South Africa Goes Green for World Mental Health Day

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This October, South Africa turns green to spark conversations, show compassion, and bring mental health into the light.

South Africa (10 October 2025) – Here’s an important reminder for today: taking care of your mind is just as vital as taking care of your body. On 10 October, the world observes World Mental Health Day, and this year, South Africa is joining in by turning shades of green to show that mental health matters. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) has called on families, schools, workplaces, and communities to come together under the #GoGreenForMentalHealth campaign.

Across the country, people are being encouraged to wear green, light up buildings, decorate fences with ribbons, or simply add a touch of green to their surroundings. It’s a simple yet powerful way to stand with the millions of South Africans who live with mental health challenges. In a country where only one in ten people struggling with a mental illness receives treatment, every small gesture of support helps to break the silence and fight stigma.

To make it easy for everyone to participate, SADAG has launched a digital toolkit for social media, offering green stickers, profile frames, and ready-to-share graphics that allow South Africans to “paint” their feeds green in solidarity.

But why green? It’s linked with nature representing a sense of calm and has the effect of reducing stress and anxiety.

This year’s theme, “Together for Mental Health,” to recognise mental wellbeing as a universal human right and to take the Mental Health Pledge. The pledge encourages people to speak openly, and support one another through difficult times. The campaign also focuses on education and empowerment.

Throughout October, SADAG will continue spreading awareness through its Ask the Expert Fridays, a weekly Q&A series featuring professionals who will tackle key topics like treatment and medication, the link between chronic illness and mental health, the role of culture and stigma, and coping with the emotional toll of breast cancer.

Every donation and small act of kindness helps keep that support system alive.

SADAG is also inviting supporters to lace up their running shoes and join a special #GoGreenForMentalHealth Parkrun taking place this weekend. The event aims to raise awareness while encouraging movement and community connection.

This October, we are reminded that mental health is everyone’s concern. Whether at home, school, work, or online, a touch of green is more than a colour, it’s a symbol of hope, unity, and care.