Social withdrawal is a behaviour characterised by avoiding social interactions, relationships and activities. It can be a coping mechanism for individuals dealing with stress, anxiety, trauma or other mental health concerns. According to the World Health Organization, anxiety disorders are the most common mental disorders, affecting 301 million people in 2019. Social withdrawals are usually […]
Managing social withdrawal symptoms Read More »
As South Africans face increasing mental health challenges, many turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism. The sight of long queues at bottle stores following the lifting of the COVID-19 alcohol ban underscored the deep connection between stress and alcohol use in our society. However, AWARE.org, a harm reduction specialist, emphasises that alcohol is not
Alcohol and mental health: Why one can’t replace the other Read More »
Traumatic experiences can disrupt a child’s sense of safety, trust and emotional regulation, often leading to long-term mental health effects. These are a wide range of events or situations that overwhelm a child’s ability to cope emotionally and psychologically. If these traumas are not addressed with appropriate, timely intervention and support, it can lead to
Healing generations: The trauma of South Africa’s fatherless boys Read More »
As the shadows grow longer and the moon casts an eerie glow over Cape Town, The Galileo Open Air Cinema beckons you to experience a spine-tingling journey into the heart of Halloween horror. Get your costumes ready, for the Special Halloween Shows are creeping back, ready to cast you into a world of frightful outdoor
Spooktacular fun at The Galileo this Halloween Read More »
Reach for Recovery (R4R) is a trained and volunteer-driven breast cancer support group where every peer support member, uniquely, is a breast cancer survivor herself. For the past five decades, Reach for Recovery has earned a strong reputation for providing highly valued and essential services to individuals affected by breast cancer. During this challenging period,
Restoring confidence and dignity to breast cancer survivors in low-income categories Read More »
This September Heritage Month offers an important moment to reflect on our shared history and the values that have brought South Africa to today. This year’s theme, “Celebrating the lives of our heroes and heroines who laid down their lives for our freedom”, inspires AWARE.org to call on the nation to honour and recommit to
A call for ubuntu honouring heritage, through responsible alcohol behaviour Read More »
South Africa faces a significant challenge with foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), a condition that is 100% preventable, yet alarmingly prevalent in this country. Research estimates that South Africa has a national prevalence rate of 11% of FASD, with rates as high as 31% reported in certain localities – the highest recorded rate globally. FASD
September is Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Month Read More »
Many parents will be familiar with the African proverb: “It takes a village to raise a child.” In South Africa, this saying has a unique meaning, given the special place that many ‘second moms’, often domestic helpers, occupy within households. Women’s Month provides the perfect opportunity to reflect on the role that helpers play in
Baby Grace, who was found abandoned among rubble on a building site last year, has laughed for the first time and is starting to crawl after having grommets to help resolve her hearing difficulties. “Grace was named by the Netcare Pretoria East Hospital team who treated her when she was found on a cold and
‘Amazing Grace’ laughs for the first time Read More »
To give cuddles, care and plenty of nourishment… the most natural expectations of a mother are not always possible when her new baby needs hospitalisation, but breastfeeding women have an opportunity to help the newborns of other mothers with vital nutrition. Nyasha Mhuru Rukure is one such parent-in-need. Her baby boy Liam was born last
Breastmilk donation – a priceless gift Read More »