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Helplines in South Africa for depression.

Department of Social Development Substance Abuse Line 24hr helpline
EveryoneAll topics

Department of Social Development Substance Abuse Line 24hr helpline offers 24/7, free and confidential support by phone, text...

Counselors, Peers, Volunteers
Stop Gender Violence Helpline
Everyone

Stop Gender Violence Helpline offers 24/7, free and confidential support and information over phone. We support everyone in...

Counselors, Volunteers
LifeLine Johannesburg
Everyone

LifeLine Johannesburg provides counselling and connects with people, giving them the tools they need to better handle stress...

Counselors, Volunteers
LifeLine South Africa
Everyone

LifeLine South Africa provides 24/7 free and confidential counselling support by phone. We are here to help everyone in South...

Suicide Crisis Line
Everyone

The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is at the forefront of patient advocacy, education and destigmatisation...

Counselors, Volunteers
Netcare Akeso Crisis Line
Everyone

The Netcare Akeso Crisis Line is a 24/7 telephone service where trained crisis line counselors can guide you through an...

Tears Foundation Hope Line
AdultsEveryoneLGBTQ+MenWomenYouth

Tears Foundation provides crisis intervention, advocacy, counselling, and prevention education services for those impacted by...

Counselors, Peers, Volunteers
Childline South Africa
ParentsYouthChildren

Childline provides 24/7, free and confidential support over phone and online chat. We exist to help children under the age of...

Triangle Project
LGBTQ+

Triangle Project offers free and confidential support and information by phone (0217126699). We serve lesbian, bisexual, queer,...

Contact a free depression hotline in South Africa for confidential support

Depression is one of the most common mental health problems, affecting about 13% of people worldwide. Depression can affect people differently, but common feelings associated with depression include sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, and guilt.

If you're in South Africa and experiencing these symptoms, there are 9 helplines ready to help:

  • You have lost energy and feel tired all the time
  • Sometimes, you feel dead inside
  • You might be unable to sit still
  • Your weight has changed alongside your emotions
  • You could feel slower in your movement, speech, and reactions than usual
  • Things that used to bring you joy mean nothing to you now
  • You cannot concentrate and have difficulties memorizing things
  • You find it difficult to socialize

Even though depression symptoms may feel overwhelming, they are not uncommon. It is normal to find yourself depressed at some point. With the right help, you can deal with feelings of sadness and hopelessness.

Talking about how you feel when you're depressed is hard. You may not want to burden other people with your problems. But it's important to recognize that this is your depression talking. There are helpline counselors and volunteers in South Africa that want to listen and offer you the loving support you need.

For free and confidential support with depression, sadness and feeling hopeless, consider contacting a hotline in South Africa today.


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