mental healthlatest news & developments
The backstreets of Koudougou after rain. Photo: Sean Christie

Heavy weather and the mind of the West African farmer

A growing body of evidence suggests that unpredictable weather linked to climate change has the potential to injure people’s minds, leading to an increase in the development of common mental disorders such as depression and anxiety

Nobuhle Radebe. Photo: Supplied

Hey mama, choose you

A gentle, honest guide for tired mamas ready to start 2026 more regulated, intentional and finally included in their own lives

Therapist: Dr Mazibuko says he sees far more women than men in therapy and men often drop out once they feel slightly better. Photo: EQ4 Brand Architects

When ethics drives you mad: Dr. Onke Mazibuko explores the psychology of whistleblowing in canary

In his second novel, Canary, Dr Onke Mazibuko writes about whistleblowing, corporate bullying and mental health

Crowning glory: This year’s Miss South Africa Qhawekazi Mazaleni. Photo: Indirect Media

Miss SA 2025 Qhawekazi Mazaleni on pageantry, purpose and possibility

She’s a researcher, speech therapist, author — and now Miss South Africa. But for Qhawekazi Mazaleni, it’s all part of one calling

Author Michelle Kekana

Road to mental wellness: Michelle Kekana and Marion Scher’s books give voice to the silent struggles within

Michelle Kekana and Marion Scher challenge the narrative, highlighting mental health as a universal human experience

Africa’s floods and droughts are messing with our minds. Researchers are trying to figure out how

As climate change intensifies, experts say our health and healthcare systems are going to suffer. But mental health often takes a back seat

(Graphic: John McCann/M&G)

Student wins institutional bullying battle after racism claim at private varsity

The student says that, after she was abused and belittled, instead of addressing the claims, the college launched disciplinary proceedings against her

In South Africa, one in three women experience depression or anxiety during pregnancy and after the birth of the child. Photo: David Harrison, M&G

Maternal mental health: The missing link in a thriving democracy

Women’s mental health matters not only for the mother but that of their children

Employers must ensure a safe and healthy work environment, which includes mental and psychological safety. Photo: File

Trauma in the workplace should not be swept under the carpet

Addressing workplace trauma requires empathy, legal compliance and interventions such as counselling and training

Gift: Vus’umuzi Phakathi, winner of this year’s Toastmasters’ Southern African Champion of Public Speaking award. Picture: Supplied

The architecture of speech: How to be heard

Southern Africa’s top speaker, Vus’umuzi Phakathi, unpacks the architecture of a powerful speech, mental illness, transformation and becoming visible in white spaces in an interview with Dshamilja Roshani

Young people understand social media dynamics, peer-to-peer communication and community mobilisation in ways that can be used improve health services. Photo: Bulungula Incubator

In the time of aid cuts, decentralise women’s health funding

Women and young people don’t need foreign experts to tell them what their communities need; they need resources and support to implement locally developed and relevant solutions

Between the lines: What South African stories reveal about men’s mental health

What happens when men can’t ask for help? These South African books offer raw, revealing answers

suicide as the fourth Death by suicide is the fourth highest cause of death among men aged 15 to 24 in South Africa. Graphic: John McCann/M&G

Act now to deal with the masculinity and mental health crisis in South Africa

More men than women take their own lives, murder rate of men is also higher, men take the lives of others and gender-based violence is rife

(File photo)

The God Edition | Technology is eroding our sense of serendipity

Online culture makes it increasingly difficult to believe in coincidence or divine intervention because of the feedback loop of curated social media algorithms

Author shares his life through an ethnic lens

One boy. Three matriarchs. Endless food, love, and drama. A memoir that’s as touching as it is tasty

Life and death matters: Author Khaya Dlanga deals with the loss of his brother and mother in Life is Like That Sometimes. Photo: Delwyn Verasamy

Khaya Dlanga: Writing his way to inner peace

Writer confronts family, grief and recovery in his most vulnerable, honest book yet

Many grade 12 learners do not cope with the pressures of preparing for the matric exams

Backlogs: Learners pay the price with their mental health

The systemic failures in education mean that learners are not adequately prepared for their matric year

Too many children in South Africa are raped, murdered or assaulted every day.

Amplify children’s voices to overcome violence in South Africa

We urgently need more interventions to protect children and address the root causes of violence in the country

Ah-men to that: Poet Thabiso Mohare (above) is the co-founder of the Ah Men X Inside Out poetry series. (Dirk Skiba Photography)

Poetry Series: Men of their words

Series explores masculinity and healing through raw, powerful performances

The classroom must adapt for Generation Alpha

Teachers must ensure mental health and create relevance for children of the digital age who know about identity diversity, global crises and an uncertain world