Mental Health Resources in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha)
Free crisis hotlines, support groups, and mental health resources for Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) and Eastern Cape residents. You are not alone.
Call the 24/7 Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0800 567 567 (toll-free)
Mental Health in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha)
Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), known as the Friendly City, struggles with mental health challenges including automotive industry job losses, high crime rates, the highest provincial unemployment rate (35%), and economic uncertainty affecting many families.
Common mental health concerns in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) include:
- Job loss and unemployment - Automotive industry decline and highest provincial unemployment
- Economic anxiety - Financial insecurity affecting many households
- Crime-related stress - High rates of violent crime and property crime
- Social isolation - Economic hardship leading to social withdrawal
Fortunately, Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) has mental health resources available, from free crisis hotlines to professional support groups and alternative treatment options like Dianetics.
24/7 Crisis Hotlines (Toll-Free)
All helplines below are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and are toll-free from anywhere in Eastern Cape.
Immediate support for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional crisis. Trained counselors available 24/7.
SMS: 32312
24/7 support for substance abuse, addiction, and recovery. Confidential counseling and referrals.
SMS: 31393
General mental health support for anxiety, depression, and other conditions. Professional counselors available.
Support for crime victims and trauma recovery. Available 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM daily.
Support Groups in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha)
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) runs free support groups across Eastern Cape for various mental health conditions including:
- Depression and Anxiety
- Bipolar Disorder
- OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)
- PTSD and Trauma Recovery
- Substance Abuse and Addiction
- Grief and Bereavement
- Panic Disorder
- Social Anxiety
Call SADAG: 011 234 4837 (8AM-8PM)
Dianetics in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha)
Dianetics provides a drug-free approach to addressing the underlying causes of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health challenges. Rather than managing symptoms with medication, Dianetics focuses on resolving the traumatic memories and experiences that create psychological distress.
Many Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) residents have found relief through Dianetics auditing and self-help techniques.
Eastern Cape Provincial Mental Health Services
The Eastern Cape Department of Health provides free mental health services at public hospitals and clinics across Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha):
- Dora Nginza Hospital - Psychiatric services and emergency mental health care
- Elizabeth Donkin Hospital - Specialist psychiatric hospital
- Livingstone Hospital - Mental health outpatient services
- Community Health Centres - Mental health services at local clinics across Nelson Mandela Bay
Contact Eastern Cape Health: [email protected] | [email protected]