FAQs

WHAT NUMBER DO I CALL IN AN EMERGENCY?

UNITED STATES - 911

UNITED KINGDOM - 999 or 112

AUSTRALIA - 000

SOUTH AFRICA - 10 111

NIGERIA - 112 or 199

WHAT IS STIGMA?

Social stigma is the disapproval of, or discrimination against, a person based on perceivable social characteristics that serve to distinguish them from other members of a society. Social stigmas are commonly related to culture, gender, race, intelligence, and health.

HOW TO HELP A FRIEND/LOVED ONE?

How to help someone with depression

Feeling down or depressed from time to time is normal. But if these feelings last 2 weeks or more, or start to affect everyday life, this can be a sign of depression.

Depression can develop slowly. Someone who’s depressed doesn’t always realise or acknowledge that they’re not feeling or behaving as they usually do.

Often it’s a partner, family member or carer who first realises that help’s needed. They may encourage their friend or relative to see their GP, or find some other source of support.

Signs that someone may be depressed

Depression has lots of possible symptoms.

You may notice that someone:

has lost interest in doing things they normally enjoy
seems to be feeling down or hopeless
has slower speech and movements or is more fidgety and restless than usual
feels tired or doesn’t have much energy
is overeating or has lost their appetite
is sleeping more than usual or isn’t able to sleep
has trouble concentrating on everyday things, such as watching TV or reading the paper

Tips to help someone who seems down

Let them know you care and are there to listen.
Accept them as they are, without judging them.
Gently encourage them to help themselves – for example, by staying physically active, eating a balanced diet and doing things they enjoy.
Get information about the services available to them, such as psychological therapy services or depression support groups in their area.
Stay in touch with them by messaging, texting, phoning or meeting for coffee. People who are depressed can become isolated and may find it difficult to leave their home.
Try to be patient.
Take care of yourself.

WHERE CAN I GO FOR HELP?

UNITED STATES

Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

UNITED KINGDOM

Childline: 0800 1111
Samaritans: 08457 90 90 90

SOUTH AFRICA

Lifeline South Africa: 0861 322 322
SADAG: 011 234 4837

AUSTRALIA

Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
WhatsApp between 6pm - midnight (AEDT): 0477 13 11 14

NIGERIA

Suicide Prevention Initiative : +2348062106493
Suicide Prevention Initiative : +2348092106493

WHAT HAS ANY OF THIS GOT TO DO WITH ME?

The best things that friends and family can do is simply listen. They often don’t need to say anything, just being willing to listen to your problems makes you feel less alone and isolated.

Talking… not even talking about how I felt. Just talking about stupid things that didn’t matter over coffee, without pressure and knowing that I can talk about the tough stuff if I want to.

Just a simple call or text asking me how I am helps. I don’t want sympathy, just to know they are there if I need them.

Listen carefully, don’t judge and most of all, don’t say, ‘Cheer up.’ It’s just not that simple. Sometimes solutions are unnecessary, so don’t feel you have to provide one.