Doechii and SADAG join forces: turning 'Anxiety' into action for global mental health
Doechii has channeled her personal struggles with anxiety into action, partnering with the SADAG for a groundbreaking global campaign.
American Grammy award-winning rapper Doechii has teamed with the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) for a global anti-anxiety campaign.
The partnership aims to " amplify Mental Health awareness as part of a global initiative' inspired by Doechii's new single, 'Anxiety'.
'Anxiety and panic affect millions worldwide, and through this collaboration, we're making critical resources more accessible. SADAG, alongside other international organisations, are featured as support resources on the webpage, www.anxietyiswatchingyou.com,' it said in a statement.
Additionally, the organisation shared that the website aims to connect people globally to anxiety-related information, helplines, and self-help strategies.
One of the key resources available on the website is a platform where individuals can share their strategies for managing anxiety.
In addition to sharing personal strategies, the website offers a space for individuals to share their stories and lend a listening ear. Users can also join communities and groups that feel safe and supportive to be assisted anonymously.
Doechii's hit single 'Anxiety' is a personal and introspective song that explores the complexities of living with anxiety.
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The Citizen
2 days ago
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IOL News
15-06-2025
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How gender‑based violence is scarring South Africa's youth
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In a Johannesburg Youth Research Study, 58% of adolescents admitted they 'no longer feel upset' when hearing about gendered violence incidents, citing overload and helplessness. This emotional numbing undermines empathy. A generation on the edge According to the World Health Organization, survivors of GBV are significantly more likely to experience mental health disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, suicide and substance abuse. In South Africa, where GBV prevalence remains among the world's highest, the impact on youth is extremely high. Organisations such as the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) report that children exposed to domestic or gendered violence are at higher risk of emotional dysregulation and behavioural problems, affecting them into adulthood. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Lifelong consequences Early trauma from GBV exposure reshapes young minds. Studies show PTSD in children can lead to long-term issues: chronic depression, difficulty forming relationships, poor academic performance and in some cases, lowered life expectancy. Research published in The Lancet Psychiatry indicates that traumatic experiences in childhood double the risk of mental disorders in later life. Early intervention Intervention works, but only if implemented early. Schools are crucial - trauma-informed counselling, safe classroom guidelines and education on respectful relationships empower youth to speak out and seek help. Community programmes like The Soul City Institute for Social Justice have seen improved self-esteem and reduced acceptance of rape myths among teens participating in psychosocial workshops. Family and community roles Parents and caregivers play a vital role. Learning signs of traumatised children - nightmares, aggression, withdrawal, and responding with empathy and professional referral can prevent long-term harm. Community spaces such as youth centres can also offer mentorship, safe spaces, and access to therapy. Policy and health systems are critical While Non‑Governmental Organisations provide immediate support, state engagement is essential for scale and sustainability. The South African National Mental Health Policy Framework has called for provincial mental health services to integrate trauma management for youth, but implementation remains a challenge. In order for this to succeed, more funding, training of school social workers, and access to child‑friendly professional services must become a national priority. Rebuilding connection Desensitisation does not signify resilience; it signals resignation. Rebuilding empathy in South Africa's youth depends on reconnecting them to their own emotional core. 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IOL News
12-06-2025
- IOL News
The alarming rise of youth suicide in South Africa: a call for action on mental health
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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ She added that they have also seen how different experiences are affecting various groups, where young girls and young women often deal with grief and trauma. Many boys feel intense pressure to be strong and live up to unrealistic expectations, and as a result, it all adds up and takes a toll. Stigma is one of the biggest barriers when it comes to getting help, and especially when getting help for mental illness. That's why we are working so hard to change this conversation, especially in schools. We have a school outreach project called suicide shouldn't Be a Secret, Parbhoo-Seetha said. 'We visit schools all over the country, and we have a special project that is currently being funded by the Gauteng Department of Education and the Matthew Goniwe School for Leadership and Governance, and we work especially in communities that have limited resources. 'We talk openly to learners, teachers, and parents about mental illness. We go class by class, grade by grade, and we talk about what mental illness looks like, how to spot the signs, and how to ask for help. We talk about anxiety, we talk about trauma, and for many people or young people, hearing that depression and anxiety are real illnesses and not diseases and not a sign of weakness is life changing, it opens the door to healing,' she said. She highlighted that mental health support is most effective when everyone works together. SADAG partners with various organisations, other NGOs, and local clinics. 'We partner with universities and research partners. We have counsellors who offer their time to help learners in need. Together we're trying to build a support system that stretches far beyond just a classroom,' Parbhoo-Seetha said. She urged everyone to get involved in mental health matters. 'If anyone cares about mental health, there are so many different ways to help. You can invite SADAG to run a session at your school, youth group, or place of worship. People can sponsor schools that need mental health support. Even a single day of workshops and talks can make a massive difference. 'You can help keep our helpline open by donating. Every cent counts to help support someone in crisis. You can volunteer, especially if you're studying psychology or social work, share our campaign, share messages on social media, basically help to spread hope,' she said. SADAG runs a 24/7 toll-free helpline, a WhatsApp support, and an email. 'The demand is growing, and we are constantly trying to stretch the limited resources that we have. Some of the biggest challenges include funding to reach every person or every school that requests help. There is a shortage of mental health professionals in many areas,' Parbhoo-Seetha said. Nqobile Kweyama, an educational psychologist and lecturer at the University of Johannesburg, said that in South Africa, mental health stigma is fuelled by cultural beliefs, misinformation, and a lack of awareness, which greatly affects young people's willingness to seek help. She said many communities still perceive mental illness as a weakness, spiritual punishment, or something to be hidden. 'As a result, teenagers may fear judgment from peers, family, and even teachers, leading to silence rather than help-seeking. This stigma is often intensified in rural and traditionally conservative communities, where mental health discussions are taboo. Young men, in particular, may internalise distress due to societal expectations of stoicism and masculinity, delaying early intervention. 'Warning signs of suicidal ideation may include: sudden school dropout or poor academic performance, often linked to family instability or economic pressures. Substance use is prevalent in some communities as a coping mechanism. Withdrawal and expressions of hopelessness are tied to bleak economic futures or household hardship. 'In some cultures, spiritual references (e.g., talking about ancestors calling them) may mask suicidal ideation,' Kweyama said. She added that in gender-specific warning signs, boys may exhibit aggression or risk-taking, while girls may show emotional withdrawal or self-harming behaviours. Socio-cultural stigma often prevents open conversations, so these signs may be misread or ignored by adults, she said. 'Systemic issues like poverty, high unemployment rates, especially youth unemployment, and economic inequality are major risk factors for poor mental health. Poverty leads to chronic stress, exposure to violence, food insecurity, and overcrowded living conditions, all of which increase vulnerability to anxiety, depression, and trauma. 'Youth unemployment creates a sense of hopelessness and loss of purpose, especially among school-leavers who cannot transition to tertiary education or employment. In high-unemployment areas, especially townships and rural provinces like KwaZulu-Natal, young people may feel trapped with limited life prospects, which heightens the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviours,' Kweyama said. She added that there has been growth in digital mental health interventions, such as SADAG's WhatsApp counselling, B-Wise, and online support via TikTok or Instagram. However, access is uneven; many youth don't have smartphones, data, or privacy at home. Community-based interventions, such as those run by NGOs and faith-based groups, have had a positive localised impact, but they often lack funding and coordination with formal health systems. To be fully effective, these interventions need to be scaled equitably, better integrated into school systems, and complemented by in-person support, Kweyama said. To improve mental health services, she said, South Africa needs dedicated youth mental health policies that go beyond the general mental health strategy. She highlighted the need to increase funding for public mental health, especially in underserved areas. There must be mandatory mental health literacy training for teachers and community health workers. It needs to hire more school-based psychologists and counsellors, particularly in quintile 1–3 schools, integrate mental health into primary healthcare for early detection, and support public-private partnerships to expand access in hard-to-reach areas. She added that digital and mobile mental health platforms should be subsidised or zero-rated for youth use, such as through zero-data WhatsApp counselling lines. According to international research, medical students are more likely than the overall population to attempt suicide, the prevalence of suicidal ideation is 32,2%, and recorded suicide attempts are 6,9%. Dr Thirusha Mohabir, a Durban-based clinical psychologist, said most teens who attempt suicide show warning signs first, but many adults don't recognise them until it's too late. She said some red flags include sudden personality shifts, where a normally outgoing teen becomes withdrawn, moody, or unusually reckless. Giving away possessions, where they start handing out personal items they once valued. Changes in sleeping or eating habits, where they may stop eating regularly, sleep too much, or barely sleep at all. Self-destructive behaviour, which manifests in increased risk-taking, self-harm, or sudden substance use. Lastly, talking about feeling hopeless, by using phrases like 'What's the point?', 'You'd be better off without me', or 'I just want to disappear'. She said these should never be ignored. Mohabir added that even small hints on social media posts can be cries for help. If you suspect a teen in your life might be struggling, don't ignore it. Many adults hesitate to start the conversation because they worry about saying the wrong thing. But doing nothing is worse, she said. 'Ask Directly: 'Are you feeling overwhelmed?' or 'Have you been thinking about hurting yourself?' Listen without judgment: avoid responses like 'Don't be dramatic' or 'Just get over it.' Instead, validate their feelings with 'That sounds really hard — I'm here for you.' 'Don't dismiss their pain: even if you don't understand why they feel that way, their emotions are real to them. Encourage professional help: let them know that talking to a psychologist or counsellor is not a sign of weakness, but it's a way to feel better,' she said.