Crises Help
crises help
You Are Not Alone – Help Is Here
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, unsafe, or in emotional distress, know this: you are not alone, and support is available right now. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, trauma, or simply don’t know where to turn, this page is here to connect you to real help, fast. We’ve compiled trusted South African helplines, mental health tools, and step-by-step guides to support you or someone you love in times of crisis. No judgment. Just help.
🧠 Mental Health & Emotional Support
- Adcock Ingram Depression and Anxiety Helpline
📞 0800 70 80 90 - ADHD Helpline
📞 0800 55 44 33 - Akeso Psychiatric Response Unit (24-Hour)
📞 0861 435 787 - Dr Reddy’s Help Line
📞 0800 21 22 23 - SADAG Mental Health Line
📞 011 234 4837 - Suicide Crisis Line
📞 0800 567 567
📩 SMS: 31393 - Cipla 24-Hour Mental Health Helpline
📞 0800 456 789
💬 WhatsApp: 076 88 22 77 5
🚔 Trauma, Violence & Police Support
- Pharmadynamics Police & Trauma Line
📞 0800 20 50 26 - Stop Gender Violence Helpline
📞 0800 150 150
📲 *120*7867# - South African Police Service Crime Stop
📞 0800 600 1011
👨👩👧 Support for Children, Families & Addiction
- Child Line
📞 08000 55555 - Life Line (Counselling)
📞 322 322 - Department of Social Development Substance Abuse (24-Hour)
📞 0800 12 13 14
📩 SMS: 32312
🆘 Medical & Emergency Services
(for use in life-threatening or urgent cases)
- Ambulance & Fire Brigade:
📞 010177 - Netcare 911:
📞 082 911 - ER24:
📞 084 124 - Cell Phone Emergency (general):
📞 112
📞 Substance Abuse
- SANCA (South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence)
National Line: 011 892 3829
Website: www.sancanational.info
👥 Gender-Based Violence & Abuse
- Gender-Based Violence Command Centre (GBVCC)
24hr Helpline: 0800 428 428
SMS “Help” to 31531
Skype (for people with hearing impairment): Helpme GBV - People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA)
Office Line: 011 642 4345
Website: www.powa.co.za
What to Do When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed
When the world feels too heavy and your thoughts are racing, pause. Close your eyes. Take a deep breath—in for four seconds, hold for four, and slowly exhale for four. You are not alone, and this moment will pass.
Start by grounding yourself. Focus on five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste. This helps bring your mind back to the present.
Remind yourself: It’s okay to not be okay. Your feelings are valid, and you don’t have to carry them alone. Reach out to a friend, family member, or helpline. You deserve support, and people want to help.
Do something small and kind for yourself. Sip water, take a walk, write your thoughts down, or listen to calming music. Reduce stimulation—turn off loud notifications, find a quiet spot, and breathe.
And most importantly, give yourself permission to rest. The strength is not in pushing through the pain—it’s in knowing when to pause and reach out.
If Your're in Crises
You Are Not Alone
Get Immediate help, support, or someone to talk to – we’re here to guide you through this moment
Suicide Crises Line
0800 567 567
Struggling to Cope? Here Are a Few Things to Try
- Take deep breaths
- Call someone
- Write down how you feel