DJ Run 2026 Mental Health Series
Mental health affects all of us, whether through our own experiences or those of the people around us. Yet conversations about mental health and suicide can still feel difficult to have.
As part of DJ Run 2026, Watch Me Rise is continuing its commitment to creating opportunities for meaningful, informed and compassionate conversations through our Mental Health Series.
We’re partnering with October Health to bring you daily mental health talks on their app, running from 1:00pm to 2:00pm throughout DJ Run week (16–22 November). In addition, we’ll be hosting two dedicated online sessions via Microsoft Teams, exploring important topics around suicide prevention, suicidal ideation and navigating an active crisis.
Whether you’re looking to learn more about your own mental wellbeing, support someone close to you or simply become more informed, these sessions offer an opportunity to listen, learn and connect.
Monday, 16 November 2026: 13:00 – 14:00
Talking About Mental Health Without Shame
Monday, 16 November 2026: 17:30 – 18:45
Approaching Suicidality and Ideation
This is a guided talk hosted by Mia Pienaar, focusing on understanding suicidality, navigating sensitive conversations, and adopting compassionate, evidence-based approached to ideation.
Join us for this conversation on Teams.
Tuesday, 17 November 2026: 13:00 – 14:00
Understanding Suicidal Thoughts Without Judgement
Wednesday, 18 November 2026: 13:00 – 14h00
How to Talk to Someone About Suicide
Thursday, 19 November 2026: 13:00 – 14:00
Self-Care when Even Small Things Feel Hard
When you are already overwhelmed, exhausted, and struggling with feelings of worthlessness or a lack of drive, traditional self-care advice can feel demanding and unrealistic. This conversation focuses on gentle, low-demand strategies for navigating low-energy states, grounding yourself, and practicing emotional regulation without adding extra burdens or tasks to your day.
Join us for this conversation on the October Health App.
Thursday, 19 November 2026: 18:00 – 19:30
Navigating Active Crisis: Frontline Perspectives on Suicide and Suicidality
In partnership with SADAG and SAFMH, this panel discussion brings together frontline professionals, including representatives from SADAG, pre-hospital emergency care (paramedics), and ICU clinical nursing, to provide vital insight into the full continuum of suicide crisis care. The discussion covers pre-hospital interventions, hospital admissions, and practical guidance on how loved ones and laypersons can safely navigate each stage of support.
The panel consists of CJ Nel from CJ Nel Counselling , Darryl Gray from SADAG , Dylan James Van Staden, and Dr. Jannet Bell.
Friday, 20 November 2026: 13:00 – 14h00
Coping When Life No Longer Looks the Same
Join us for this conversation on the October Health App.
Saturday, 21 November 2026: 13:00 – 14:00
Finding Your Way After a Suicide Attempt or Crisis
For individuals who have survived an acute crisis or attempt, returning to daily life comes with guilt, fear of recurrence, and changing relationships. This session provides a compassionate roadmap for post-crisis recovery, focusing on safety planning, re-establishing trust, and rediscovering purpose without rushing the healing process.
Join us for this conversation on the October Health App.
Sunday, 22 November 2026: 13:00 – 14:00
Living with Grief After a Suicide Loss
The grief following a loss to suicide is complex, disenfranchised, and often accompanied by intense guilt or stigma. This talk offers guidance for family, friends, and communities navigating life after a loss, focusing on processing sudden grief, honouring memories, and finding ongoing community support.
Join us for this conversation on the October Health App.
Why These Conversations Matter
Suicide prevention is not just about responding when someone is in crisis. It’s also about creating a culture where people feel comfortable speaking about their mental health, asking for help and supporting one another without fear of judgement.
Through our partnership with October Health and our dedicated panel discussions, we want to make mental health education and meaningful conversations more accessible. By exploring different topics, sharing knowledge and hearing from people with relevant experience, we can build greater understanding and confidence in recognising when someone may need support.
Education helps us recognise when someone may be struggling. Conversations help break down stigma. Connection reminds people that they are not alone.
We don’t all need to have the answers, but we can all make a difference by being willing to listen, learn and reach out.
Be Part of the Conversation
We invite you to join us throughout DJ Run week! Tune in to the daily October Health talks from 1:00pm to 2:00pm on the October Health App, and join our two dedicated Microsoft Teams sessions for deeper conversations around suicide prevention and mental health.
Whether you’re interested in learning more about mental health, supporting someone close to you or simply wanting to become more informed, there’s something valuable for everyone.
You don’t need to be a mental health professional to make a difference. Sometimes, making a difference starts with being willing to listen, learn and have a conversation.
A sincere thank you to October Health, our speakers and contributors for helping us make these important conversations possible.
Let’s keep talking, keep learning and keep connecting.
Because every person matters, every story matters, and Your Story Continues.
Donations
As part of our commitment to mental health awareness and suicide prevention, DJ Run is proud to support the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG). SADAG provides vital mental health services, including free telephonic counselling, support groups, education and suicide prevention initiatives. Their work helps ensure that people experiencing mental health challenges have somewhere to turn when they need support.
If you’d like to make an additional contribution, we encourage you to donate to SADAG through our donation initiative. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, helps support their operations and enables them to continue providing these essential services to people across South Africa.
If you would like to contribute, please visit our BackaBuddy Campaign to make a donation. Your support can make a difference in the lives of those affected by mental health challenges.
Together, we can help make mental health support more accessible and remind people that they are not alone.
