This site requires JavaScript to be enabled. Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings, or upgrade to a modern browser.

World Mental Health Day : "Help is a phone call or message away"

Loading player...

Today is World Mental Health Day — and here in South Africa, experts say more people than ever are reaching out for help.

At our country’s only suicide crisis helpline, run by the South African Depression and Anxiety Group, thousands of calls and messages come in every day — from people of all ages and backgrounds — often just looking for someone to listen.

HOT1027’s Tara Penny has more from inside SADAG’s call centre...

Anyone wanting to reach out for help can contact SADAG's crisis line free of charge on 0800 567 567

10 Oct 2025 English South Africa Entertainment News · Documentary

Other recent episodes

A Star is Born: Episode 31: Huey Lewis: "The heart of rock 'n roll is still beating"

Today, Huey Lewis turns 76. With more than 30 million albums sold, a string of 1980s hits and a career forever linked to Back to the Future, Huey Lewis continues to prove that authenticity never goes out of style. HOT1027's Tara Penny takes a look…

4 Jul 3 min

Unhinged: Episode 20: Recovery IS possible

Every family here in South Africa has been touched by addiction in some way. Over the past month, we've heard stories of children entering rehabilitation before they've even started high school, parents watching helplessly as addiction tears families apart, treatment centres stretched beyond capacity and criminal syndicates making billions of…

30 Jun 2 min

Unhinged: Episode 19: "The whole family needs healing"

When someone enters rehab, the focus is usually on the addict. But experts say addiction doesn't just damage one person. It leaves scars on entire families. HOT1027's Tara Penny takes a look…

30 Jun 2 min

Unhinged: Episode 18: "Everyone deserves a second chance"

A Joburg pupil recovering from addiction says rehab taught her that everyone deserves a second chance. After trauma, addiction and dropping out of school, Sihle believed her future had disappeared. But today, she's eight months sober — and dreaming of becoming a psychologist. HOT1027's Tara Penny has the story…

29 Jun 2 min

Unhinged: Episode 17: "You can get a court order"

One of the most heartbreaking realities of addiction is that many people who need help simply don't believe they have a problem. So what can families do when a loved one refuses treatment? HOT1027's Tara Penny reports…

29 Jun 2 min

All episodes