Monique Dames Psychology

23/02/2026

Why overthinking is NOT the same as problem-solving

Overthinking feels productive.

It feels responsible.
It feels like you’re “figuring it out.”
It feels like if you just think a little longer, you’ll finally feel calm.

But here’s the difference:

🧠 Problem-solving moves you forward.
🔁 Overthinking keeps you stuck.

Choose solving over spiralling!!

20/02/2026

On World Day of Social Justice, we are reminded that social justice and mental health are deeply connected. Inequality, discrimination, and poverty are not only social issues — they impact psychological wellbeing, contributing to stress, anxiety, depression, and hopelessness across communities worldwide. When people feel excluded or unheard, it affects their sense of dignity and belonging. But when fairness, inclusion, and equal opportunity are promoted, individuals and societies thrive. Social justice is not separate from mental health — it is essential to it.

16/02/2026

What anxiety actually feels like (from a psychologist’s perspective)

Anxiety isn’t just “worrying too much.”

It’s:

• Waking up tired because your brain never really switched off
• Replaying conversations long after they’ve ended
• Feeling like something is wrong — even when everything is fine
• A tight chest, shallow breathing, a racing heart
• Snapping at the people you love because you’re overstimulated
• Being highly competent… but constantly afraid of failing

Anxiety is your nervous system stuck in protect mode.

It’s your brain trying to scan for danger — even when there isn’t any.

And here’s the important part:

Anxiety is not weakness.
It’s not a lack of faith.
It’s not attention-seeking.
It’s not “just stress.”

It’s a very real physiological response.

When someone says, “Just calm down,” what they’re actually asking is for your nervous system to switch off an alarm that feels urgent and real.

Healing from anxiety isn’t about becoming fearless.
It’s about teaching your body that it is safe again.

If this resonates, you’re not dramatic.
You’re overwhelmed. And that makes sense.

11/02/2026

12/12/2025

We will be closed from 12 December 2025 until 7 January 2026. Our office will reopen on 8 January 2026. For any bookings for the new year, please email us at mdamespsychology@gmail.com. For any emergencies, go to your nearest emergency room.

Have a wonderful festive season!

16/10/2025

Our practice is 2 years old today!!! So thankful to have as my colleague, advisor and friend! God has blessed us beyond our wildest dreams. Thank you to our loyal clients and supporters. Looking forward to the next chapter!

04/08/2025

There are scientifically proven ways to help yourself procrastinate less. You can overcome procrastination!!

30/07/2025

The International Day of Friendship was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 2011, to promote friendship among people, countries, cultures, and individuals and inspire peace efforts by building bridges between communities. Appreciate the friends who choose to stay!

02/07/2025

Addiction is a mental illness. The biopsychosocial model explains that addiction is a result of a constellation of factors. Some are universal, such as the way substances affect brain chemistry, leading to dependence and cravings. Others are more individualized and shaped by a person’s unique social and psychological environment.

09/06/2025

Sometimes you need someone to help you dig through life... Therapy is for everyone.

04/06/2025

4 June is International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression. The purpose of this day is to "acknowledge the pain suffered by children throughout the world who are the victims of physical, mental and emotional abuse." In 2019, the Government of Namibia launched the Violence Against Children and Youth Survey. They found that one in ten females (11.8%) and one in thirteen males (7.3%) experienced sexual abuse before the age of 18, nearly one in three females (32.9%) and two in five males (41.2%) experienced physical violence before age 18, and one in ten females (11.4%) and one in thirteen males (7.8%) experienced emotional violence by a parent, caregiver, or adult relative in childhood. Let's stand up for and protect our children!