As Women’s Month approaches, Jeanne van den Bergh, Founder of Guidance to Grow, a therapy centre specialising in trauma and bereavement counselling, emphasises the significance of mental health matters for women in South Africa. Under the theme: “Women’s Socio-Economic Rights and Empowerment: Building Back Better for Women’s Improved Resilience,” this Women’s Month offers a unique opportunity to address and support the mental well-being of women across the nation.
Recognising the Signs
“South African women face a multitude of challenges, and the pressures of balancing various roles can impact their emotional well-being. It is crucial to recognise when support is needed,” emphasises van den Bergh, urging women to be mindful of signs that indicate the need for help.
In a society where women often balance diverse responsibilities and roles, mental health can be significantly impacted. The pressures of excelling at work, managing relationships, and societal expectations can take a toll on emotional well-being. Additionally, women may face unique challenges, including reproductive health concerns, gender-based violence, and limited access to opportunities, all of which can deeply affect their mental state.
The Power of Seeking Support
South African women should be mindful of their mental well-being. It is crucial to recognise signs that indicate the need for support. Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, hopelessness, difficulty in managing daily tasks, or changes in sleep and eating patterns should not be ignored. Seeking professional help is a brave step towards building resilience and improving overall well-being.
“Seeking professional support is not a sign of weakness; rather, it is a courageous step towards building resilience and achieving overall well-being,” assures van den Bergh. “Through psychosocial counselling, individuals can explore emotions, process trauma, and develop coping mechanisms. Counselling serves as an investment in one’s well-being, leading to personal growth and enhanced resilience.”
Healing from Trauma
Traumatic experiences can leave lasting impacts on mental health, and women may have faced trauma from various sources, such as violence, loss, or discrimination. “Trauma-informed counselling is essential in understanding the effects of these experiences and working towards healing and rebuilding life after adversity,” states van den Bergh.
Navigating Grief and Loss
“Grieving is a deeply personal journey, and during this Women’s Month, it is crucial to allow oneself time and space to process grief and seek support when needed,” advises van den Bergh. “Counselling can provide valuable guidance to navigate through the grieving process.”
Cultivating Resilience
“Building resilience involves recognising our strengths, setting healthy boundaries, and fostering a supportive network,” encourages van den Bergh. “Building resilience is a skill that can be developed with guidance and practice, enabling women to bounce back from life’s challenges.”
Self-Care as an Act of Empowerment
“Self-care is not selfish; it is an act of self-compassion and empowerment,” emphasises van den Bergh, urging women to prioritise self-care to nurture their souls and strengthen their mental well-being. “Whether it’s spending time with loved ones, engaging in hobbies, or simply taking a moment to breathe, self-care is essential to maintaining good mental health,” she adds.
Embracing the Journey Together
As South Africa approaches Women’s Day, van den Bergh urges all women to recognise the importance of mental health matters. “Seeking support and counselling can pave the way to personal growth and improved resilience,” she states. “Embracing this journey together, South African women can empower each other, creating a society that values and prioritises mental health for the well-being of all.”
Contact Jeanne van den Bergh, psychosocial counsellor, and founder of Guidance to Grow, if you’re experiencing symptoms of depression. Jeanne is a compassionate and seasoned therapist who can assist you in navigating life’s obstacles with greater ease and resiliency. Contact her as soon as possible to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a happier, healthier life. You can overcome these obstacles and live a more fulfilling life with the proper support.
Read more:
Unveiling the Hidden Face of Depression: A Comprehensive Guide for Women in Midlife
The Consequences of Ignoring Depression: Why It Shouldn’t Be Taken Lightly
Normalising Depression Symptoms in Midlife
Media contact: Cathlen Fourie, +27 82 222 9198, cathlen@cfcommunications.co.za, https://www.cfcommunications.co.za/,
More about Guidance to Grow
Guidance to Grow is a South African-based therapeutic consultancy that provides professional counselling and life coaching services. Guidance to Grow, under leadership from Social Worker in Private Practice, Jeanne van den Bergh, has a focus on supporting individuals who are experiencing grief, bereavement, and trauma. They offer a range of services that are designed to help clients process and manage their emotions, including one-on-one counselling, group therapy, and workshops.
At Guidance to Grow, Jeanne takes a compassionate and personalised approach to each client’s unique needs. She works closely with clients to understand their challenges, provide guidance and support, and develop customised strategies to help them move forward and find a sense of peace and fulfillment.
Guidance to Grow’s commitment to providing exceptional therapeutic services has earned them a reputation as one of the most trusted and reliable counselling and life coaching providers in South Africa. If you or someone you know is struggling with grief, bereavement, or trauma, consider reaching out to Guidance to Grow for compassionate support and guidance.
Website: https://guidancetogrow.co.za/
Podcast: Vilomah – The loss of a child
Facebook page: Guidance to Grow
Facebook group: Guidance to Grow Bereaved Parents Support Group
LinkedIn: Guidance to Grow
Connect with Jeanne: Jeanne van den Bergh
Instagram: @guidance2grow
YouTube: Guidance to Grow