ON SALE
ONLY R23.95 spring 2014
volume 02 | issue 05
: RS A L REGU
MOVE Running | RELATE Listening | DO reading TRY Tapping (EFT) | EAT hEALTHY OPTIONS
Contents spring 2014
10
volume 02 | issue 05
FEATURES
10 14 16 20 24 28 31 32 36 38 40 42 48
COVER STORY: Kagisano Sefurutsi Managing Panic & Anxiety Mary Kelly Making Peace with Epilepsy Happiness Ephemeral or Possible?
Relationship Breakup A Survival Guide Integrative Psychiatry A Holistic Approach to Healing Depression & Alcohol Abuse A First Aid Guide
E.L.S.K.E Photography
Vitamins & Nutrients Are We Running on Empty?
WIN! For our
fabulous book giveaways see pages 7 & 18
MOVE: Running Benefits & Inspiration DO: Reading A Brain-Building Workout RELATE: Listening The Why and the How TRY: Emotional Freedom Technique Acupuncture for Negative Emotions
16
28
EAT: Healthy Options Dhal Makhani, Salsa & Cauliflower Rice John Nash Overcoming Schizophrenia
in every issue...
03 Editor’s Notes
44 8 Steps for Mental Wellness
04 Inbox
46 Resources
06 Newsdesk
47 Inspiration
32 Spring2014 | 1
Publishing Editor Jen Goy jen@thrivemag.co.za Creative Director Angelique da Costa angelique@thrivemag.co.za ASSISTANT EDITOR Jean Jacobs jean@thrivemag.co.za SOCIAL MEDIA Lara Potgieter larapotgieter@gmail.com COPY EDITOR Anna Herrington herrington.anna@gmail.com Advertising Enquiries ads@thrivemag.co.za Subscription Enquiries subs@thrivemag.co.za Editorial Enquiries info@thrivemag.co.za PrinteD by Tandym Print RETOUCHING by 360 Digital DISTRIBUTED BY Ezweni Copyright Turquoise Swan Media (Pty)Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without prior permission of the Editor.
Thrive is now available at selected Pick n Pay Pharmacies, CNAs and Exclusive Books. See
thrivemag.co.za for details.
Panel of Experts
Prof. Dan Stein BSc(Med), MBChB, FRCPC, PhD, DPhil Dr Judy Bentley MBChB, MMed(Psych), FCPsych(SA) Dr David Dennis MBChB, FCPsych(SA) Dr Neil Horn MBChB, FCPsych(UK) Dr Nazmeera Khamissa MBChB, MRCPsych(London), FCPsych(SA) Dr John Parker MBBCH, FCPsych(SA) Dr Arien van der Merwe MBChB, FRSCH(London), MISMA(UK) Zahava Aarons MA(Clin Psych) Engelie Brand MSc(Med App Psych), MA(Clin Psych) Equivalence Bradley Drake MSc(Clin Psych) Zureida Garda MA(Clin Psych) Tebogo Makgabo MA(Clin Psych) Corrie Davidson MA(Social Work) Keri Drake BA(HMS) Honours(Biokinetics) Dr Rene Jeannes M.Tech Homeopathy Beatrice Rabkin BSc(Nutr Med), Dip.Pharm Shona Saayman BSc(OT) Honours Dr Jaci Schultz M.Tech Homeopathy Nurain Tisaker BSocSc(Social Work) Honours Life Coaches: Godfrey Madanhire, Elmarie Potgieter, Susan Roy ACC. PCD. Our Panel of Experts
Need advice?
personal stories All personal stories in Thrive are real. However, due to the stigma surrounding mental illness, most people wish to remain anonymous. If you would like to make contact, email stories@thrivemag.co.za. Your message will be forwarded to the person concerned.
are here to help! hello@ thrivemag.co.za
is Published by
Your Story
on the cover Kagisano Sefurutsi PHOTOGRAPHY Elske Kritzinger E.L.S.K.E Photography 082 927 7194 elskegallery.co.za
Have you suffered from mental illness at some point in your life? Are you willing to tell your story and inspire others? Email us on hello@thrivemag.co.za Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of Thrive. Always consult a specialist before making any changes to your diet or medication.
204 Rustenburg Arcadia Road Rondebosch Cape Town PO Box 13551 Mowbray 7705 Tel: 021 685 1431
welcome volume 02 | issue 05
W
E.L.S.K.E Photography
elcome to the Spring 2014 issue! As always, we have thoroughly enjoyed putting the magazine together. We hope that you will enjoy reading it just as much! Thrive has a holistic approach to mental health. We believe that true
I’d love to hear from you! email hello@ thrivemag. co.za
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editor’s notes
wellness is obtained, not just by taking medication (although this may be important), but by addressing all areas of our lives. This approach is a result of my own experience. After experiencing annual episodes of depression for most of my life, including while on medication, I eventually decided that enough was enough, and vowed to do everything in my power to be well. Among other things, I searched for and found exercise that I love (a dance modality called Nia). I saw a nutritional therapist and followed her advice. And I learned not to be too hard on myself, aiming for “progress, not perfection”. The result: I’ve been well for three whole years. It may not sound like very long but, for the difference it has made in my life, it could be a lifetime. However, for any healing to take place, hope is essential. We have to believe it’s possible to be well, in order to even try to be well. In the eloquent words of a recovered mental health patient: “A tiny fragile spark of hope appeared and promised that there could be more than all of this darkness … This is the mystery. This is the grace. All the polemic and technology of
psychiatry, psychology, social work and science cannot account for this phenomenon of hope. But those who have recovered know that this grace is real. We have lived it. It is our shared secret”. We will be talking much more about hope in future issues. However, the truth is that when I say future issues I’m being optimistic. A few months ago, I had to face the hard fact that the magazine is not financially sustainable. But that doesn’t mean it’s over. The feedback from readers testifying to its enormous value has made me determined to find a way to keep it going. There seem to be a few viable options. Not necessarily easy ones but, as they say: never, ever, give up! To keep updated (and to be inspired and informed!), sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. With your support, we can make the next issue of Thrive a reality!
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our blog for bits and pieces of Thriving information and inspiration thrivemag.co.za
our twice monthly newsletter by going to thrivemag.co.za Spring2014 | 3
Have you enjoyed reading Thrive? tell us what you think!
hello@thrivemag.co.za
A More Confident Supporter I came across the Autumn 2014 issue of your magazine at a psychiatric clinic. What a godsend it has proved to be! My 20-year-old son was diagnosed with bipolar disorder type 1 two years ago. I’ve come to terms with his diagnosis, but have struggled to know how best to support him: how much to take care of him, and how much to let go. I’ve also felt very alone. My son sees a psychiatrist and a psychologist on a regular basis, as well as attending a monthly support group. However, I don’t know anyone in a similar position to myself. It was extremely comforting to read Jay and Michelle’s story: how they’ve travelled the bipolar “road” together, and how Michelle has managed to be such a constructive and healing force in
Dr John Parker MBBCH, FCPsych(SA) John is a senior lecturer in the Department of Psychiatry & Mental Health at UCT and a specialist psychiatrist at Lentegeur Hospital. He is the founder and project manager of the Lentegeur Spring Project. John.Parker@ westerncape.gov.za
4 | Spring2014
Jay’s life. It’s wonderful to hear that love really can triumph over what is often such a destructive disorder for all concerned. Jay and Michelle’s story has given me hope for the future. I also feel more confident about my abilities as a bipolar supporter. Christine, Cape Town It is wonderful to hear that Thrive has made such a difference in your life. Thank you.
Congratulations! I am writing to congratulate you on your exquisite Autumn 2014 issue. The quick reference blocks that summarise anchor articles are the coup de grace. Your inspiration page is magnificent. The magazine’s glossy feel, well-rounded articles and eye-catching imagery catapults it into the realm of top-notch concise encyclopaedias on thriving! Frans Jones, Pretoria Today, I laid my hands on a copy of Thrive magazine for the first time. What a pleasant surprise and a breath of fresh
Zureida Garda MA(Clin Psych) Zureida is a well-being consultant who draws on her psychological training and uses hypnotherapy, EFT and mindfulness to help clients explore emotional blockages. She wrote the article Breaking Up on page 24. ztgarda@gmail.com
air! I’d like to congratulate the editorial staff for putting together such a positive and well-balanced publication. It’s crucial that the stigma attached to mental health conditions is diminished, and I think that your magazine will help this enormously. All the very best for your worthy endeavours. Francois Carstens, Cape Town Thank you for your wonderful magazine and newsletter. You call yourself “Team Thrive”. However, I call you the “A Team” as you are doing such important and sterling work in order to provide insight into the mental illness conditions which so many people suffer from. I am looking forward to the next issue. My husband has lent my two magazines to friends. I suppose they think that they can keep them, but I miss them. Dawn Dawson, Durban Thanks for the compliments. Your encouragement makes us determined to find a way in which to keep Thrive going.
Keri Drake BA(HMS)(Honours) Biokinetics Keri is a biokineticist in private practice. She has a special interest in fascial alignment and correct movement of the body. She wrote the article on Running on page 32. keridrake@gmail.com
Lana Ackermann Lana has explored the field of energy psychology for over 10 years and is an accredited Level 1,2 & 3 EFT Trainer. She uses EFT in combination with counselling and life coaching. She wrote the article on the Emotional Freedom Technique on page 40. lana@acker.co.za
spring 2014
“You’re only given a little spark of madness. You mustn’t lose it.” Robin Williams
6 | Spring2014
volume 02 | issue 05
The 10th of September was World Suicide Prevention Day. With the recent news of Robin Williams’ suicide, it couldn’t have been better timing. The shock of the death of the iconic, well-loved actor “by his own hand” generated floods of conversation on the internet and in the media, considerably raising awareness of the issues surrounding what is an everyday occurrence. Actually, suicide is not just an everyday occurrence. It is an every 40-second occurrence. This alarming statistic was recently reported by the World Health Organization who also stated that 800 000 people die by means of suicide every year; more than from conflicts, wars and natural disasters combined. According to the South African Federation of Mental Health, South Africa has the 8th highest suicide rate in the world. Every day there are 23 successful suicides, and 230 attempted suicides. Many people find it difficult to understand why a person would attempt or commit suicide. It is often judged as a supremely selfish act, and this opinion was frequently expressed with regards to Robin Williams’ suicide. Contributing to the
discussion, The Huffington Post published an extremely moving and insightful article by suicide survivor, Katie Hurley. In it she says: “Suicide is a lot of things, but selfish isn’t one of them. Suicide is a decision made out of desperation, hopelessness, isolation and loneliness. The black hole that is clinical depression is all-consuming. Feeling like a burden to loved ones, feeling like there is no way out, feeling trapped and feeling isolated are all common among people who suffer from depression. People who say that suicide is selfish always reference the survivors. It’s selfish to leave children, spouses and other family members behind, so they say. They’re not thinking about the survivors, or so they would have us believe. What they don’t know is that those very loved ones are the reason many people hang on for just one more day ...” Suicide is preventable and there is much help available for people in need of support. However, it is vital that this message is spread as widely and rapidly as possible.
spring 2014
volume 02 | issue 05
A group of private psychiatric clinics spent their 67 minutes on Mandela Day dropping off back copies of Thrive magazine at the psychiatric outpatient departments of government hospitals in Johannesburg. Hopefully, Thrive provided inspiration and information while alleviating the boredom of the queues! The Diving
3 copies up for grabs
Helen Walne Popular columnist, Helen Walne tells of her tortuous relationship with her brother, Richard, who couldn’t resist the lure of death. It is an achingly personal account of the inner turmoil of those who are left behind after a loved one’s suicide, and of dealing with grief, fear, isolation and depression. But it also tells of hope, recovery and learning to live without the person who has left them. Email win@thrivemag. co.za with your full name, phone number and title of the book.
The 20th Cape Town International Kite Festival will be held at Muizenburg on the 1st and 2nd of November. All profits of this annual event go towards Cape Mental Health, to help them provide mental health services to adults and children in poorly-resourced communities. This years theme “Beyond the Blue” will attract over 20 000 visitors, as well as some of the biggest names in kiting. For more information on the Cape Town International Kite Festival and Cape Mental Health, contact 021 447-9040.
Spring2014 | 7
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volume 02 | issue 05
Buddy Care was launched in Cape Town earlier this year in order to support people with PTSD and their family members. With the beautiful slogan, “People helping people with practical human kindness”, they currently run forums (support groups) in Rondebosch and the Southern Peninsula. Plans are in place to open many more groups in the near future. For more information see buddycare.co.za or contact Brian Rogers brian@buddycare.co.za
It has been known for a while that aromatic-tumerone, a bioactive compound found in turmeric, plays a role in decreasing inflammation in the brain associated with many different neurological disorders, including depression. In addition, recent research by scientists at the Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine in Jülich, Germany, has shown that this compound causes neuronal stem cell proliferation and differentiation, thereby playing an important role in the recovery of brain function in neurodegenerative diseases. Lead author of the study, Adele Rueger, said: “While several substances have been described to promote stem cell proliferation in the brain, fewer [substances] additionally promote the differentiation of stem cells into neurons, which constitutes a major goal in regenerative medicine”. As a recent article on sciencedaily.com states: “The findings suggest [that] aromatic-turmerone could be a future drug candidate for treating neurological disorders such as stroke and Alzheimer’s disease”.
8 | Spring2014
growingbolder.com Inspiration for those who are growing older… Their Facebook posts are fab!
“Sometimes you just have to look at a photo of a bulldog taking a selfie... and SMILE!”
by Dr Judy Bentley MBChB, MMed(Psych), FCPsych(SA)
GET WELL
2 KNOW YOUR ILLNESS
1 SEE A DOCTOR If you have symptoms that are starting to affect your daily life, it’s time to see a doctor. Your GP is qualified to treat milder mental illnesses. However, if you have an illness such as depression that is causing you to stay away from work, affecting your relationships, or is recurrent, you need to ask for a referral to a psychiatrist who can give you a more accurate assessment and provide in-depth management. If necessary, your GP or psychiatrist will be able to refer you to a therapist for additional treatment.
Knowledge is power! Get to know the symptoms, signs, and what you can expect from your illness. Briefly record what you are experiencing each day. This will keep track of your improvement, and will show early signs of your symptoms worsening. This information is also extremely helpful to your doctor in assessing your progress. Research your illness and learn about ways to get and stay mentally well. However, make sure that the information comes from a reputable source.
3 TAKE YOUR MEDS NEED INSPIRATION?
See Thrive’s Regular Sections: EAT, MOVE, DO, RELATE & TRY! 44 | Spring2014
If medication is prescribed, take it regularly. It is the only way to ensure that you get the response you want. If you have side effects, or notice anything unusual or undesirable while on the medication, speak to your doctor. Don’t just stop taking it. Stopping any medication suddenly can be dangerous or make you feel ill.
stay WELL
5 MOVE Exercise has been proven to reduce stress and improve recovery from depression. Keep moving!
4 EAT Eat regular meals even if you have very little appetite. Little and often is good for you. Keep up your intake of fruit and veg. Try not to give in to the temptation to live off carbohydrate-laden pastries and sweets. Choose low GI foods. This regulates your blood sugar and improves the functioning of your brain. It is particularly important for people who experience a lot of anxiety. A little of what you fancy does you good - eat a square or two of dark chocolate daily. Omega-3s help to protect your brain. Eat oily fish at least three times a week and/or take a supplement.
Remember: Always be gentle with yourself. Accept where you are at and set ‘baby step’ goals. Aim for progress and not perfection.
6 DO Sleep! Ensure that you keep regular hours as much as possible. Go to bed and get up at the same time each day regardless of whether it is during the week or on a weekend. Explore your creativity! Your brain needs stimulation to keep healthy. Get outdoors and soak up as much light and sunshine as possible. Even better, exercise outdoors. Explore stress management and relaxation activities. Find what works for you and do it!
7 RELATE The most important relationship is with yourself. Take time to work on this. Being part of a community is good for your mental health. Improve your relationship skills, and nurture old and new friendships. Get involved in giving back to your community in a way that works for you. Don’t isolate yourself no matter how much you feel like retreating. Contact with friends and family gives perspective and energy. If possible, see a therapist regularly.
8 NURTURE YOURSELF You can’t give to others if you have nothing left to give. Take time out regularly to recharge your batteries. Spring2014 | 45
INFO.
Resources & Useful Info.
Free Counselling Lifeline www.lifeline.org.za FAMSA www.famsa.org.za
Professionals
“because knowing where to get help is the first step to recovery …”
SADAG Suicide Crisis Line 0800 567 567 SMS 31393 8am-8pm Pharmadynamics Police and Trauma Line 0800 20 50 26 8am-8pm AstraZeneca Bipolar Line 0800 70 80 90 8am-8pm
Psychiatrists www.sasop.co.za Psychologists www.psychotherapy.co.za
help online
Help-lines Sanofi Aventis Sleep Line 0800 753 379 8am-8pm SADAG Mental Health Line 011 262 6396 8am-8pm Department of Social Development Substance Abuse Line 0800 12 13 14 SMS 32312 24hr helpline
Dr Reddy’s Help Line 0800 21 22 23 8am-8pm Lifeline www.lifeline.org.za National 0861 322 322 AIDS 0800 012 322 Stop Gender Violence 0800 150 150
www.sadag.org www.health24.com www.psychcentral.com www.nami.org
Support Groups Contact SADAG for groups in your area 011 262 6396
Online Forums www.bipolarsa.org.za www.psychcentral.com (select community) www.nami.org
67 Visagie Street, Monte Vista, 7460, South Africa Tel: +27 21 558 7252 | Fax: +27 21 558 7425 | Mobile: +27 82 584 9834
www.cognitive-behaviour-therapy.co.za
Find a mental health professional today! mentalhealthsa.org.za
Inspiration
Ring the bells that still can ring Forget your perfect offering There is, there is a crack in everything That’s how the light gets in Leonard Cohen
Spring2014 | 47
The Extraordinary Life of John Nash By Jean Jacobs
Russell Crowe won both a BAFTA and Golden Globe for his portrayl of John Nash in the 2001 blockbuster, A Beautiful Mind
I
n 1994, John Forbes Nash, Jr. won the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences. He later became the inspiration behind the Hollywood blockbuster, A Beautiful Mind. However, Nash’s life has not been smooth sailing, and some are still amazed that he was not only alive, but well enough to receive the Nobel Prize. Nash, an American, grew up in a stable, loving household with parents who worked hard in order for him to receive a good education. In 1948, he obtained both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Mathematics and went on to pursue graduate studies at Princeton University. He met his wife, Alicia, in 1951 whilst teaching at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). They were married six years later, and all went well until Alicia fell pregnant with their first child in 1959. Nash started to behave erratically and become extremely paranoid. It is alleged that, at one point, he believed all men who wore red ties were part of a communist conspiracy against him. He was eventually
admitted to hospital and diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a disorder characterised by loss of touch with reality. There are various types, with paranoid schizophrenia being the most common and marked by paranoid delusions (fixed and false beliefs of being harmed or persecuted by a particular person or group of people), sometimes accompanied by auditory hallucinations. As expected, this illness can have a major effect on a person’s everyday functioning and quality of life. For Nash, it meant having to resign from his job and, for many years, being in and out of psychiatric hospitals. However, in 1970, he was discharged from hospital for the last time. Nash says that over time he was able to train his mind to “intellectually reject some of the delusionally influenced lines of thinking” that he experienced. He also applied himself to avoiding behaviour that he knew would take him back to hospital. Nash was able to come out of isolation and start socialising with other mathematicians, becoming somewhat of a legend at Princeton University. Through hard work and determination, he won a series of awards for his work, culminating in the Nobel Prize. He overcame the severe obstacles presented by his struggle with schizophrenia and excelled in his field. It can be said that he turned the disadvantages of his disorder into advantages, and he himself is quoted as saying, “I wouldn’t have had good scientific ideas if I had thought more normally”. His mind worked differently to others and that is what made him prosper. Over the years, Nash has developed his own theory on mental illness, comparing it to being “on strike” from expected social roles. He advocates that human diversity and non-standard behaviour have huge potential benefits for society, including great progress in learning and research. All that is needed is acceptance and encouragement. John Nash is a testament to the fact that, with a positive attitude and determination, obstacles in life can be overcome. Despite the negative effects of mental illness, personal and professional fulfilment is possible.
“His mind worked differently to others and that is what made him prosper.” 48 | Spring2014