As Matric learners navigate the high-pressure of their preliminary exams which start this week across the country, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is providing much-needed Mental Health support with a series of TikTok LIVE sessions every Thursday at 6pm. These sessions offer practical tips, expert insights, and a safe space for learners to talk about their Mental Health.
This week’s TikTok LIVE, on Thursday, 29 August at 6pm, is all about “How to Ask for Help” — because no one should face exam season alone. Learn how to speak up, who to reach out to, and why it’s okay to not be okay. This topic is about breaking the silence, reducing stigma, and giving Matrics the confidence and language to get the support they need during one of the most demanding times of their school career.
We’ll be focusing on:
Normalising Help-Seeking – reminding learners that they don’t need to struggle in silence because they feel embarrassed, ashamed, or afraid of being judged for reaching out. Let’s normalise asking for help and reminding our Matrics that it is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Providing Learners with Practical Skills - asking for help isn’t always easy. Many students don’t know who to approach, what to say, or how to explain their struggles. We will provide practical tips and simple phrases to make the process less scary, whether it’s asking a teacher for academic support, a parent for understanding, or a counsellor for emotional help.
Reducing Stress and Isolation - exams can make learners feel isolated, like they’re the only ones struggling. Reaching out can lower stress levels, improve coping, and even enhance performance by giving them tools to manage better.
Reaching Parents and Support Systems - helping them understand the struggles Matrics face in asking for help, and how to create safe, supportive spaces for learners to open up.
Roshni Parbhoo-Seetha, SADAG’s Project Manager of Education says, “Many learners worry that if they admit that they are struggling, people will think less of them. Others simply don’t know where to turn or what support is available. That’s why creating safe spaces, normalising conversations about Mental Health, and reminding learners that support is always available, are so important.”
For many young people, asking for help is not easy. Some worry about upsetting their parents or feel embarrassed if friends know they are struggling. Others just don’t know how to say they are not coping. Learning these skills — whether for studying, Stress, or emotions — gives learners the confidence to speak up, and helps parents, teachers, or friends to give the right support.
TikTok Thursdays are part of SADAG’s campaign to support Matrics during exam season. Each week’s LIVE looks at a key issue — from studying and managing Stress, to taking breaks and asking for help. SADAG also has an Online Matric Toolkit and shares daily tips and resources on social media to guide and encourage learners.
“Reaching out, whether to a teacher, a parent, a friend, a trusted adult or even a Counsellor at SADAG can make all the difference in managing Stress and staying focused. No one should feel like they have to go through this time alone,” says Roshni.
We encourage learners to join this session to learn practical ways to ask for help and take part in the conversation. We also invite parents and teachers to join as well, to learn how they can support learners and start important conversations about Mental Health.
Follow @sadag_official on TikTok to join the live discussions every Thursday at 6pm for #TikTokThursday, and see how asking for help can make a real difference.
