Feeling anxious and depressed? Call NPOwer for help today!

COVID19 News No Comments

With the ongoing Covid pandemic, and fears for more waves, many of our Scouting family members are struggling both physically and mentally. It is important for us to be aware and informed about our own mental health, as well as that of our family and friends close to us. To this end we want to make you – our volunteers – aware of the free NPOwer helpline of the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) and Tshikululu Social Investments.

SADAG estimates that approximately 1 in 5 people suffer from mental health challenges during their lifetime. With Covid, challenges such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse and job stresses are on the rise.

Talking about mental health and raising awareness about the options people have for help is vital in our current daily lives. Not only does this reduce the stigma attached to mental health, but it also enables those dealing with this challenge to get help at an early stage.  Recovery can then be a lot quicker.

Most of us feel sad or anxious at times.  A death in the family, loss of a job or home, separation or a divorce, financial instability, challenges at school or in a relationship … the list is endless. Feelings of sadness, loneliness, fear, hopelessness, stress and anxiety are normal and they usually pass with time.

However, if those feelings interfere with your daily activities, and are causing you extreme distress; or occupy your mind 24/7, you may be suffering from depression and anxiety. Anxiety and depression can be crippling, and can have a profound negative effect on you and your family and friends.  They can disrupt your daily activities and affect your ability to think straight, to care for a loved-one or to function effectively at work or school.

These feelings are real, they are serious, but they are treatable with the support of mental health professionals.  By reaching out and talking about it, you can find the right treatment to help you get better.

If you, a family member or friend feel overwhelmed, anxious and depressed, reach out for help. NPOwer is a free service offered to NPO’s and their volunteers. The free helpline is specifically there to help people in South Africa who are struggling with their mental health.  If you are approached by a Scouting member who is reaching out for help, please listen patiently and encourage them to call NPOwer for help.

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