South Africa’s commodification of trauma for entertainment
As an unashamed fan of unscripted television, there isn’t much that shocks me. Being a genre of TV known for exposing the good, the bad, and the ugly, it gets...
Positive African Values for Your Mental Health
The state of mental health among Africans in Africa and beyond, is less than ideal. We are gradually learning that there are very unhealthy aspects of African culture, that harm...
An Abusive Relationship: Signs You’re in One
The Oxford dictionary defines abuse as when you “treat [someone] with cruelty or violence, especially regularly or repeatedly. Because we often associate abuse with only physical aggression, many people remain...
Types of Mental Health Professionals
Psychologist, counselor, psychiatrist, social worker etc., are all types of mental health professionals you’ve probably heard about before. The question is what’s the difference? What do they do and who...
Starting Therapy
Seeking support for mental health challenges for the first time can be nerve wracking. Navigating something so crucial alone can be overwhelming. You’re contacting a complete stranger whom you hope can...
What is Anxiety?
Definition Anxiety is a mood characterized by strong feelings of fear and worry. Symptoms include heart palpitations, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, chest pain, hyperventilation (rapid breathing), trembling, stomach/digestive problems, avoiding...
What is Depression
Definition Depression is a mood disorder involving a number of symptoms. These include, a feeling of deep sadness, sleep issues, appetite issues, difficulty concentrating, lack of motivation, feelings of helplessness,...
What is Addiction?
Definition Addiction (Substance Use Disorder) is a disease involving the repeated and usually uncontrollable use of a substance or activity that a person finds rewarding in some way. Using this...
What is Counseling/Psychotherapy: What to Expect
Will they make me lie on a couch? Will the counselor hypnotize me? How will the session go? Will they read my mind? How many sessions will I need? Will...
Medication for Mental Health: Helpful Information
Medication for mental health conditions are referred to as psychotropic drugs. Now before you bite your tongue trying to pronounce that word, know that you are highly unlikely to use...