Dr Alicia Porter (Psychiatrist) and Emma Jesse (Counselling Psychologist) joined SADAG on Facebook on the 6th of October in their weekly “Ask The Expert” on an enlightening topic on 'Common Myths and Questions on Mental Health Debunked.' This was in an effort to break down the barriers and misconceptions surrounding Mental Health together. This was an opportunity to gain valuable insights and have questions answered.

Deborah Olusola joined Radio 786's Lifestyle Matters talk show hosted by Lamees Karjieker on Monday, 8 May 2023. This interview was focused on aspects surrounding mental health and individuals in marriage.

Sikander Kalla and Deborah Olusola, Clinical Psychologists at The Couch, joined Dr Musa Mthombeni live on theSABC2 show Vital Signs on the 1st of March 2023. This interview related to the current statistics of 23 reported suicides daily, with 230 serious attempts in South Africa. Experts in the field spoke on mental health focusing on young adult and teen suicide. Other talking points were on the shortage of mental resources that are faced in South Africa, common reasons as to why people attempt suicide and more.

Clinical Psychologist Deborah Olusola joined Power FM, on the 2nd of March to speak on Teen Mental Health Day, and the relationship between social media, screen time and mental health. Some of the talking points included how social media affects mental health, how teenagers adapt to a "new" digital world in a way that wouldn't negatively impact or control them and ideas or tips to help teenagers ‘switch off’.

Clinical Psychologist Deborah Olusola joined Channel Africa Radio, on the 2nd of March to speak on Teen Mental Health Day, and the relationship between social media, screen time and mental health. Some of the talking points included how social media affects mental health, how teenagers adapt to a "new" digital world in a way that wouldn't negatively impact or control them and ideas or tips to help teenagers ‘switch off’.

To contribute to the prevalent psychoeducation that came about when matriculant results were set to be released in January 2023, Deborah shared her knowledge with writer for The Daily Maverick, Tamsin Metelerkamp, by answering a few burning questions. To read Deborah’s article, head over to The Daily Maverick’s page.

Clinical Psychologist Deborah Olusola also joined hosts of SABC’s Channel Africa Radio, Sheila Ndikumana and Luyanda Maome, on the 23rd of January 2023 to further elaborate on the topic of matriculants and mental health. This interview also aired on DSTV audio bouquet, channel 802 and www.channelafrica.co.za

On the 24th of December 2022, a gas tanker wedged underneath a railway bridge exploded near the Tambo Memorial Hospital. The explosion caused extreme damages to infrastructure, and left many with critical injuries. Clinical Psychologist Deborah Olusola joined Newzroom Afrika to share her insights about the blast. She shared how one can start to cope with traumatic experiences, such as the explosion, to take care of one's mental health, what the road to recovery looks like for those who lost loved ones or who are surviving burn victims, and advice for people who can or cannot afford access to private care.

Clinical Psychologist Ryan Cooper joined the discussion with Founder of Yellow Owl, Thuli Zikalala, and SADAG on their latest Facebook Friday. On the 25th of November 2022, which was the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the main topic that was talked about included the mental health impact on people living with disabilities. Some topics that were discussed were how a disability affects someone's mental health, how easy it is to find a psychologist and psychiatrist capable of assisting the deaf community, how to best support someone who has a disability, some ways of coping as a person that lives with a disability, some helpful information for family members or friends to know, and assumptions that are often made about people with disabilities that are not true.

Jon Pedrosa was invited to talk about mental health with radio presenter Rachel Makhura and netball player Jo Prins on the Sports Wrap with Radio 2000 recently. They looked at the story of award winning netball player Jo Prins after she announced that she is hanging up her netball dress to take care of her mental health. In a career that spanned over 22 years, she had never missed the Telkom Netball League but this time she felt she needed to make this decision due to a decline in her mental health. Jon added to the discussion on mental health, depression, suicide and the stigma that surrounds these elements among sports athletes.

Psychiatrist Dr Alicia Porter joined eNCA’s Masego Rahlaga during Child Protection Week in July 2022 to add to the discussion on the shortage of child and adolescent mental health specialists as stated by The South African Society of Psychiatrists. More specifically, state-funded child specialists are only available in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape, while most practitioners are in private practice.

Clinical Psychologist Nisha Rodgerson joined the mental health discussion with fellow Clinical Psychologist, Charity Mkone, on Power Lunch with Faith Mangope on Wednesday, 15 June 2022. Nisha added to the Health Wednesday conversation by distinguishing between Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), previously known as Multiple Personality Disorder, and Bipolar Disorder. They looked at the movie 'Split', and it was emphasized that we should be sensitive when it comes to diagnoses and the way that mental illnesses are portrayed in the media. Further topics such as the use of medication, the way that Bipolar Disorder and Dissociative Identity Disorder manifests, cultural considerations and available resources were also unpacked.

Article: Published in December 2021, this article by Clinical Psychologist Yumna Zubi explores Gender based Violence within relationships.

Article: This article by Clinical Psychologist Jon Pedrosa explores sex addiction, it’s root causes, and attempts at coping.

Clinical Psychologist Sikander Kalla discusses the importance of maintaining structure and routine when going through adjustments and reintegrating into the workplace. Transitioning back to work after the prolonged lockdown presents some unique challenges. As we reintegrate into the workplace, it is important that we do so while considering the psychological as well as the holistic perspectives of our wellbeing. Monitoring our mental health indicators, re-establishing work boundaries and taking the necessary measures to ensure we tackle our anxieties are some of the necessary steps discussed in today’s video.

Melissa Janet focuses on how parents can assist their children with all the changes that living through a pandemic has brought upon them. Many children of all ages are struggling with the challenges they have had to go through with lockdown restrictions and the general sense of fear and anxiety that has pervaded their worlds. Melissa will outline 6 ways in which parents can assist their children, both practically and emotionally, to create a sense of normalcy at home during these uncertain times. Melissa goal is to empower parents on how best to support their children, thereby alleviating not only your child's anxiety but that of parents as well.

Given our current circumstances, clinical psychologist, Daniella Matthews discusses how to successfully navigate change and uncertainty and highlights the importance of self-care during this time. Common reactions to the uncomfortable feelings of anxiety and uncertainty associated with change are distraction, avoidance and denial. Daniella points out why these reactions might be unhelpful and unpacks the importance of acknowledging and expressing our emotions in an honest way. She provides helpful tips and advice on practicing mindfulness, avoiding overthinking and maintaining a positive mindset in the face of change.

As a parent, how have you been coping with having the children at home for the past two months? Samantha Slaven shares some tips and advice about parenting during lockdown. Samantha is an occupational therapist with special interest in motherhood and parenting.

Psychiatrist Dr. Alicia Porter is addressing some of the concerns and anxieties we are all experiencing around the Covid-19 pandemic.

In this SABC News appearance, Sikander Kalla Clinical Psychologist dissects mental health in South Africa by explaining the importance of being attuned to neurovegetative symptoms, the necessity of debunking the misconceptions that perpetuate stigma, and some of the structural barriers that make it difficult to access health care in our context. Additionally, Sikander Kalla goes on to offer a suggestion of collaborating with the Department of Basic Education to incorporate mental health awareness in the primary and secondary education syllabus.

Dr Alicia Porter speaks about the importance of breaking the stigma around medication and understanding how it works in this 2019 interview. Sometimes knowing the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist can be challenging, also understanding the ways of treating mental illness can be confusing but this interview sheds a bit of light and some insight.

Clinical Psychologist Cassandra Govender talking about all things Mental Health in South Africa in May 2019.

Title: Recollected experiences of first hospitalisation for acute psychosis among persons diagnosed with schizophrenia in South Africa.

Abstract: First-time admission to a psychiatric hospital for acute psychosis has been reported to be extremely traumatic, and this has not been adequately researched in the South African context. This study approached persons diagnosed with schizophrenia and explores their recollected, subjective experiences of their first admission to a South African psychiatric hospital ward for acute psychosis. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with seven participants diagnosed with schizophrenia. These were analysed using thematic content analysis. While some participants had positive experiences, the majority reported frightening, distressing, emotionally painful or traumatic experiences during their first hospitalisation. The first hospital admission was also described as having serious long-term implications for the person’s wellbeing, particularly as the diagnosis of schizophrenia made them feel isolated and stigmatised, which further hinders them from recovering from their symptoms and reintegrating into society. This study therefore draws attention to aspects of the process of first admission to psychiatric wards in South Africa, which may benefit from proactive intervention and closer research attention.

Author: Clinical Psychologist Yumna Zubi

Article: Published in September 2015, this article by Clinical Neuropsychologist Cindy Van Wyk explores the important role of hospitlisation in voluntary and involuntary admissions.

According to these studies around 70 percent of people who committed suicide showed warning signs, but often this is realised too late. To give us more insight into this, we are joined by Healthcare Practitioner and Psychiatrist, Dr Danella Eliasov from an interview in August 2015.

From an interview in July 2015, Healthcare Practitioner and Psychiatrist, Dr Danella Eliasov shed light on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), after a subsequent news story that stemmed from the Oscar Pistorius case was released.

Article: Published in May 2015, this article by Clinical Psychologist Yumna Zubi explores the important role of hospitlisation in voluntary and involuntary admissions.

Article: Published on Thursday, May 28th 2015, this article by Educational Psychologist Melina Georgiou centres around the effect of bullying in schools

Article: Published on Monday, September 23rd, 2013 - this article by Clinical Psychologist Yumna Zubi centres around safety during sexual intimacy in relationships.

Article: Published in May 2015, Educational Psychologist Melina Georgiou contributes her expertise to the growing bullying epidemic in South Africa.

Article: Published in the June edition of O!, 2014, this article by Clinical Psychologist Yumna Zubi centres focuses on expectations within a relationships

Article: Published in 2014, this article by Clinical Psychologist Yumna Zubi explores some of the psychological elements involved in brief holiday romances.

Article: Published in September 2013, this article by Clinical Psychologist Yumna Zubi explores some of the traumatic experiences felt by Schizophrenic patients on their admission to hospital.