The psyche network

07/03/2025

Loneliness is a huge issue for people of all ages and backgrounds.
What are some ways you can create a sense of community, connection, and belonging in your life?

Credit:

24/02/2025

17/02/2025

Worth sharing.
Copied from Dr. Clinton Kadochi

We rarely talk about the courage it takes to stand firm in what you believe and dare to change.

Being impactful is not easy—it often comes with resistance, criticism, and doubt. The moment you choose to build, lead, or challenge the status quo, you invite scrutiny, often from those who have never built, led, or changed anything themselves. Many well-meaning people, conditioned to see safety as the ultimate path to success, will question your choices simply because they’ve never dared to step beyond their own comfort zones.

If you’re going to lead, you must have the courage to be disliked. If you’re going to succeed, you must have the courage to be misunderstood. If you’re going to drive change, you must have the courage to be criticized. If you’re going to be different, you must have the courage to let go of some friends.

But here’s the irony—many of the same people who resist you today will one day benefit from the very thing they opposed.

Doubt and external opinions will always be there, but they don’t have to define you. Stressing less and living more means focusing on your purpose rather than people’s perceptions. It means understanding that criticism is often a reflection of others’ fears, not your limitations.

I dream of a day when mental wellness and seeking psychotherapy will be normalized in Africa. Until that day comes, I will remain committed to championing trauma-informed leadership and empowering others to rise above self-doubt and fear.

This week, I encourage you to stay committed to what you believe in and rise to the occasion of the change you desire.

17/02/2025

LETS TALK EMPATHY
Empathy is a vital component of building and maintaining strong relationships, fostering compassion and creating a deeper understanding of others.

What is empathy?
Empathy is the ability to imagine oneself in another person's position and understand their feelings, perspectives and experiences. It's about putting yourself in someone else's shoes and trying to see things from their point of view.

Why is empathy important?
1. Builds connections: Empathy helps create a sense of mutual understanding which strengthens relationships and fosters a deeper connection with others.
2. Resolves conflicts: By understanding the other person's perspective, empathy can help resolve conflicts and disputes more effectively.
3. Encourages compassion: Empathy promotes compassion, kindness and concern for others, making us more supportive and caring.
4. Breaks down barriers: Empathy can bridge cultural, social and emotional gaps, helping us understand and appreciate differences.

How can you practice empathy?
1. Active listening: Pay attention to others and try to understand their thoughts, feelings and concerns.
2. Ask open-ended questions: Encourage others to share their perspectives and experiences by asking open-ended questions.
3. Reflect emotions: Reflect back the emotions you hear others expressing, showing that you understand and care about their feelings.
4. Put yourself in their shoes: Imagine how others might be feeling and try to see things from their point of view.

Remember, empathy is a skill that can be developed with practice, patience and a willingness to understand others.

12/02/2025

Have you ever thought about how much damage you have caused people because of your anger?
Take for instant hammering a nail on a fence or into wood and then removing it. What remains there? YES! It's a hole. What happens is when you get angry, you tend to get physical and or engage in verbal abuse, that is like hitting the nail on the wall which leaves everlasting damage to the person involved and those looking up to you. They will get injured and injure other people as well and such will be passed on thinking it's the pattern of life. The truth is verbal and or physical abuse is not the solution to your problem. It is infact an obstacle between you and the people that mean well for you. Seek help. Your mental health matters. Here at ThE PSyChE DR we've got you covered.

Picture for illustration purposes only

11/02/2025

*What is Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN)?*

Childhood emotional neglect (CEN) happens when a child's emotional needs are ignored, dismissed, or not adequately met by their caregivers. Unlike abuse, which involves harmful actions, neglect is more about the absence of necessary emotional support, validation, and guidance.

*Signs of Childhood Emotional Neglect:*

• Difficulty identifying or expressing emotions
• Feeling empty, numb, or disconnected from others
• Low self-esteem and self-worth issues
• Struggles with self-discipline and motivation
• Fear of depending on others or asking for help
• Feeling like you don’t belong or that something is “wrong” with you

*Causes of Childhood Emotional Neglect:*
CEN can happen in families where parents are emotionally distant, overwhelmed, preoccupied, or were themselves neglected as children. It can also occur in otherwise loving families if emotions are simply not talked about or prioritized.

*Long-Term Effects of Childhood Emotional Neglect:*
People who experience CEN often grow up struggling with relationships, self-compassion, and emotional regulation. They may feel "not enough" or have trouble recognizing their own needs.

*Healing from Childhood Emotional Neglect:*
Healing from CEN usually involves learning to identify and validate your emotions, practicing self-care, and sometimes working with a therapist to rebuild emotional awareness and connection.

11/02/2025

As a therapist I’ve noticed that people who grew up in families where the silent treatment was used as punishment often become adults who fear abandonment, overthink every silence, and feel a deep need to fix things, even when they weren’t the one who caused the conflict.

However, I’d like to share that… Healing begins with recognizing that silence isn’t always rejection, and not every conflict is yours to fix. Learning to sit with discomfort, communicate openly, and set healthy emotional boundaries can help break the cycle. You are worthy of peace, even in the quiet moments.

07/02/2025

IMPACT OF MENTAL HEALTH BURDEN ON WORKPLACE PERFORMANCE

Mental health has emerged as a critical component of employee wellbeing and organisational success in the modern era. Understanding the vital role that mental health plays can empower leaders and employees to create a more supportive and productive work environment. Mental health cuts across our emotional, social and psychological wellbeing. It has a major influence on how we think, feel and behave in daily life.

Therefore, mental health problems affect the wellbeing of employees, their job performance and productivity. In this article we are going to examine different ways in which mental health problems can negatively impact a workplace.

1. Absenteeism: employees suffering from mental health issues are more likely to be absent from work due to their condition. This has been shown to reduce productivity. To illustrate, in the United Kingdom it was shown that absenteeism cost the UK economy £8.4 billion every year (According to Mind).

2. Presenteeism: this is reporting for work while unwell. This poses a significant problem for employers as it leads to reduced productivity and quality of work. It has also been listed as one of the causes of workplace accidents.

3. Higher Turnover Rates: employees who feel that their mental health issues are not adequately supported may leave their jobs in search of environments that offer better support. High employee turnover rate can lead to increased recruitment and training costs. Loss of experienced staff can negatively impact the overall operational efficiency.

4. Safety risk: it has been shown that certain mental health problems can increase the risk for accidents and injuries at work. This is seen frequently in roles that require high levels of concentration, decision-making under pressure or operating heavy machinery. A lapse in concentration can lead to mistakes that may result in safety risks to the individual and their work colleagues.

These and other negative out comes like legal and financial implications and the negative impact on workplace relationships can not be ignored or wished away. The financial cost of not identifying and managing mental health problems in the workplace is huge.

Therefore, modern workplaces need to invest in mental health support systems, not merely as an additional employee benefit, but a fundamental component of a healthy, productive and resilient organisation. You have heard.

04/02/2025

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

What is it?
Emotional intelligence (EI) refers to the ability to recognize and understand emotions in yourself and others, and to use this awareness to guide thought and behavior. It involves being able to manage your own emotions and behaviors to achieve specific goals.

Why is Emotional Intelligence Important?
Emotional intelligence is essential for building strong relationships, achieving personal and professional success, and maintaining good mental health. Here are some reasons why EI is important:

Personal Benefits
1. Better relationships: Emotional intelligence helps you communicate effectively, empathize with others, and build strong relationships.
2. Improved mental health: Emotional intelligence helps you recognize and manage your emotions, reducing the risk of mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
3. Increased self-awareness: Emotional intelligence helps you understand your strengths, weaknesses, and motivations, making it easier to set goals and make decisions.

Professional Benefits
1. Effective leadership: Emotional intelligence is a key characteristic of successful leaders, helping them inspire and motivate their teams.
2. Better communication: Emotional intelligence helps you communicate effectively with colleagues, clients, and customers, reducing conflicts and improving collaboration.
3. Improved decision-making: Emotional intelligence helps you make informed, thoughtful decisions that consider both logic and emotions.

Social Benefits
1. Conflict resolution: Emotional intelligence helps you resolve conflicts effectively, reducing the risk of escalation and improving relationships.
2. Empathy and compassion: Emotional intelligence helps you understand and appreciate the perspectives and emotions of others, fostering a more harmonious and supportive community.
3. Positive influence: Emotional intelligence helps you inspire and influence others, making a positive impact on those around you.

How to Develop Emotional Intelligence
Developing emotional intelligence takes time and practice, but here are some strategies to help you get started:

1. Self-reflection: Practice self-awareness by recognizing and understanding your emotions.
2. Active listening: Pay attention to others, ask open-ended questions, and seek to understand their perspectives.
3. Empathy: Try to see things from other people's point of view and understand their emotions.
4. Effective communication: Practice clear, concise, and respectful communication.
5. Stress management: Develop healthy coping mechanisms to manage stress and negative emotions.

Now it's your turn! Take the first step towards developing your emotional intelligence by:

Taking a self-assessment quiz to identify areas for improvement
Practicing self-reflection and self-awareness
Engaging in active listening and empathy-building exercises.

03/02/2025

Overcoming Adversity: Rising Above Loss, Failure, and Hardship

Adversity is an inevitable part of life. We all face challenges that test our strength, resilience, and mental health. Loss, failure, and hardship can be particularly difficult to navigate, but it's possible to overcome them and emerge stronger.

*The Impact of Adversity on Mental Health*
Challenges like loss, failure, and hardship can significantly impact our mental health. Some common effects include:

1. Anxiety and depression: The stress and emotional pain of adversity can lead to anxiety and depression.
2. Trauma: Experiencing traumatic events, such as loss or abuse, can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
3. Low self-esteem: Failure and hardship can erode our confidence and self-worth.
4. Grief and emotional numbing: Loss can cause intense grief, leading to emotional numbing and disconnection.

Additional Challenges: Dealing with External Pressures
Sometimes, external pressures can exacerbate our struggles:

1. Feeling stuck while others progress: Watching others achieve their goals while feeling stagnant can be discouraging.
2. Constant questioning: Dealing with constant questions from others, such as "when," "why," or "how," can be draining and overwhelming.
3. Surrounding negativity: Being exposed to negative attitudes, criticism, or pessimism from those around us can weigh heavily on our mental health.

Overcoming Adversity Strategies for Better Mental Health
While adversity can be overwhelming, there are ways to overcome it and protect your mental health:

1. Allow yourself to feel: Acknowledge and accept your emotions, rather than suppressing them.
2. Seek support: Reach out to trusted friends, family, or mental health professionals for guidance and comfort.
3. Practice self-care: Engage in activities that promote relaxation and stress reduction, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies.
4. Reframe negative thoughts: Challenge negative self-talk and reframe adverse experiences as opportunities for growth.
5. Take small steps: Break down daunting tasks into manageable steps, focusing on progress rather than perfection.
6. Cultivate gratitude: Reflect on the things you're thankful for, no matter how small they may seem.
7. Set boundaries: Establish limits with others to protect your time, energy, and emotional well-being.

Rising Above Adversity.
Overcoming adversity requires time, patience, and support. Remember that:

1. You are not alone: Many people have faced similar challenges and have emerged stronger.
2. You are resilient: You have survived every difficult moment in your life so far.
3. You can grow: Adversity can be a catalyst for personal growth, self-awareness, and transformation.

Share your story of overcoming adversity in the comments section below. Let's support each other in rising above challenges and promoting mental wellness.