We all go through tough times — some that people can see, but often challenges that they don’t know about. Getting help sounds simple. But it’s not always easy to do.
If you’re pretending you’ve got everything together when you don’t, you’re not being true to yourself. Instead, you’re just acting tough. Ignoring your pain, masking your weaknesses, and suppressing your emotions won’t make them go away. It also means that other people won’t be able to help you, if they don’t know that you need it.
Asking for help means you’re strong enough to admit you don’t have all the answers. It means you’re trying to deal with uncomfortable emotions, like pain, fear, and embarrassment, head-on.
It also means you’re willing to be vulnerable. And that’s a real sign of strength. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
It takes courage to ask for help.
Here are some places you can reach out to for help. If you don’t find what you are looking for you can email us on info@youngheroes.co.za
Sexual Health
Health4Men
For information on HIV, other sexually transmitted infections and treatment info@health4men.co.za
www.health4men.co.za
LifeLine Aids Helpline
0800 012 322
Abuse & Trauma
Child Line
0800 055 555 – 24hour Helpline
www.childlinesa.org
Teddy Bear Clinic
011 484 4554
Police and Trauma Line
0800 20 50 26 – 8am-8pm
LifeLine (Trauma Counseling)
0861 322 322 – 24hour Helpline
www.lifelinejhb.org.za
Police Child Protection Units
The SA Police Service’s Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit investigate violent crimes against children. There are units around the country. Emergency number: 10111
Substance Abuse
Social Development Substance Abuse Line
0800 12 13 14 – 24 hour helpline
SMS: 32312
Narcotics Anonymous
083 900 6962 – 24hour Helpline
www.na.org.za
Drugwise
078 363 4756
www.elimclin.co.za
Depression & Suicide
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group
011 262 6396 – 8am-8pm
www.sadag.org
Suicide Crisis Line
0800 567 567 – 8am-8pm
SMS: 31393