Category Archives: Mental Health

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterised by significant mood swings, ranging from emotional highs (mania or hypomania) to lows (depression). These fluctuations can affect energy levels and day-to-day functioning. Because the impact of bipolar disorder can be profound and long-term for some individuals, many people wonder: is it considered a disability? The short […]

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterised by intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions) aimed at reducing distress. While the underlying causes of OCD are complex and involve genetic, neurological, and environmental factors, certain situations, environments, and thought patterns can act as “triggers,” intensifying symptoms. Recognising these triggers […]

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) may sound similar, but they are two distinct mental health conditions. The similarity in names often leads to confusion, and while both involve a focus on order or control, they differ greatly in their causes, symptoms, and how they affect daily life. Understanding these differences is important […]

When it comes to mental health treatment, the terminology alone can feel overwhelming. People often use terms like “mental hospital,” “psychiatric hospital,” and “mental health rehab centre” interchangeably, but these facilities serve different purposes and offer distinct levels of care.  Understanding how a mental institution and a rehab centre differ can help individuals and families […]

Overview Mental health care in South Africa is governed by the Mental Health Care Act No 17 of 2002 (MHCA).  The Act sets out clear legal procedures and safeguards, especially around the admission of individuals for psychiatric care – whether voluntarily or involuntarily. Understanding the differences between these two forms of admission and knowing your rights […]

Overview Bipolar disorder is one of the most challenging mental health conditions to live with, both for the person diagnosed and for their loved ones. When symptoms are mild or moderate, therapy, medication, and a strong support system can often keep life manageable. But when the disorder becomes severe (marked by dangerous manic episodes, deep […]

In our fast-paced, high-pressure world, it’s common to feel overwhelmed. But how do you know if what you’re experiencing is stress, or something more chronic, like anxiety?  While stress and anxiety share many symptoms, they are distinct conditions with different causes, durations, and treatments. Understanding the difference can help you better manage your mental and […]

Living with depression is not a matter of simply “thinking positively” or “snapping out of it.” It’s a complex, often invisible struggle that affects everything from energy levels to motivation and physical health.  For me, managing depression isn’t about finding a quick fix, it’s about building daily habits that, over time, help create a more […]

Bipolar disorder, a complex and often debilitating mental health condition, affects millions worldwide.  In 2025, important strides have been made in understanding bipolar disorder therapy, offering renewed hope to patients and clinicians alike. This year has witnessed groundbreaking developments across genetics, pharmacology, neurotechnology, and lifestyle interventions. A Brief History of Bipolar Disorder Treatment Bipolar disorder, […]

Schizophrenia is a chronic and often debilitating mental health condition that affects approximately 20 million people worldwide.  While its hallmark symptoms – hallucinations, delusions, and disorganised thinking – are widely recognised, cognitive impairments such as memory deficits, reduced attention span, and impaired executive functioning are equally pervasive and impact quality of life.  Despite the effectiveness […]