October is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the experts look at mental health in the workplace; the reality is that we spend a large amount of our time at work, so understanding the good and bad is essential!

South Africa (17 October 2024) – Work can be a significant source of stress and poor mental health, but “good” work can contribute to better mental health, and the workplace itself can play a positive role in improving access to treatment.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) ranks depression as the leading cause^[i] of disability and ill-health worldwide. A 2016 study found that lost productivity due to depression-related absenteeism and presenteeism costs the South African economy an estimated R232 billion a year, or 5.7% of GDP (in 2016 terms), ^[ii] while the WHO estimates the global economic cost of untreated depression at US$1 trillion annually.^[iii]

With at least one in three South African adults^[iv] likely to experience a mental health disorder in their lifetimes and employed people spending the bulk of their waking hours at work, the South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP) has highlighted that the workplace plays a key role in mental health.

“Good, meaningful work and mentally healthy work environments are beneficial for protecting mental health as well as aiding recovery from mental illness. Prioritising mental health in the workplace not only improves individual employees’ wellbeing but supports organisational performance and economic growth,” SASOP member and psychiatrist Dr Siki Gwanya-Mdletye said.

Speaking ahead of World Mental Health Day which was hosted on 10 October, Dr Gwanya-Mdletye said that strengthening the mental health aspect of workplace health services could also offer an innovative solution to the country’s large mental health treatment gap, which sees 75% of those with common mental health disorders^[v] such as depression and anxiety going untreated.

The theme of World Mental Health Day this year was “It’s time to prioritise mental health in the workplace”.

“The workplace can contribute both positively and negatively to mental health. Work can provide not only a livelihood but meaning, purpose and satisfaction, while unhealthy organisational cultures or exposure to trauma in the workplace can worsen mental illness for vulnerable individuals.

“Given South Africa’s high prevalence of mental illness and the substantial treatment gap, the workplace can also provide a good location for structured interventions to supplement the under-resourced community level of mental healthcare.

“Such interventions need to go beyond feel-good pamper sessions and spa-days at work, as lovely as these may be,” she said.

Dr Gwanya-Mdletye said that a greater mental health focus in employee wellness programmes and workplace-based healthcare services held a number of benefits, starting with early detection and referral for treatment.

Early referral for primary-level treatment had been shown to shorten the duration of illness and improve long-term health outcomes, as well as reducing the need for costly specialist care or hospitalisation, she said.

Locating mental health interventions in the workplace also has the benefit of consistency in treatment, since workers go to work most days of the week and workplace health services would be an “ally in treatment adherence”, as lack of adherence to treatment is a major challenge in successfully treating mental illness.

“This approach also retains the mental health benefits of engaging in meaningful work, and enables those with a mental health condition to continue earning a living, remaining a productive member of society and maintaining independence and dignity.

“Given South Africa’s high unemployment rate, there are significant limitations in a unilateral focus on employees. Ideally, responsible work-based mental health interventions should broaden their reach at the very least to the families of the employees they serve, and possibly to their immediate communities if resources allow,” she said.

REFERENCES

[i] World Health Organisation (WHO). 2017. “Depression: let’s talk” says WHO, as depression tops list of causes of ill health. https://www.who.int/news/item/30-03-2017–depression-let-s-talk-says-who-as-depression-tops-list-of-causes-of-ill-health

[ii] Evans-Lacko, S., Knapp, M. Global patterns of workplace productivity for people with depression: absenteeism and presenteeism costs across eight diverse countries. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 51, 1525–1537 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-016-1278-4

[iii] WHO. Mental health at work. https://www.who.int/teams/mental-health-and-substance-use/promotion-prevention/mental-health-in-the-workplace

[iv] Herman AA, et al. The South African Stress and Health (SASH) Study: 12-month and lifetime prevalence of common mental disorders. SA Medical Journal, Vol 99, No. 5. 2009. http://www.samj.org.za/index.php/samj/article/view/3374

[v] Sorsdahl K, et al. A reflection of the current status of the mental healthcare system in South Africa. SSM – Mental Health, Volume 4, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmmh.2023.100247

Source: Supplied

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Armchair therapists might not have bad intentions, but they can certainly stand in the way of actual progress. This World Mental Health Day, we take a dive into the world of armchair therapy.

Global (10 October 2024) — Until social media became an obscenely popular form of connection, casual talk about mental health was largely reserved for a therapy session, ‘woke’ media publications and (if you were lucky) a group of non-judgemental friends.

Thankfully, a lot has changed in a short space of time for humanity, to the point where (at least if you’re living in a liberal part of the world) you could freely tell someone you’re feeling anxious without the stomach-clenching fear that they’d think you crazy and try to pack you off to an asylum.

In fact, talking about mental health has become so popular, there are entire pages dedicated to the topic that have millions of followers, podcasts boasting just as impressive numbers and entirely new shoots of education dedicated to important fields within mental health.

It’s a positive change we’ve seen in our lifetime, one that’s taken us closer to empathy and further from disconnection. But, as we celebrate World Mental Health Day, there’s also a glaring elephant in the room: a lot of us are unknowingly becoming armchair therapists.

What is an Armchair Therapist?

Armchair therapists are people who are typically interested in psychology (or those who have even dealt with mental illness themselves) who then use their knowledge in ways that can become problematic, like diagnosing someone with no grounds to do so, accusing people of exhibiting certain traits without merit, or incorrectly giving advice on one mental health condition based on another. According to BetterHelp, these opinions largely come from the ‘logic and introspection of an untrained layperson’. Additionally, they can be guilty of misdiagnosing themselves.

‘That’s not me or anyone I know!’ You might think. But are you so sure?

How many times have you called an act ‘gaslighting’ without really understanding the term? Or deemed someone a narcissist simply because they talked about themselves a little too much? Heard someone jump to the conclusion that a person has an avoidant attachment style because they take yonks to respond, or told you that they probably have ADHD because they simply cannot tell a story chronologically? Ever diagnosed yourself based on a hunch?

Maybe you haven’t. But there are a lot of us who unknowingly have. And it’s a pretty big elephant in the room that stands in the way of mental health progress.

Why Armchair Therapists Aren’t Necessarily a Friend to Progress

It’s wonderful to be informed on a topic. In fact, it’s critical! But, when you start taking on a role you’re not qualified for (like a psychologist or psychiatrist is), things can get sticky.

Never mind the way it can lead us to become more biased and stereotypical of others; it can also give us a pseudo-sense of authority when it comes to our own mental health. Not to mention, not all armchair therapists are as informed as they claim to be, which means a lot of misinformation can be spread to trusting people.

The problematic part doesn’t just come in that you or someone you know might not actually have a certain disorder at all and are treating the case as such.  It also isn’t just that you might be acting as a bandaid of support for someone you care about when, in reality, they need professional care.

At the core, the issue is in really knowing what exactly you’re dealing with when it comes to the beautiful and complex beast that is your brain. Because if you don’t, or stand in the way of someone else getting support, healing and coping becomes a helluva lot harder.

Why the Armchair Therapy Phenomenon

We’re all inundated with content in the Age of Socials (which is its own Pandora’s Box of mental health concerns—yes, we’re looking at you Digital Addiction). So, it’s not surprising that we’re dealing with the Armchair Therapy movement.

And the algorithms feed this. Google whether you have an anxiety disorder just once, and suddenly your TikTok feed brims with anxiety-related content. Let’s not forget ChatGPT. Pretty soon, it’s turtles all the way down.

Additionally, because many psychological challenges share similarities—it’s very easy to confuse one for another when you are untrained. A great example that’s widely spoken about in psychological literature is the similarities between ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (which can both be present at the same time). Or confusing Obsessive Compulsive Disorder with social anxiety and vice versa.

Another reason it becomes easy to play Armchair Therapist is that a lot of symptoms of mental health conditions are things most of us have experienced at one point or another, which creates a false sense of relatability. Think about it this way: we all need to use the toilet as humans. It’s something we can all relate to. But, if you need to go 40 times a day, every single day, something is probably afoot.

We Owe it to Ourselves and Those We Love to Point Them in the Right Direction.

As we take time to reflect on World Mental Health Day, it’s worth considering that openness and room to talk are the first step, but not the end of the journey. Just as it is with any medical condition, healing can’t really start until the actual cause is understood.

Seeking professional support is imperative in many mental health journeys, and the more armchair therapists who turn into allies and point their loved ones in the right, expert-approved direction, the more hope we have for a world filled with healthier and happier minds.

Sources: GTG; Various (Linked Above)

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Holy Rosary School for Girls began the year with a successful ‘phone-free’ campaign to combat digital addiction. Keeping the momentum going, they followed this challenge with another time-warping mission: giving their students old-school phones to live like it’s 1999!

Johannesburg, South Africa (09 October 2024) — It’s hardly surprising anymore to see a tiny tot—barely capable of stringing together a coherent sentence—glued to a smartphone or iPad. It’s a reflection of the world we live in today, one filled with relentless and seemingly unapologetic digital addictions. From toddlers to school students and many, many adults, digital addiction is both the most obvious addiction and the most overlooked. But is anyone doing anything about it? And what can actually be done?

Digital Detox Challenge

Holy Rosary School for Girls has been on a mission in 2024 to combat digital addiction in a hands-on fashion. Beginning the year with their successful ‘Phone-Free 40 Days Campaign’, the school knew that even if the results from that effort were positive (and they were), they needed to keep the momentum going.

In another bold move to combat digital addiction, delay smartphone ownership and build healthier mental health habits, the school decided on another challenge—80-Days: Phone like its 1999 Smartphone-Free Challenge!

Phone Like It’s 1999

Beginning in May, primary and high school students, as well as staff members, surrendered their smartphones to the school. In exchange, they received ‘feature phones’ (AKA, old school phones) to take them back in time to the 90s, when cell phones were primarily used for, well, phone calls!

Because the devices have limited functionality (calls, SMSes and maybe a few extremely basic games), they directly combat accessing social media—the biggest fueler of digital addiction. At the same time, they still allow for communication with parents and family members.

The challenge was driven by Principal Natalie Meerholz, who shared that the second challenge yielded positive results. 

“We are exceptionally proud of everyone who took part in our second challenge. Some of our girls have completed both challenges and been without their phones for 120 days, which is really impressive, proving it’s possible to break free from the digital trap. We were exceptionally excited that despite major fear of missing out and plenty of peer pressure, eight of our participants were in matric.”

Nearly 89% of participants completed the challenge in full.

The Positives

Both challenges have been part of a bigger mission for the school, which is dubbed The Smart Age for Smartphone initiative.

Principal Meerholz also participated in the challenge. “Navigating my own digital detox journey as an adult has proven challenging but I feel more focused, less distracted, and have tried out a range of new activities.”

For the kids, the benefits were similar. Some reported much better sleep, feeling less distracted and feeling more present.

A big win for everyone who participated was the sensation of feeling as though they had more free time. This helped prop up the other legs of the challenge, which included community service. Several fundraising events were integrated into the challenge, including a massive crocheting charity event that drew over 6,000 attendees and raised R60,000 to contribute to paediatric cardiac surgery.

Becoming a Movement

Other educational institutions have also started drawing inspiration from the initiatives in a bid to seek guidance on implementing similar campaigns of their own.

“Our ‘Phone-Free 40 Days’ and ’80 Days: Phone Like It’s 1999’ challenges are more than just school initiatives—they’re catalysts for a broader movement,” Principal Meerholz says.

Principal Meerholz deems it “a collective awakening,” adding that the link to the deteriorating mental and physical well-being of today’s young people has become irrefutable.

“By encouraging our pupils to disconnect from their devices and engage with the world around them, we’re nurturing the growth of capable, confident and happy adults.”

Sources: Email Submission

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The annual event celebrating recovery from substance use started in 2015

Cape Flats, South Africa (03 October 2024) — Hundreds of people participated in the 10th annual Recovery Walk on Saturday to counter stigmas about recovery from substance use and mental illness. In the wind and rain, they walked five kilometres from Lentegeur Psychiatric Hospital through Mitchell’s Plain, carrying signs. Some read: “I am a recovery superhero” and “I love the person I’ve become”.

There was some unexpected drama when the walk was interrupted about an hour in. A passerby was hit by a vehicle on Highlands Drive. She suffered a broken leg, one event organiser said. Emergency personnel came, and the walk resumed.

Warren Cornelius, from the Division of Addiction Psychiatry at the University of Cape Town, said as many as 1.5 million people – about 20% of the Western Cape’s population – have a substance use disorder, yet less than 4,000 access treatment each year.

Cornelius, who began his recovery in 2011, said “open recovery” inspires others to start on their own healing journey. “It’s not just about recovery,” he said. “It’s about instilling hope in people.”

Participants included those recovering from addiction, those with family members affected by addiction, and patients from Lentegeur Hospital.

Cornelius said the Recovery Walk has “really evolved” since the first one in 2015 in the city centre.

Juliet Yates, who is on the organising committee, participated for the fourth time. She said being open about recovery has been the “best thing” for her progress.

Marcellus Pather, who is in his first year of recovery after 40 years of substance use, said he has lost two brothers to mental illness and substance use.

“I’m grateful for my recovery,” said Pather. “Grateful, definitely, and the fact that I’m in my kids’ lives now.”

Sources: GroundUp

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Crocheters have shown us time and time again the difference their talents can make in the world, from sustainable endeavours to social upliftment. But crochet can also be a positive force in your own world! The pros fill us in on how:

South Africa (12 September 2024) — Deemed for far too long as simply a hobby, the art of crochet can make a lot more than gorgeous creations. But, even if budding crocheters aren’t planning on using those needles for massive endeavours, make no mistake—it’s a powerful skillset that could greatly impact your own world for the better.

With today marking International Crochet Day, masters of the skill at Re.Bag.Re.Use are sharing some lesser-known benefits of joining the crocheters’ clan!

In case you didn’t know, Re.Bag.Re.Use have used crochet skills to make a big difference in the world of sustainability, all while empowering local communities.

Over three years, Regine le Roux’s lockdown-born idea has helped repurpose nearly 100,000 empty bread bags into different items, from handbags to hats. Not only has this greatly helped combat the plastic waste problem we face in South Africa, but it has also served as a social effort that’s invested in local communities and charities. Needless to say, what was born from a love of crochet has certainly made a mark on the world straight from Hout Bay.

Today, the team extends from Hout Bay to Cape Town, Pretoria and Mpumalanga, with 21 women on board.

How Crochet Can Make Your World a Better Place

Stress Relief and Meaning at a Low Cost

A better world certainly sounds a lot like one that’s less stressed and is filled with meaning. With rhythmic and repetitive motions aplenty, crocheting is known to have a calming, almost meditative effect. But beyond this, it also helps people learn how to create something meaningful out of very little.

Re.Bag.Re.Use’s Hlezipi Mnungi shares:

“Crocheting is not only a form of relaxation but also an opportunity to create something meaningful. What I love most about crocheting is that it’s simple, and with Re.Bag.Re.Use, we can make waste look chic and fashionable. It doesn’t cost anything to practice this hobby; all you need is a crochet needle and a pair of scissors. You don’t need much experience to make something out of nothing—all you need is passion, patience, and love for what you do.”

Cognitive Skills Booster

The Re.Bag.Re.Use team share that it’s also a fantastic way to boost cognitive skills, due to the focus and concentration required. They add that some studies suggest mindful activities like this can even help stave off cognitive decline!

Fine Motor Skills Enhancement

Because of the intricate hand movements involved, hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills get sharpened. This can make crocheting a super beneficial activity for those recovering from injuries or those seeking to maintain dexterity.

That Crochet-Approved Sense of Accomplishment

Most humans are driven by the boost dopamine gives us, and few things do that better than completing a project. Especially when you’re using materials like recycled plastic, that boost can often be even bigger in a double whammy, making yourself and the environment proud.

Weaving Social Connections

Whether you’re still learning or are a pro, craft groups and crochet circles are a fantastic way to be a part of a community!

Cheaper Than Therapy

When it comes to managing mental health, many might think of seeing a therapist only to realise the costs are striking. If you’re in a place where you need to do some mental spring-cleaning but aren’t in such a dire pinch you need professional psychological help, jumping aboard the crochet train can be a fantastic feat for the following reasons:

• Anxiety management
• Sense of control
• Productivity
• Connection to others
• Relaxation
• Distraction from distressing thoughts

Sources: Supplied—Re.Bag.Re.Use 

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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A brilliant initiative designed to help South Africans ease their brains and reduce stress for free has officially been launched! Meet the Earthchild Project’s ‘Take 5’:

South Africa (08 August 2024) — The Earthchild Project has launched a brilliant initiative designed to support the betterment of our brains, mental health and well-being across South Africa—the ‘Take 5’ initiative!

‘Take 5’ is a positive solution to more and more South Africans dealing with stress, anxiety and general mental health disruption by offering people access to a free and practical tool to help us all relax, recharge and become more resilient as individuals and as communities in the pursuit of a more peaceful South Africa.

Because the little moments of stress can add up so significantly to the point that we forget that our most overwhelming moments happen as their own version of a ‘death by a thousand paper cuts’, the same should be said for the opposite: little calm moments can add up to big moments of peace.

One of the best ways to integrate mindfulness and little calm moments into our daily lives is by meditating—which is exactly what the Earthchild Project is sharing with all of us.

Through a free meditation track, the initiative is offering a no-cost experience designed to help us all prioritise self-care a little more. To date, over 12,000 people have already signed up for their ‘Take 5’ experience.

How ‘Take 5’ Works

When participants sign up, Earthchild will provide them with a free 5-minute mediation track so they can quite literally take 5 in their own spaces and time every day during the month of September.

In a bigger nod to accessibility, the audio meditation is available in multiple languages including English, isiXhosa, isiZulu, seSotho and Afrikaans. The audio is designed for everyone across South Africa regardless of age, gender, culture or location.

1. Visit the Take 5 website.
2. Sign up
3. Choose your preferred language
4. Join the WhatsApp Channel Link

Sources: Earthchild Project—Supplied 

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World Brain Day puts the spotlight on our brilliant but not invincible brains. With neurological diseases impacting so many people, we have some good news: they can be prevented and here’s how!

Global (21 July 2024) — Our brains are complicated places, and with so many terms related to them entering mainstream discourse, it can be overwhelming to make sense of what brain-related concerns are in our control and which aren’t. From mental well-being to neurodivergence and neurological diseases, there are key differences in what many minds go through. In honour of World Brain Day, we’re taking a look at where we can serve our brains better—starting with the complex world of neurological diseases.

What You Need to Know

• More than 70% of neurological diseases are prevalent in low-to-middle-income countries and are the second leading cause of death globally, accounting for 9 million deaths per year.
• Additionally, neurological diseases are the second leading cause of disability worldwide.
• In South Africa, it’s understood that 1 in every 100 people [iii] is affected by epilepsy, 2 South Africans suffer a stroke every 10 minutes (of every day) [iv] and around 4-8% of people suffer from dementia [v]
• But, up to 80% of strokes [i], 40% of dementia cases [ii] and 25% of epilepsies can actually be prevented!

Experts Weigh In

Dr Patty Francis, the President of the Neurological Association of South Africa, says neurological disorders are preventable in two key ways: early detection and effective management. So what stands in the way? Not all patients have equal access to these resources.

“Socioeconomic status or geographic location should not be barriers to prevention. In South Africa, the treatment gap is exasperated by severe staff and resource shortages. The ratio of neurologists to the population in South Africa is 1 per 500 000, compared to 35 per 500 000 population in high-income countries, limiting access to medication, knowledge and preventative care programmes which leads to misperceptions, stigma, lowered living standards and preventable death,” says Dr Francis.

“Healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers play pivotal roles in addressing the global neurological needs. Recognising brain health as a fundamental human right is at the core of our and World Brain Day mission.”

As Dr Francis explains, in children and adolescents, headache disorders and Meningitis are among the top ten causes of global disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and within the top three causes for girls aged 10-24.

Additionally, women, older people and those living in poverty are also said to be disproportionately affected.

Managing Neurological Diseases

“The most important aspect of managing neurological diseases is our choice of lifestyle. By prioritising a healthy lifestyle, people can protect their brain health which is essential for healthy cognitive, emotional and social skills. Optimising brain health ought to begin early in life and remain a focal health priority throughout one’s entire life,” says Dr Francis. 

“Inactivity, alcohol intake, smoking, and diets high in fat and processed foods, and lack of sleep, increase our risk. Almost everyone can protect themselves from the devastating impact of neurological disease by making small improvements.”

How to Best Protect Your Brain

Dr Francis suggests the following tips to best protect your brain:

• Stay socially connected – maintain strong social ties (in person, not online) to improve cognitive function and emotional well-being.
• Avoid alcohol and stop smoking – smoking damages neurons (brain cells) and alcohol consumption can lead to memory impairment and cognitive decline.
• Stay hydrated
• Exercise regularly – physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, promotes new brain cell growth and enhances cognitive function
• Prioritise sleep – aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to support memory consolidation, information processing and toxin removal in the brain.
• Eat a balanced diet – fuel your brain with a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats for optimal cognitive function.
• Manage stress – practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, contemplation, prayer and daily periods of “no screen time”.
• Breathe clean air – minimise, as far as possible, time spent in highly polluted environments. By simply taking a 15-20 minute walk in fresh air fulfills many of the brain-effective recommendations listed above.

Resources:

[i] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/stroke/index.html

[ii] Favas TT, Dev P, Chaurasia RN, et al. Neurological manifestations of COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis of proportions. Neurological Sciences. 2020. Abdullahi A, Candan SA, Abba MA, et al. Neurological and musculoskeletal features of COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Neurology. 2020.

[iii] 002-Brochure-Facts-about-Epilepsy.pdf

[iv] Heart and Stroke Foundation, South Africa. https://www.heartfoundation.co.za/

[iv] World Health Organization, Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders 2022-2031, Available from, https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/intersectoral-global-action-plan-on-eepilepsy-and-other-neurologi cal-disorders-2022-2031, 2022.

[v] Dementia Prevalence in a Rural Region of South Africa: A Cross-Sectional Community Study, Celeste A. de Jager,a,* William Msemburi,b Katy Pepper,c and Marc I. Combrincka, J Alzheimers Dis. 2017; 60(3): 1087–1096.

Sources: Supplied

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post World Brain Day! Neurological Diseases CAN be Prevented  appeared first on Good Things Guy.

If you tried to watch Sky News this morning or worse, saw the blue screen of death on your computer and had no idea what was going on, you’re not alone. The Big Glitch (AKA the Microsoft outage) has caused a lot of stress from people simply trying to read their emails to those catching flights. Heck, even our mailer is late! But not everything has to be impacted:

Global (19 July 2024) — If you’ve tried to watch Sky News today and noticed that things were, well, different, what with newsreaders reading without their banners and broadcast interruptions, you’re probably wondering what the heck is going on right now. Did an intern run rouge? Is Dr Doofenshmirtz up to his old tricks? Or is there a much bigger concern at bay? The short story is that there appears to be a big glitch with Microsoft impacting everything from banks to planes and even the Good Things Guy mailer. The good story is that there are lots of things that won’t be impacted because, contrary to popular belief, the world can go on when big tech companies go down.

First, What is the Big Glitch?

The worldwide Windows glitch or the major Microsoft outage started this morning, with many windows machines going blue with an error message, AKA the Blue Screen of Death. According to Euronews, Microsoft 365 said they were investigating the situation, but things went from blue to worse very quickly.

According to the Independent: 

“The issue appears to relate to a problem update from cyber security company CrowdStrike. Its representatives say that it has been rolled back—but that will not fix those computers that have already been affected.”

Microsoft 365 users have been unable to access various apps and services while banks, including Capitec, and airlines like Delta and United have also experienced issues, causing many flights to be cancelled and grounded.

So What Now?

It’s easy to get into a panicked state when so much of our lives exist on a screen or rely on a third party IT company. While many businesses using Microsoft systems will undoubtedly hear a lot of grunts from highly frustrated employees and communities may feel locked out of important parts of their daily routines, the important thing to remember is that not everything will be impacted, and not everything has to be.

Our lives exist in spheres of control. The bad news is, many things are out of our hands. The good news is, many things are out of our hands.

When worldwide headaches like the Big Glitch happen, it’s tempting to try to reel what’s out of our control into our grasp. But the wise person knows that this isn’t always the route to take.

With that being said, here’s what doesn’t need to be impacted by the Big Glitch:

• How you respond to the outage
• Finding creative ways to complete tasks you usually rely on your laptop for (even the news readers read from their paper notes!)
• Your mental sanctitude (big tech companies don’t run your brain!)
• Your fitness (Microsoft doesn’t control the jog you take every day)

We’re South Africa, for goodness sake! We’ve lived without water and electricity, and this is far from our first rodeo.

Remember in 2021 when there was that big social media blackout, and no one could WhatsApp their friends to tell them about it? We all sat without access to many of our favourite platforms and pretended like it was the year 2000 again. For this writer who grew up with social media, that blackout was actually a memorable experience in the best way. I got to really sit with myself, do some introspection and think about what life could be like without the online world.

If you can, let the glitch lead you to your own inner world. Allow the chaos outside to channel peace inside. And if anything, let this be your sign that even the richest companies with the most power make mistakes.

Sources: GTG; Various (Linked Above)

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post The Big Glitch: What’s Been Impacted And What Won’t Be  appeared first on Good Things Guy.

If life was ruled by probability, Brescia would be homeless or not even around to tell her story. But through strength, love and a determination to change her life, the former addict has a new story to tell and it is one of hope:

South Africa (11 June 2024) — Brescia Bianco-Badenhorst is the one recovering heroin addict you want your children to know and listen to. Bullied at school and harshly judged by society, at an early age, she turned to alcohol and drugs for solace. But, that is far from the end of her story. Now, she’s celebrated 20 years of sobriety and stands tall as a beacon of hope for South Africans (especially our youngsters) struggling with addiction—an ongoing concern in our country.

“Drug and alcohol addiction is a harsh reality among South African kids. From my own experience, I know that children have access to drugs if they want them,” says Brescia, echoing a worry that various anti-drug organisations share.

Dr David Bayever from the the Central Drug Authority (CDA) says drug usage in South Africa is twice the world norm and the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) reports that the average age for drug dependency in South Africa is a staggering 12 years old.

“It starts with experimenting with weed, alcohol, vaping and smoking and leads to ecstasy, cocaine and heroin. These are easy to get hold of,” says Brescia. SADAG notes that the low cost and easy accessibility of drugs and alcohol, age and peer pressure increase the risk factors of abuse among adolescents.

But the kind of path that leads people into places of addiction goes beyond accessibility and experimentation.

Brescia shares that her mental health was impacted by profound personal tragedies, including losing her grandmother to suicide and her grandfather to alcoholism. Her father died by suicide when she was only four years old casting a shadow over her childhood.

Her brother, struggling with bipolar depression, made repeated suicide attempts during their youth. “Each suicide attempt felt like a dagger to the heart, as I grappled with the fear of losing him and the guilt of not being able to save him,” she says. His mental health battles eventually led to his suicide. This followed on after the death of her uncle by suicide.

“Addiction became my constant companion, offering fleeting moments of escape from the pain of reality,” she says. “My life became a blur of crime, homelessness, and estrangement from loved ones,” she says. Eventually, hitting rock bottom, Brescia realised that she was on a path to more despair.

But, a desire to change her life’s path was not out of the question. In fact, it was largely the answer. With help from loved ones and remarkable inner strength, Brescia slowly but surely began the difficult journey to recovery. She eventually entered rehab and, through therapy and support groups, found a new sense of purpose and, ultimately, carved out a new life for herself.

“I was determined to reclaim my life from the clutches of substance abuse. It was a journey full of challenges, but with each passing day, I grew stronger in mind, body, and spirit.” she says.

Now, celebrating 20 years of sobriety, Brescia stands tall as a fulfilled and happy wife and mother and owner of a successful business—a champion of your story still being in your control even when it seems impossible.

Though she found a way to reclaim her life to one she was proud of, she hasn’t forgotten the path it took to get there. Her goal now is to provide as much hope as possible to people at risk of addiction or who struggle with it by speaking openly about mental health awareness, suicide prevention and drug addiction; ultimately aiming to destigmatise these taboo subjects to help other families and make room for the toughest conversations.

“We need to have these difficult conversations. If we don’t, children will seek answers elsewhere. The worst thing parents can say is ‘not my child’,” she says.

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) in the US reports that by talking to your children regularly about the dangers of drugs and alcohol, you reduce their chances of using them by 42%. The Partnership to End Addiction reports that the problem is that only one in four teens report having these conversations, leaving 75% of teens uninformed.

Brescia has used the adversity she faced in her life as fuel to do good. She is a sought-after speaker at churches, schools, fundraising events, parent-and-children’s events and women’s functions.

“Statistics state and theoretical evidence suggest that I should be living on the streets or find myself in jail or a grave right now. The fact that I am not is a miracle. I am fortunate to have transformed my passion for advocacy into a thriving business.”—Brescia Bianco-Badenhorst. 

Sources: Supplied 

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post From Addict to Beacon of Hope: Brescia Bianco-Badenhorst appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Today, thousands of runners, both pros and amateurs, are tackling the world’s most famous ultramarathon. But, instead of just enjoying the Comrades, why not let it inspire you to get moving for your own mental and physical health? Psychiatrist Dr James Burger weighs in:

South Africa (9 June 2024) — As thousands of professional and amateur runners undertake the world’s largest ultramarathon today (the Comrades) psychiatrist Dr James Burger of the South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP) says instead of just watching others at their peak physical condition, be inspired use physical activity as a powerful tool in managing your own mental health!

“This is not to say that everyone needs to run marathons, but we like to aim for physical activity in some form every day, all year round, which has proven to be beneficial for people struggling with depression, anxiety, dementia, ADHD and other mental health conditions. Even gentle activity such as walking can have lasting impacts,” says Dr Burger. 

Mental Health Doesn’t Just Impact the Mind

One in four South Africans experience depression[i]^{, [ii]}, and mental health conditions are the leading cause of disability both locally,[iii] and worldwide[iv],  however, only a quarter of those affected seek and receive treatment. These conditions affect a person’s quality of life, cause distress, and can impact their ability to function at home, in relationships, and in their occupations.

Mental health-related absenteeism in the workplace is estimated to cost the South African economy R19 billion annually in lost productivity,[v] and facilitating opportunities for employees to get physically fit, would likely benefit their mental fitness too, Dr Burger indicates

“With the high prevalence of depression and other mental health conditions in South Africa, while only 25% receive appropriate treatment – due to stigma as well as lack of access to mental health care – exercise can be an affordable and accessible ‘protective factor’ that can make a substantial difference to improving the nation’s mental health, wellbeing, and functioning,” he adds.

Mental Health and Physical Health Work Together

Dr Burger explains that studies have shown that the effect of exercise and physical activity on mental health outcomes could be, in fact, even larger than for physical conditions like heart disease and cancer.[vi]

“In mild cases of depression, exercise is an effective first-line treatment and in more severe cases, boosts the effect of medication. Evidence[vii] continues to show that adding exercise is better than no treatment, and has positive effects combined with anti-depressants in reducing depressive symptoms and thoughts of suicide.”

Beyond improving mood and anxiety, exercise also offers significant improvements for thinking and memory. Exercise can slow down the effects of dementia and protects intellectual, decision-making and attention functions in cases of mild dementia,[viii] while SASOP’s guidelines for the management of ADHD recommend exercise as a powerful non-medication treatment.[ix]

Dr Burger said exercise had positive mental health effects on brain networks, helping to regulate the neurotransmitters serotonin and noradrenaline that play a role in mood and cognitive functions, releasing the “happy hormone” endorphins, and reducing brain inflammation and stress.

“Exercise also has positive psycho-social effects, distracting from negative thoughts and stimulating positive thoughts and feelings of well-being and positive body image, and reducing feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness.

“Physical activity creates positive feelings through the experience of being challenged, exercising autonomy, self-control and personal mastery, and through the sense of achievement that comes with mastering a new skill and self-improvement. It can also contribute to social connectedness and support, and a feeling of belonging,” he said.

Struggling to Get Moving? Here are Some Tips!

Dr Burger says if you are experiencing depression start small since depression can affect energy levels and cause withdrawal, limiting one’s ability to do tasks and activities.

“Depression turns our view of ourselves negative, and it can be useful to have objective measures of progress such as journals or professionals helping to supervise the process. Continue to lean towards more physical activity and build on progress.”

“Most important is to find what you enjoy, an activity that is sustainable because the pleasure you get out of it means you are more likely to keep at it. And remember that anything is better than nothing, and don’t let perfect be the enemy of good,” he encourages.

• Set a start date and a clear, manageable goal.
• Give yourself permission to set aside time for exercise. Even walking for 10 minutes a day and building from there is a good start.
• Focus on the positive impacts on your mental state, which are more immediate, rather than expecting quick results in physical fitness.
• Focus on your own self-discovery and social relationships gained through exercise, rather than prioritising performance and competition.
• Try to get outdoors and have a social aspect to a physical activity, and an activity that is repeatable, as this is especially beneficial for positive mood, enjoyment and a sense of achievement.
• Look for opportunities to get moving and be less sedentary at home, at work, in leisure time and in daily transport – such as active workstations or walking meetings at work, and using the stairs instead of the lift.
• Group activities and supervision, such as a team sport or exercise/movement group class, can help to keep you motivated, involved and connected to other people.

Resources:

• [i] Mapanga W, Mtintsilana A, Dlamini SN, Ware LJ, Du Toit J, Draper CE, Richter L and Norris SA (2022). The prevalence of probable depression and probable anxiety, and associations with adverse childhood experiences and socio-demographics: A national survey in South Africa. Front. Public Health 10:986531. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.986531

• [ii] University of the Witwatersrand. 2022. “Mental health in SA is at shocking levels but people are not seeking help”. https://www.wits.ac.za/news/latest-news/research-news/2022/2022-11/mental-health-in-sa-is-at-shocking-levels-but-people-are-not-seeking-help-.html

• [iii] Achoki T, Sartorius B, Watkins D, et al. Health trends, inequalities and opportunities in South Africa’s provinces, 1990-2019: findings from the global burden of disease 2019 study. J Epidemiol Community Health 2022; 76:471–81.

• [iv] WHO. 2017. “Depression: let’s talk” says WHO, as depression tops list of causes of ill health. https://www.who.int/news/item/30-03-2017–depression-let-s-talk-says-who-as-depression-tops-list-of-causes-of-ill-health

• [v] EAP-SA. 2023. https://www.eapasa.co.za/the-state-of-mental-health-in-south-africa/

• [vi] Posadzki, P., Pieper, D., Bajpai, R. et al. Exercise/physical activity and health outcomes: an overview of Cochrane systematic reviews. BMC Public Health 20, 1724 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-09855-3

• [vii] Lam RW, Kennedy SH, Adams C, et al. Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) 2023 Update on Clinical Guidelines for Management of Major Depressive Disorder in Adults: Réseau canadien pour les traitements de l’humeur et de l’anxiété (CANMAT) 2023 : Mise à jour des lignes directrices cliniques pour la prise en charge du trouble dépressif majeur chez les adultes. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. 2024;0(0).  doi:10.1177/07067437241245384

• [viii] Huang X, Zhao X, Li B, Cai Y, Zhang S, Wan Q, Yu F. Comparative efficacy of various exercise interventions on cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment or dementia: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. J Sport Health Sci. 2022 Mar;11(2):212-223. doi: 10.1016/j.jshs.2021.05.003. Epub 2021 May 16. PMID: 34004389; PMCID: PMC9068743.

• [ix] Schoeman R, Liebenberg R. The South African Society of Psychiatrists/Psychiatry Management Group management guidelines for adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. S Afr J Psychiat. 2017;23(0), a1060. https://doi.org/10.4102/sajpsychiatry.v23i0.1060

Sources: Linda Christensen

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Let the Comrades Inspire You to Get Moving for Your Mental Health appeared first on Good Things Guy.