October is Mental Health Awareness Month — a time to open up conversations, educate communities, and break the stigma around mental illness. Yet, anxiety and depression continue to rise, touching people from all walks of life. Being honest about where you are on your mental health journey is vital. Regular check-ins can help you notice when it’s time to slow down, practice self-care, or reach out for support. Here are some tips on how and where to get (or give!) a helping hand when needed.
Prioritise Yourself
It’s okay to put yourself first. We often take our well-being for granted, saving self-care for “when there’s time.” Instead, schedule it in. Whether it’s a few minutes in the morning, during lunch, or before bed, commit to it. After a month, it becomes a habit. After three, a lifestyle. Not too hard to stick to, right?
Becoming Self-Aware
Everyone needs downtime, yet we often wait until we’re running on empty before checking in with ourselves. Tracking your mood daily, whether with an app or a bullet journal, helps you stay in tune with your emotions. Colour-code each day with feelings like happy, sad, or anxious to spot patterns and be more in tune with yourself.
Join Others In Community
Being part of a community means supporting one another, and it's more helpful than one would expect! Sandton’s Words That Heal campaign turns messages of hope into a song and pop-up experience, with proceeds aiding youth mental wellness. By sharing and participating, you help foster care and resilience while making connections with other Joburgers. The pop-up runs until 9 November, and is a fantastic starting point if you're looking to build community and support mental health initiatives.
Ways To Practice Self-Care
It might sound cliché, but eating well, sleeping enough, exercising, and doing what you love really does make a difference. Small steps like these can ease anxiety and bring a fresh spark to your routine. In Joburg, there’s no shortage of opportunities to explore and learn something new, whatever your interests. If the gym's not your thing, we've got a list of fun and unconventional alternatives!
Take a Short Trip
Recharge over a weekend with a refreshing day trip. Swap the city hustle for fresh air—splash around at a water park, explore a new neighbourhood, or escape to a spa. Enjoy the slow, nostalgic ride through hills, take time to reflect, and if you can, put your phone on aeroplane mode or leave it at home. Standalone cameras are still a thing!
Limit Your Screen Time
Cutting just an hour of screen time can boost your well-being. Use your smartphone to track app usage and spot where you can dial back. Avoid screens before bed—blue light confuses your brain and disrupts sleep. Try a day, weekend, or longer digital detox, and enjoy feeling lighter and more present in the moment.
Sometimes, self-care alone isn’t enough—and that’s completely okay. It’s strong and brave to ask for support when you need it, whether from family, friends, or a mental health professional. If you need someone impartial to talk to, especially after hours, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of the hotline numbers below. You deserve care and support.
Hotlines: 24-HR, Toll-Free
Suicide Crisis Helpline0800 567 567
Department of Social Development Substance Abuse Helpline0800 12 13 14SMS 32312
Department of Social Development Substance Abuse Helpline0800 12 13 14SMS 32312
Cipla Mental Health Helpline0800 456 789SMS 31393
NPOwer SA Helpline0800 515 515SMS 43010
Healthcare Workers Care Network Helpline0800 21 21 21SMS 43001
UFS #Fair Kitchens Chefs Helpline0800 006 333
8AM-8PM TOLL-FREE HELPLINES
Dr Reddy’s Mental Health Helpline0800 21 22 23
Adcock Ingram Depression & Anxiety Helpline0800 70 80 90
ADHD Helpline0800 55 44 33
Pharma Dynamics Police & Trauma Helpline0800 20 50 26
8AM-8PM SADAG OFFICE NUMBER
SADAG011 234 4837
Source: The South Africa Depression and Anxiety Group Website
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