2023 July Articles Archives

Psychology of Safe decision making

Did you know that stress and tiredness can let you make unsafe decisions, possibly with dangerous results? Our energy levels and emotional state can greatly affect the way we think and make decisions.

Here’s what you can do to make safe, good-quality decisions if you are going through a tough time:

Recognise and Acknowledge

Start by acknowledging that your mind is preoccupied and that it may affect your decision-making process. Awareness is the first step in overcoming any roadblocks to making safe decisions.

Take Time for Self-Care

Get adequate sleep, do regular exercise, and do things that bring you joy and relaxation. Taking care of yourself can improve your mental state and improve your decision-making abilities.

Rest

An important example of self-care is giving your body and mind a break from your usual routine, to rest and recharge. Rest can have different forms:

Active rest means you maintain some level of activity while still allowing your body to recover. You can do this through light stretching, leisurely walks, low-impact exercise or pursuing hobbies.
Passive rest offers a deeper level of relaxation and restoration. Examples of passive rest include taking a nap, lying down and relaxing, meditating, or simply sitting quietly in a peaceful environment.

Wait for Emotions to Fade

During difficult times, emotions can cloud judgement. Avoid making decisions when you feel strong emotions such as anger, sadness or anxiety. Calm down first so that you can think straight and make good quality, logical decisions.

Put Big Decisions on Hold

Don’t rush into making decisions when you are tired or under pressure, you may regret the outcome. Be patient and give yourself enough space and time to think properly before deciding.

Break it Down

If you feel overwhelmed, break down difficult decisions into smaller, manageable steps. Think about each option’s pros, cons, and consequences before making your choice.

Seek Support

Reach out to people you trust, such as friends, family, or LifeAssist professionals, to get emotional support, guidance, and a different perspective to help you make good, safe decisions. There is no cost to you.

If you would like to get support from a counsellor, please call, whatsapp or email LifeAssist now, and they will get back to you.

zara2023-07-01T07:18:40+00:00

Child Custody after Divorce or Separation: Knowing the Basics

When parents make the tough decision to separate or divorce, one of the initial concerns is which parent will have custody of the children. In the past, it was common for only one parent to have full custody while the other parent received visitation rights. However, recent years have brought significant changes to South Africa’s laws regarding children of divorced or separated parents.

Here are some essential points that parents should be aware of:

The best interest of the child: Our constitution places great emphasis on the well-being of the child when making decisions about their care and upbringing. This means that the child’s welfare should always be the top priority and outweighs the parents’ opinions or desires.

Joint custody: South African law encourages both parents to share the responsibilities and care for their children whenever possible. This means both parents should be involved in making important decisions about the child’s upbringing, and that the child can take turns to live with either parent or spend equal time with both.

Parenting plans: When parents separate or divorce, a parenting plan should be drawn up to outline the child’s residence; visitation schedule; decision-making; maintenance; education; healthcare and religious upbringing etc. These plans are helpful tools to prevent conflict, ensure stability and facilitate smooth transitions between parents.

Mediation: Instead of spending a lot of money and time on court battles to win custody, parents should consider mediation as an alternative. Mediation involves a neutral professional who assists the parents in discussing their children’s futures and reaching a mutually acceptable agreement.

Child Maintenance: Both parents have to share financial responsibility for the child’s upbringing according to their respective abilities and the child’s needs. All costs relating to a child’s care should be listed, divided by the parents, and included in the parenting plan. If parents can not come to a mutual agreement about money, they can approach the Maintenance court for a court order that specifies each parent’s financial obligations.

Visitation (or “Contact”): Children have the right to maintain a relationship with both parents (unless proven by the court not to be in the best interest of the child for one parent to have contact with the child). A parent should create opportunities for, and encourage their children to see the other parent regularly, within reasonable boundaries. It should be noted that one parent cannot deny the other parent contact with the child based solely on non-payment of maintenance.

Children’s wishes and feelings: Our Children’s Act emphasises that children have the right to be listened to and heard. Their views and preferences about arrangements after their parent’s divorce or separation matters should be taken into account to ensure they are happy with the outcome.

Unmarried biological fathers: While biological mothers and married biological fathers have automatic full parental rights and responsibilities, unmarried biological fathers do not. However, there are various ways for unmarried biological fathers to assert their full rights, such as approaching the Office of the Family Advocates or Social Worker for mediation; or approaching the court as a last resort for declaratory order of their full rights and responsibilities towards the child.

Going through a divorce or separation can be very difficult for all members of the family. If you have questions about court proceedings, maintenance, contact with the child or custody, it can be beneficial to consult with a family law attorney for an expert opinion based on your specific circumstances. Reach out to LifeAssist to get connected with a Legal consultant.

zara2023-06-30T10:18:19+00:00

Eating an Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Inflammation is the body’s defence mechanism to eliminate harmful stimuli and initiate the healing process. When the immune system identifies a threat, it releases chemicals that promote blood flow to the affected area, causing redness, warmth, and swelling. This acute inflammation is a crucial part of the body’s healing process.

However, when inflammation persists and becomes chronic, it can lead to tissue damage and contribute to various health issues. Chronic inflammation has been linked to conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer.

The Link Between Food and Inflammation

Diet plays a significant role in regulating inflammation levels in the body. Certain foods can promote inflammation, while others possess anti-inflammatory properties. By making mindful choices about what we eat, we can reduce chronic inflammation and potentially alleviate symptoms associated with inflammatory conditions.

Foods That Cause Inflammation.

Processed Foods: Processed foods are high in refined carbohydrates, unhealthy fats, and additives. Examples include sugary snacks, processed meats, fried foods, and fizzy drinks. These foods often lack essential nutrients and contain pro-inflammatory compounds.
Sugar and High-Fructose Corn Syrup: Consuming excessive amounts of sugar and high-fructose corn syrup can trigger the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the body. This can be found in soft drinks, candies, pastries, and other sugary treats.
Trans Fats: Artificial trans fats, commonly found in margarine, fast food, fried foods, and packaged snacks, cause inflammation and increase the risk of heart disease.
Refined Grains: Refined grains like white bread, white rice, and pasta have undergone processing that removes most of their beneficial nutrients and fibre, leaving behind a starchy product that can spike blood sugar levels.

Foods That Reduce Inflammation

Fatty Fish: Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. These fatty acids help reduce the production of inflammatory compounds in the body.
Fruits and Vegetables: Colourful fruits and vegetables are packed with antioxidants and phytonutrients that can help fight inflammation. Berries, leafy greens, broccoli, tomatoes, and bell peppers are excellent choices.
Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds are rich in healthy fats, fibre, and antioxidants, all of which have anti-inflammatory effects. They make for nutritious snacks or additions to meals.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil contains compounds with anti-inflammatory effects. Use it as a primary source of fat in cooking or as a dressing for salads and vegetables.

Practical Tips for an Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Emphasise Whole Foods: Focus on consuming whole, unprocessed foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. These provide essential nutrients and help reduce inflammation.
Minimise Processed Foods: Limit your intake of processed foods, sugary snacks, and beverages, as they tend to promote inflammation and offer little nutritional value.
Incorporate Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Include fatty fish like salmon or mackerel in your diet at least twice a week. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, consider plant-based sources of omega-3s such as flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts.
Opt for Healthy Cooking Methods: Instead of deep-frying, choose baking, grilling, or steaming. These methods help retain nutrients and minimise the formation of harmful compounds.
Spice It Up Turmeric, ginger, garlic, and cinnamon possess anti-inflammatory properties. Incorporate these spices into your cooking or enjoy them in teas and smoothies.

By reducing the consumption of pro-inflammatory foods and incorporating anti-inflammatory options into your meals, you can potentially alleviate symptoms and support overall wellbeing. Call LifeAssist and speak to a registered dietitian for personalised guidance on managing your specific health conditions through diet.

zara2023-06-30T10:15:05+00:00

Supporting Someone Who is Suicidal: A Guideline for Empathy and Understanding

Supporting someone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts or considering self-harm requires compassion and empathy. It is important to recognise this is a serious situation that is best handled by qualified health professionals, but each of us can make a difference by showing care and understanding.

Understanding Suicidal Thoughts and Self-Harm:

Many reasons drive a person to such depths of despair including depression, broken-heartedness, a sense of failure, financial distress, addiction, or other mental health disorders. Suicide is seen as a last resort – taken by people who see no other solutions to their current situation. Suicide does not discriminate. Anyone of any race, gender, age or socioeconomic status may feel suicidal. Even someone who seems to “have it all” can be vulnerable.

The first thing we need to do is to move away from the stigma of blame and shame. It is not our place to judge others, but to recognise that the person is experiencing a real mental health crisis, and make ourselves available for them to safely confide in us so that we can help them to get the help they need.

Identifying Common Warning Signs: Recognising warning signs of suicidal thoughts or self-harm can help us be more attentive to those around us. Some common signs include:

Verbal Cues: Expressing feelings of hopelessness, talking about wanting to die or end their life, or mentioning specific plans or methods related to self-harm.
Emotional Changes: Sudden and intense mood swings, persistent sadness, anxiety, or anger.
Behavioural Changes: Engaging in self-destructive behaviours, such as increased substance abuse or recklessness, withdrawing from social activities, or displaying changes in sleep and appetite patterns.
Social Isolation: Withdrawing from relationships and social interactions, avoiding activities they once enjoyed, or expressing feelings of loneliness and disconnection.
Giving Away Belongings: Unusual acts of giving away personal possessions, making final arrangements, or saying goodbye to loved ones.

Approaching the Situation: When someone reaches out to you and discloses their suicidal thoughts or a desire for self-harm, providing a safe and supportive environment is essential. Here are some guidelines to follow:

General Guidelines

Always take the possibility of suicide seriously.
Always respond immediately.
Never handle a suicidal situation on your own.
Never put yourself in any kind of danger.
Only do what you are able to, and always get support for yourself.

Encourage Professional Help: It’s critical to emphasise the importance of seeking professional help. Suggest contacting mental health experts, helplines, or emergency services for immediate assistance. Offer to assist them in finding appropriate resources and making appointments. Encourage them to contact LifeAssist.
Safety Planning: If the person is at immediate risk, contact LifeAssist and guide them to create a simple plan that includes strategies for managing the immediate next steps. Help them to identify supportive individuals (family, friends etc) or helplines they can reach out to.
Listen Non-Judgmentally: It is OK to talk about suicide openly and directly. Offer your full attention, empathy, and support. Allow them to express their feelings openly and without fear of being judged.
Express Concern and Care: Let them know that you genuinely care about their wellbeing and that you are there to support them. Avoid minimising their feelings or offering simplistic solutions.
Emphasise the temporary nature of the person’s problem: Explain how the crisis will pass in time and that these feelings are temporary.
Maintain Regular Contact: Stay connected with the person and regularly check in on their wellbeing. Let them know that they are not alone and that you are there to provide support. Encourage them to reach out to you whenever they need someone to talk to.

Remember that you are not expected to be a mental health professional, but by offering support and encouraging them to seek professional help, you can play a crucial role in their journey towards recovery. Together, we can foster a society that promotes mental health awareness and aims to provide the help that those in distress genuinely need.

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or worried about someone you care about, call LifeAssist to speak to a professional counsellor for guidance. The service is 100% confidential and available at no cost to employees and their immediate families.

zara2023-07-03T07:55:30+00:00