Most people can agree that the last 3 years were like no other experience we’ve encountered. COVID-19 stampeded through communities leaving businesses and schools closed in its path. Families suffered the loss of loved ones, loss of income and in … Continued
Self-soothing (self-regulation or grounding) is the ability to manage intense feelings or emotions (positive or negative), sensations and thoughts. It is a very important skill for all of us to have, but children are not born with this skill. Why … Continued
Both the International Day of Non-Violence (since 2007) and World Mental Health Day (since 1992) are coming up in the next 10 days. Yet, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 40 million children aged below 15 still fall victim … Continued
There is a saying that goes: It takes a village to raise a child. In years gone by, community living was a given. Historically, people lived in groups or tribes for safety, socialization, and shared resources. Our lives have been … Continued
Taking care of the generations that come after us. Every year the 12th of August is celebrated as International Youth Day, and this year the theme is Intergenerational Solidarity: Creating a World for All Ages. The truth is that all … Continued
Inequalities are all around us: poverty and financial strain, racism, sexism, bullying, abuse, neglect, homelessness and social exclusion due to sexual orientation, health, disability or age, to name just a handful. Inequality even in the most developed countries is unfortunately … Continued
Every year from 29 May to 6 June, South Africa observes National Child Protection Week. While the focus of the week is often on ways to protect children from physical harm, neglect or abuse, which should always be our first … Continued
The environments in which people live, grow and work affect their mental health. Ecological inequality risk factors that increase the possibility for mental health challenges includes a shortage of suitable housing and transport choices, community deprivation, a harmful environment, living … Continued
The link between physical and mental health is undeniable: those who have one or more physical challenges are at bigger risk of developing mental health problems, while mental health problems increase the risk of physical health problems. Individuals with long-term … Continued
Being communally linked is strongly linked to good mental health outcomes; access to positive relationships from an early age is essential to our growth, as well as our physical wellness and contentment across life. On the contrary, many of the … Continued