As we find ourselves moving into summer, the vibrancy of the season offers a gentle boost of renewal – not just for nature but for our own mental well-being. Explore the healing power of nature, whether through the tranquillity of a garden or the presence of plants in your home. Whether you’re gardening or tending […]
Green therapy: Boosting mental health through the power of nature Read More »
Every year, thousands of South African families face the heartbreak of losing a baby to miscarriage, stillbirth, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or other causes. October, observed globally as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, provides an opportunity to reflect on the devastating impact of such loss, and to highlight the support available to those
Breaking the silence on pregnancy and infant loss Read More »
While we often associate mental health with the teenage years or adulthood, it is essential to remember that nurturing a child’s mental well-being begins in their early years. Parenting is a journey filled with love, joy and the responsibility of shaping a child’s emotional and mental health. “Fostering mental health in children starts from their
Nurturing mental wellness from early childhood Read More »
The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) is encouraging the public to adopt rather than shop for pets, highlighting the significant impact this decision can have on both the animals and their new families. Thousands of animals in South Africa await a second chance at a loving home, and by choosing adoption, you not only give
NSPCA launches Adoptim – a furry prescription Read More »
We’re into the last term of the school year, and that means exam time for learners from Grade 4 all the way up to Grade 12. While there’s much at stake for children in the upper grades, even the younger ones going into their first or second exam seasons can feel pressure to perform. Parents,
Surviving school exams with less stress and more focus Read More »
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 »
October is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to focus on your emotional well-being as a mother. In South Africa, 1 in 5 mothers experiences mental health challenges, often while juggling the demands of family life. Creating an emotional first-aid kit is a proactive way to take care of yourself and ensure you have the
Emotional first-aid for moms Read More »
Excess sugar consumption is a global problem. While the recommended daily average for added sugars – table sugar, honey or syrup – should be 30 grams, South Africans are consuming up to 100 grams (or 24 teaspoons) a day. Beyond the threat to physical health, sugar has a lasting impact on mental health as well.
Simple tricks for cutting back on sugar to support your mental health Read More »
Loneliness has emerged as a silent epidemic among younger generations. While more than 43% of people over the age of 60 reported feeling lonely – usually attributed to living arrangements and a decline in social opportunities – studies have indicated that Gen Z (born between the early 1990s and early 2010s) is the loneliest generation.
Loneliness: A silent epidemic among younger generations Read More »