The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is providing free mental health support for Grade 12s about to embark on their preliminary exams. In a media release this week, Roshni Parbhoo-Seetha, SADAG’s Project Manager of Education, said, “For many Matric learners, preliminary exams are not only a test of their knowledge but also of their mental health. The pressure to perform well, meet expectations, and make decisions about the future can leave many learners feeling stressed, anxious, overwhelmed, and alone. While many are struggling, they often do not know where to turn for help or are afraid of being judged if they speak up.”
Parbhoo-Seetha sais that as preliminary exams begin across South Africa on August 25, 2026, The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is providing Free Mental Health support through a series of TikTok LIVE sessions every Thursday at 6pm on @sadag_official. The sessions will offer practical advice, expert guidance, and a safe space where learners can ask questions, learn healthy coping skills and be reminded that they do not have to face exam pressure alone.
“The campaign focuses on helping learners recognise when they need support and giving them practical ways to ask for it,” Parbhoo-Seetha said. “Many young people know they are struggling but are unsure how to start the conversation or who to approach. The LIVE sessions will share simple tools learners can use to speak to a parent, teacher, friend, or Counsellor, while also helping parents and caregivers better understand the pressures Matrics face and how they can provide meaningful support.
“Matric is an exciting milestone, but it can also be one of the most stressful times in a young person’s life,” Parbhoo-Seetha said. “Through our TikTok campaign, we want every Matric learner to know that they do not have to face the pressure alone.
“We will be sharing practical tips, expert advice, and emotional support to help learners manage stress, anxiety, and the demands of exams, while reminding them that their mental health is just as important as their marks. At SADAG, we are committed to making sure every Matric learner knows where to turn for support whenever they need it.”
The TikTok Thursday LIVE sessions form part of SADAG’s wider Matric support campaign during exam season. Each week’s session will focus on a different topic, including study skills, managing Stress, taking healthy breaks, and knowing when and how to ask for help. Learners can also access SADAG’s free Online Matric Toolkit at www.sadag.org, along with daily Mental Health tips and resources shared across SADAG’s social media platforms.
If you are a Matric learner feeling stressed, overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, or struggling to cope during exam season, you do not have to face it alone. Reach out to the SADAG Mental Health Helpline on 0800 21 22 23 (available 24/7) or WhatsApp 087 163 2030 (available 7 days a week, from 8am-5pm) to chat to a Trained Counsellor.
“Exam results are important, but they should never come at the expense of a learner’s mental health,” Parbhoo-Seetha said. “We encourage Matrics to take care of themselves, make use of the support available to them, and remember that asking for help is a positive step.
“No learner should feel that they have to cope with exam pressure on their own.”
