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Here's the thing about being a high-achieving woman with undiagnosed AuDHD: you don't get to coast. You don't get to have an "off" day. You don't get to just be  — because just being has never, ever been enough. You learn this early. Maybe you were "too sensitive." Too intense. Too much. Or maybe you were too quiet, too in your head, too somewhere-else. Either way, the message was clear: the way you naturally exist is not acceptable. Please adjust. So you adjust. And adjust.

Here's the thing nobody wants to talk about at braais and school meetings: there are corners of the internet actively teaching your child how to starve themselves. And Instagram's algorithm is helping. I'm Dr Melanie du Preez. I'm a clinical psychologist with over 26 years of experience, and I'm one of fewer than five Maudsley-certified eating disorder specialists in South Africa. I've treated hundreds of young people with anorexia, bulimia, and ARFID. And I'm watching someth

In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining a healthy relationship can be challenging. Couples often face communication barriers, misunderstandings, and emotional distance. Fortunately, online couples therapy offers a convenient and effective way to nurture your relationship from the comfort of your home. This blog post explores how online therapy can help you and your partner strengthen your bond, improve communication, and resolve conflicts. Why Choose Online Couples Therapy?

It's November 28th. My daughter just texted "finished!" about her last exam two years ago, but I still remember that moment. I should have felt relief. Instead, I sat in my car in the office parking lot, too tired to turn the key, wondering if I could just... not do December that year. (Spoiler: You can't not do December. It arrives anyway. Like load-shedding during dinner.) Here's the thing—I'm writing this now, at the end of November 2025, and that same exhaustion is every

Here's what nobody tells you about ADHD in women: The signs don't look like the textbook version. They don't look like hyperactive 8-year-old boys bouncing off walls. They look like this: You're chronically overwhelmed but can't figure out why everyone else seems to cope better. You appear highly capable on the outside, but inside you're barely holding it together. Small tasks feel mountainous, and you can't explain why. People call you "too sensitive" when rejection - real o

Changing your life for the better can sometimes feel overwhelming. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, or simply want to improve your habits, professional support can make a huge difference. Behavioral therapy experts offer practical tools and guidance to help you understand your thoughts and actions, and then change them in ways that improve your well-being. This blog post explores how these experts work with you to create lasting positive change. Understand

Everyone talks about masking in autism. But ADHD masking? That's the lesser-known cousin that's been silently wreaking havoc in your life—and you probably don't even know you're doing it. Here's the thing: We've become pretty good at recognizing autism masking. Social scripting, camouflaging, mirroring others to fit in. But ADHD masking? It flies completely under the radar because it looks different. And it's exhausting you in ways you might not even realize. I've been workin

Mental health is a vital part of overall well-being, yet many people face challenges that can feel overwhelming. Finding the right support and strategies to manage these challenges is essential. Tailored mental wellness solutions offer personalized approaches that address individual needs, making recovery and growth more achievable. This article explores practical ways to discover and implement these solutions effectively. Understanding the Importance of Tailored Mental Welln

My daughter wrote matric in 2020. During a pandemic. With masks and sanitizer and the constant fear that exams might be cancelled. My son wrote matric in 2023. "Back to normal," everyone said. "At least it's not during COVID," they said. (Spoiler: There is no "at least" when it comes to matric December. There's just different flavors of impossible.) I'm writing this now, in November 2025, because if your child is writing finals right now, or if you're about to enter that spec

Effective communication is the foundation of healthy relationships, successful careers, and personal growth. Yet, many people struggle to express themselves clearly or understand others fully. This can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and feelings of isolation. Fortunately, expert communication therapy techniques offer practical ways to improve these skills and foster better connections. Communication therapy is a specialized approach that helps individuals identify and

I know, I know. Another article about exam stress. But here's the thing—I'm writing this at 11 PM with load-shedding, listening to my neighbor's kid having their third meltdown this week, and I just realized something. We keep writing about exam stress like it's just about the students. Wrong. The Truth Nobody's Saying Out Loud Last November, I sat in my car outside Pick n Pay and cried. Me. A mental health professional. Because the exam stress in my house was so thick you co

Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health challenges faced worldwide. They affect millions of people, disrupting daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. Fortunately, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has emerged as a highly effective treatment option. This article explores how cognitive-behavioral therapy works, its benefits, and practical examples of its application for anxiety and depression. Understanding Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Cogni

Here's the thing: I've done it too. There I was, three scrolls deep into my For You Page at midnight (because sleep hygiene is a myth I tell my clients about but don't actually practice). Suddenly, I'm watching a 22-year-old with good lighting explain why my entire personality is actually undiagnosed ADHD. Or maybe it's autism. Or—wait, hold on—could it be BPD? The algorithm knows me better than my own mother at this point. Honestly? That video felt like someone had been rea

Personal development is a journey that many embark on to enhance their lives, improve their mindset, and achieve their goals. However, navigating this path alone can be challenging. Self-improvement therapy offers a structured and supportive way to unlock your potential and create meaningful change. This article explores how self-improvement therapy can transform your life, practical steps to get started, and the benefits you can expect along the way. Understanding Self-Impro

In a world where our phones are practically glued to our hands, setting boundaries can feel like trying to teach a cat to fetch. Spoiler alert: it won’t happen. But fear not! Here’s how to embrace a digital detox without feeling like you’re giving up your beloved devices. Look, I'm writing this at 11:47 PM, and I just realized I've been scrolling Instagram for forty-seven minutes. Forty. Seven. Minutes. And I'm a therapist who literally specializes  in anxiety and depression.

In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining a healthy relationship can be challenging. Couples often face communication barriers, stress,...

Mental Health Awareness Day is a crucial observance that aims to raise awareness about mental health issues and promote mental...

In today's fast-paced world, the concept of relaxation often feels like a luxury we can't afford. Many of us experience a nagging sense...

Personal growth is a journey that often requires support, understanding, and effective strategies. One of the most impactful ways to...

The Experiment That Changed Everything Six months ago, I noticed something concerning as a clinical psychologist: My clients were using...