Month: October 2023

All You Need To Know About Child Mental Health

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Mental illness in children is a real and significant concern, affecting millions of young individuals worldwide. Common mental health disorders in children include anxiety disorders, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism spectrum disorders.  Early intervention and diagnosis are crucial for managing mental health conditions in children and adolescents effectively. Factors such as genetics, grief and loss, parent divorce, neglect and isolation, bullying, abuse, exploitation, unhealthy competition/comparison with siblings, trauma, and family history can contribute to the development of mental health problems in children.

Untreated mental illness in children can lead to academic difficulties, behavioural problems, and impaired social functioning.  Sometimes, children with mental health issues may be seen as delinquent, naughty, lazy, or disrespectful. It is important to recognize that children with mental health issues are not to blame for their conditions, and a supportive, non-stigmatizing environment is crucial for their well-being.

Access to mental health services and professionals specializing in child and adolescent mental health is essential for diagnosis, treatment, and support. Effective treatment options for children with mental health disorders often include psychotherapy, medication, and family support. Schools and parents or caregivers play a vital role in identifying signs of mental illness in children and seeking appropriate help. The stigma associated with mental health can create barriers to seeking help for children and their families, emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness and education.

Signs of mental health issues in children

Mental health issues in children can manifest in various ways, and it’s important for parents, caregivers, and teachers to be aware of the signs. It’s essential to note that every child is different, and the presence of one or more of these signs doesn’t necessarily mean a child is experiencing a mental health disorder. However, if these signs persist or interfere with a child’s daily life, it’s important to seek professional help from a mental health professional. Here are some common signs of mental health issues in children:

  • Changes in Behaviour: Sudden or gradual changes in behaviour, such as withdrawal from social activities, changes in eating or sleeping patterns, or a decline in academic performance.
  • Mood Swings: Excessive mood swings, prolonged sadness, irritability, or extreme fearfulness that interfere with daily activities.
  • Changes in Academic Performance: A sudden decline in school performance, loss of interest in school activities, or frequent complaints about not wanting to go to school.
  • Social Withdrawal: Loss of interest in friends and activities they used to enjoy. Avoiding social interactions and spending excessive time alone.
  • Changes in Sleep Patterns: Insomnia, nightmares, or other sleep disturbances that occur frequently and affect daily functioning.
  • Changes in Appetite: Significant changes in eating habits, either loss of appetite or overeating, leading to noticeable changes in weight.
  • Physical Symptoms: Complaints of frequent headaches or stomachaches without any apparent medical cause.
  • Excessive Fears or Worries: Intense fears or phobias that interfere with daily activities. Excessive worrying about things that seem out of proportion to the situation.
  • Regression: Reverting to younger behaviours, such as bedwetting, excessive clinginess, or thumb sucking.
  • Difficulty Concentrating: Inability to concentrate or make decisions, leading to a decline in school performance.
  • Expressing Hopelessness: Expressing feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or guilt. Talking about death or suicide, even in a vague or indirect manner.
  • Aggressive Behaviour: Persistent aggressive behaviour, including frequent temper tantrums, physical violence, or threats of violence.
  • Substance Abuse: Using drugs, alcohol, or other substances at a young age.
  • Self-Harm: Engaging in self-harming behaviours, such as cutting or burning, or expressing a desire to hurt oneself.

It’s important for parents and caregivers to be able to distinguish between mental health illness in children and having a bad day. If you notice these signs in a child and are concerned about their mental health, it’s crucial to seek help from a mental health professional, such as a child psychologist, or psychiatrist. Early intervention and support can make a significant difference in a child’s overall well-being.

Help is there!

HIVSA’s Choma online magazine has a Mental Well-being campaign called WeCare, a space where young people can safely share their stories in an effort to build mental well-being awareness.

Below are 24-hour toll-free helplines:

  • Department of Social Development Substance Abuse helpline-0800 12 13 14. SMS 32312
  • ADHD Helpline- 0800 55 44 33
  • SADAG suicide crisis helpline- 0800 567 567
  • NPOwer SA helpline- 0800 515 515, SMS 43010
  • Cipla Mental health helpline-0800 456 789, SMS 32312
  • Adcock Ingram Depression & Anxiety helpline-0800 70 80 90
  • Dr Reddy’s Mental Health helpline-0800 21 22 23
  • Pharma Dynamics Police & Trauma helpline- 0800 20 50 26

The writer of this article, Mrs Similo Tshabalala, is a trainer at HIVSA, as well as a qualified Social Worker.

Remember if you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, a Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).

LGBTQIA+ Social Media Profiles You Need To Follow

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There is still much we can learn as a society that is slowly fighting for LGBTQIA rights and pursuing an inclusive democracy for all. Here are a few Instagram accounts to follow if you are a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, an ally, or simply interested in LGBTQIA+ culture.

Neo Baepi

Image Via Instagram

Neo (they/them) is a South African photographer who has worked on various projects in the industry and has shown their love for photography and the arts in their content. Photography is the art, application, and practice of making images by recording light, either electronically with an image sensor or chemically using a light-sensitive material such as photographic film.

Khaya Mhleli

Image via Instagram

Khaya has taken the makeup industry by storm by being playful and changing the way we think makeup should be worn. Khaya displays creativity at its finest as a beauty influencer. A beauty influencer is an individual who has established credibility in the beauty industry and has leveraged their online presence to influence others with their insights and opinions on beauty products, trends, and techniques. They play a significant role in the modern consumer’s decision-making process, acting as a bridge between brands and audiences.

Khensani Mohlatlole

Image via Instagram

Khensani (She/Her) is a jack of all trades. A writer, social media coordinator and head of strategy. She leads the pack in terms of extensive analysis of the local and international fashion scene by fusing her enthusiasm for fashion with her analytical approach to the media. Quality content is created by social media strategists for their company’s social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. They identify target audiences and plan posts in advance to maximize social media visibility. They also stay current on the latest social media trends.

The positive thing about social media platforms is that it’s being used to connect people from all walks of life. It also educates everyone by raising awareness of previously ignored social concerns and, most importantly, by celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community.

Do you have any LGBTQIA+ Instagram profiles I should follow?

If you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, an  Instagram message, a  Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).

Relationship Trauma: When Love Leaves Scars

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Realizing that you’re in a toxic relationship can be hard to notice in the beginning but by the time you see that you might have not been in the best space, ending the relationship is just one step into the healing process. Toxic relationships can be traumatic which can provoke feelings of anger and shame.

Do you think you might be experiencing relationship trauma, here are a few things to look out for.

Flashbacks

When you start having flashbacks of certain events of the past relationship, these are intrusive thoughts related to the traumatic situation. They can be stressful and cause you to feel as if you’re reliving the event.

Avoidant

You may experience intense fear in the relationship where you become avoidant of your own wants and needs.

Guilt and shame

You might feel feelings of guilt and shame which can make you feel isolated from others. This might make it a bit difficult to form meaningful relationships which can lead to trust issues.

Nightmares

You may struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep. You may also experience

 frightening or disturbing dreams related to the relationship.

When you have been in a traumatic relationship you may find it difficult to establish meaningful relationships. They may seem complicated because of your previous situation, and you may find yourself having trust issues.

Even though it might be a journey, remember that healing is possible through self-care, support, and professional help. You deserve to be in a healthy relationship that empowers you, so don’t blame yourself for the abuse, Choma. Remember, that you can always get immediate assistance and counselling from the Tears Foundation, by dialling *134*7355#.

Remember if you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, a Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).

How To Take Care Of Your Nails In Six Easy Steps

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Whether you’re someone who is always painting their nails at home or getting them done at the salon as a form of self-care or have the bad habit of biting them, we all wish we could have perfectly manicured nails. Here are a few tips on how you can take care of your nails:

Keep your hands very clean.

A good start to achieving those healthy nails is by making sure you are washing your hands properly. Make sure you scrub your nails to avoid infections and overgrowth.

Be gentle on your nails.

Your nails are delicate, so treat them that way. Avoid using harsh cleaning chemicals. If you can’t avoid it, you can buy some rubber gloves that you can use while cleaning or washing dishes.

Cut your nails regularly.

Cutting your nails often makes them less prone to breakage. So, aim to cut them every two weeks.

Prioritize nail health over length.

Long nails are elegant, but if you’re someone who struggles with breakages, keep your nails short once in a while to help them grow stronger.

Give your nails a break.

We all love getting our nails done. However, make sure that you give your nails a break by getting them done once every two months so that you don’t damage your nail bed.

Do some home care.

If you will be doing your own nails at home, remember that you will have to use a base coat. You can get a base coat at Clicks, Dischem or most shops that have nail care products.

Remember that taking care of your nails can help prevent infection and other health problems. Keeping your nails looking nice can boost your confidence and help you feel put together.

Remember, if you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send a Facebook message, a Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).

Maintaining Your Individuality In Love

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Being in a relationship can be incredibly rewarding. However, it can be easy to lose parts of your individuality amid those good feelings. To some degree, this can be an expected part of falling in love. Falling in love can be exciting, and it’s natural to want to spend all your time with the one you love.

A person may end up giving up parts of who they are in a relationship to be accepted and this is when they lose their identity. You may find yourself:

  • No longer doing activities you once enjoyed.
  • Not making time for your friends.
  • Sacrificing your own happiness. There is a difference between compromise and sacrifice, this is when you would rather skip your desires to please a partner. When this happens often it shows that you may have lost your identity in the relationship.
  • Being afraid to speak up. You have lost the power to communicate your needs and wants.

How to rediscover your identity:

Pursue your personal aspirations that define you.

Entertain your personal passions outside your relationship. If you have a hobby you used to love doing on your own or with other people when you were single, continue to do it. If you’ve become lost in your current relationship, start finding new hobbies or entertainment that bring out your very best qualities and make you feel secure within yourself.

Don’t feel guilty about saying No.

The hardest part of maintaining your own identity occasionally means saying no to your partner. Many people struggle to say no due to feeling guilty and the fear of being rejected or abandoned in the relationship. A healthy relationship is about respect and understanding, so your partner should never make you feel guilty about working on your individual needs that make you feel happy.

Remember Choma you are your own person, and no one can ever take the power you have within, if you have lost it, it is possible to reclaim it.

If you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, an  Instagram message, a  Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).

Restoring Your Power In Love

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Healthy relationships provide a balance of power, where both partners are able to contribute differently and equally. However, in some relationships, there’s an imbalance of power, where one person is not given the opportunity to contribute equally to even the most important decisions affecting the relationship. If you find yourself feeling powerless in your relationship, here’s how you can reclaim your power.

Be honest

It’s important to do an audit of your relationships. This doesn’t suggest being harsh on your partner, but rather thinking about the relationship from its inception to the present. Consider the most important decisions and who typically makes them. If you don’t participate in decision-making in your relationships, consider why and how it affects you.

Define boundaries

After you’ve audited your relationship, consider whether boundaries were crossed and how you felt as a result. For example, if you believe your partner does not take your values or worries seriously, or they disregard your need for space, you should make a note of it so that you may address it. You might first put out your boundaries and needs so that you are clear on them.

Communicate boundaries

You’ll need to communicate your personal boundaries to your partner once you’ve defined them. Have a conversation with them in which you communicate your worries and establish new relationship limits that include your personal ones. Feel free to emphasise why these boundaries should be followed and what would happen if they are not.

Invest in yourself

Choma, the most important relationship in your life is the one you have with yourself. That is why, before attempting to impress others, you must invest time, effort, and energy in your own well-being, goals, and health. Investing in yourself means prioritizing your schooling, work, aspirations, and happiness over any romantic connection. Before putting effort into your partner or the relationship, take the time to understand who you are and what your dreams are. It’s self-love, not selfishness.

Time to let go

If you’ve spoken to your partner and taken the steps above to try and reclaim your power, but your partner isn’t willing to respect your needs, it may be time to consider whether staying in the relationship is worth it. Letting go of a relationship doesn’t mean you’ve failed; it just means you love yourself enough to let go of things that don’t bring you happiness.

Remember if you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, a Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).

How To Deal With Pregnancy Termination Stigma

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Stigma is when someone views you in a negative way because of who you are, your position, or the decisions you’ve made. Unfortunately, people who have decided to terminate often face social stigma and discrimination. This experience can make their problems worse, making it harder to confide in people and heal. Here’s how you can cope with termination stigma.

Don’t create self-doubt and shame.

Stigma doesn’t just come from others. You can mistakenly believe that your decision is a sign of personal weakness.  Seeking counselling, educating yourself about your options, and connecting with others who have decided to do the same can help you gain self-esteem and overcome self-judgment.

Don’t isolate yourself.

If you’ve terminated, you may be hesitant to tell anyone about it, including your family and friends. Reach out to people you trust for the compassion, support, and understanding you need.

Speak out against stigma.

Consider expressing your opinions whether it be online or offline. It can help give others the courage to educate the public about termination.

Get Help.

You may be reluctant to admit you need help when you are going through termination grief. Don’t let the fear of being labelled prevent you from seeking help. Help can provide relief by identifying what’s wrong and reducing symptoms that interfere with your work and personal life.

Remember others’ judgments almost always stem from a lack of understanding. Learning to accept your personal decisions and recognize what you need to do to get through them, seeking support, and helping educate others can make a big difference.

If you or a friend need someone to talk to, you can speak to me for advice or help here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, a Twitter DM WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).