If you are in immediate danger
If you or someone with you is in immediate danger, call 112 from any mobile phone, or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
Free South African crisis helplines
- SADAG Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0800 567 567 (24 hours, free)
- Lifeline South Africa: 0800 150 150 (24 hours)
- Emergencies from any mobile phone: 112
The Orient Wellness Centre is not an emergency service. If you are at risk right now, please use the numbers above first.
Warning signs to take seriously
- Talking about wanting to die, or about being a burden to others
- Feeling hopeless or trapped, with no way out
- Withdrawing from friends, family and activities
- Giving away possessions or saying goodbye
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
- Sudden calm after a period of deep distress
How to help someone you are worried about
- Ask directly whether they are thinking about suicide. Asking does not plant the idea; it opens the door.
- Listen without judging, arguing or rushing to fix things.
- Stay with them if they are at immediate risk, and remove access to means where you safely can.
- Connect them to help: call a helpline together or take them to an emergency department.
- Follow up in the days and weeks afterwards.
Ongoing support after a crisis
Once someone is safe, longer-term care helps address what led to the crisis, such as depression, burnout, trauma or substance use. Our mental health treatment and programmes offer residential and outpatient support in Cape Town. Contact our admissions team at admissions@theorientwellness.org when you are ready to talk about next steps.