Helplines in South Africa for supporting others.

Contact a hotline in South Africa to get advice on how to support someone you're worried about.

Watching a loved one experience what resembles an emotional crisis can be hard. It's normal to be worried and to wonder how and whether you can help. There are 6 hotlines in South Africa that you can contact for free advice, if your loved one is experiencing any of the following:

• They appear to be consumed by their thoughts and in their own world.
• They don’t seem to be keeping up with their daily responsibilities.
• They seem emotionally distant.
• They have suddenly lost or gained a lot of weight.
• They've recently experienced a significant life event like a break up or a death.
• They seem to believe things that seem very strange or frightening to you.
• They have become more withdrawn.
• They have started posting worrying content on social media.

If you've noticed a change in a loved one's attitude or behavior, it can be scary. It's normal to feel worried and unsure about what you can do to help. Simply being there for your loved one, even in small ways, can be extremely valuable.

If you contact a hotline in South Africa, you'll be connected to a knowledgeable volunteer, peer or counselor who can help. They can talk you through different ways of supporting a loved one and provide you with referrals if needed. They can also help you find ways to cope with your own distress.