It's okay not to be okay: How to help teens struggling with mental health issues
Rob Forbes and Rozanne McKenzie spoke to Cassey Chambers, the Operations Director of The South African Depression & Anxiety Group (SADAG) about the importance of Teen Suicide Prevention Week.
In 2023, conversations surrounding mental health issues and other related topics are becoming less taboo.
People are feeling more encouraged to speak up when they feel they might be alone in their struggles or that they're fighting a losing battle.
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The sad reality is that although there is more awareness being created and spread about depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues, there are still people who are suffering in silence, who might not have a support system willing to listen to them, help them or just be there for them.
Teenagers in 2023 are growing up with a completely different set of problems and issues they have to face compared to teenagers in 1993.
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Social media has opened the door to an increase in cyberbullying, self-image issues, body dysmorphia, lower self-esteem, slut-shaming, and more.
The teens of today are dealing with the same problems teens before them have dealt with and more.
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If you know a teenager, or if you are a teenager who might be struggling at the moment, listen to this very important conversation with Cassey Chambers of SADAG.
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Below is some more important information you might find helpful.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with mental health issues, feel free to contact any of these numbers:
Suicide Crisis Helpline
0800 567 567
Department of Social Development Substance Abuse Helpline
0800 12 13 14
SMS 32312
Cipla Mental Health Helpline
0800 456 789
SMS 31393
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Main image courtesy of SeventyFour/iStock