate that designated smoking areas must be located a specific distance from windows, ventilation points, and entryways. The Gauteng Liquor Traders Association (GLTA) expressed concern that this requirement would be completely unworkable in township environments, where many smaller taverns operate. The association said that businesses had already invested in creating compliant smoking spaces after the last revision of the smoking laws, designating 25% of their floor space for this purpose. The new legislation, it argued, would force businesses to spend even more to build new spaces or risk falling foul of the regulations. 'The Minister has discretion over this distance, but the Department of Health previously suggested 10 metres. This provision is totally unworkable in a township environment,' the GLTA said. The association added that staff would be required to leave the building to smoke, potentially leaving the venue vulnerable to security threats and affecting employee productivity. Similar concerns apply to patrons, who might be forced to move to isolated areas where they could be at risk of crime. Although the GLTA focused its concerns on smaller, informal traders, it warned that all businesses with designated smoking areas would be impacted, regardless of their location, and would face increased costs. The impact on the illicit cigarette trade Business Against Crime South Africa (BACSA) argued that making it harder for businesses to operate legally could drive more traders towards the black market. According to BACSA, the illicit tobacco market already accounts for 60–70% of sales, costing the national budget roughly R18bn each year. The group warned that the draft legislation lacks enforcement measures to combat the illegal trade and does not provide tools such as track‑and‑trace systems or improved border controls. The GLTA also pointed out that the new laws create the risk of increased corruption, especially given that certain elements within the police have been known to solicit bribes. It stated that making it a criminal offence for businesses to fail to spot an errant smoker would only create further opportunities for exploitation. Penalties 'The penalty for smoking in a banned area is three months in prison, and/or a fine. The penalty for smoking near a non‑smoking employee is ten years in prison and/or a fine." The association noted that there are more serious crimes for the authorities to focus on in South Africa. IOL Lifestyle Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
IOL News
10 hours ago
- IOL News
South African taverns and bars voice strong opposition to new anti-smoking regulations
The Department of Health's proposed changes to tobacco laws could see smokers face jail time for smoking entjies and e-cigarettes indoors and failing to adhere to other prohibited smoking legislation. South African liquor traders have raised serious objections to proposed new smoking legislation that would require significant changes to bars, taverns, and restaurants across the country. The legislation, currently being processed by the Department of Health, aims to ban the display advertising of tobacco products, standardise packaging, and introduce stricter controls on e-cigarettes and vaping. While the proposed changes affect the wider hospitality industry, including the ban on vending machines, the biggest challenge lies in where people can smoke. Under the new Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill, smoking would be outlawed indoors and in certain public spaces, forcing patrons to move outside. New regulations also stipulate that designated smoking areas must be located a specific distance from windows, ventilation points, and entryways. The Gauteng Liquor Traders Association (GLTA) expressed concern that this requirement would be completely unworkable in township environments, where many smaller taverns operate. The association said that businesses had already invested in creating compliant smoking spaces after the last revision of the smoking laws, designating 25% of their floor space for this purpose. The new legislation, it argued, would force businesses to spend even more to build new spaces or risk falling foul of the regulations. 'The Minister has discretion over this distance, but the Department of Health previously suggested 10 metres. This provision is totally unworkable in a township environment,' the GLTA said. The association added that staff would be required to leave the building to smoke, potentially leaving the venue vulnerable to security threats and affecting employee productivity. Similar concerns apply to patrons, who might be forced to move to isolated areas where they could be at risk of crime. Although the GLTA focused its concerns on smaller, informal traders, it warned that all businesses with designated smoking areas would be impacted, regardless of their location, and would face increased costs.
