Resources for South Africans with Bipolar Disorder

Mental Health Information Line – 0800 567 56

South African Government: Admission to a mental health institution (Info also available in Afrikaans, isiNdebele, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sesotho, Sesotho sa Leboa, Setswana, Siswati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga.)

Info about Disability Grants

Mental Health Information Centre

Find mental health service providers

Provincial mental health societies.

Medical aid schemes that cover bipolar disorder

South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG)

Downloads: Bipolar Disorder, Fast Facts on Bipoar Disorder, Self Help for Bipolar Disorder, An Example of a Mood Chart, Instructions for using a Mood Chart.

The (Mainly) South African bipolar online support group.

Bipolêre Ondersteuning – last updated in 2011, but has helpful articles in Afrikaans.

Post Natal Depression Support Association (PNDSA)

Perinatal Mental Health Project (PMHP)

South African Bipolar Site

SA Federation for Mental Health

Mental health care can be fraught with problems; if you feel that your human rights have been compromised, please report the violation/s. Hopefully it’ll assist in meeting the need for better treatment (especially in the public sector). Here’s how to do it:

1.   A dedicated SMS / WhatsApp line – 076 078 8722

2.   A landline number to call – 011 781 1852

3.   A dedicated email address – humanrights@safmh.org

4.   A form that can filled in and submitted via the SAFMH website.

Stop Stockouts – campaign and report.