Frequently Asked Questions:
FAQ’s
How do I sign up for counselling?
Go to our Contact page and call us to make an appointment.
What if I'm in a crisis?
We have a Counselor-on-Duty who will assist you if you are suicidal or need protection. We do attend to emergency situations.
How is therapy different than talking to a friend?
Counselors are professionals with specialized training in helping people who encounter difficulties in their lives. They provide an objective perspective that is necessary for healing. Counselors can also provide protection when somebody’s life is in danger.
Will my discussion with the counselor be confidential?
Yes. All conversations and even the fact that you have seen somebody is kept strictly confidential. With a few exceptions, we do not communicate with your friends, parents, spouse or family without your written consent.
Common Mental Health Problems
Hereunder is a list that ellaborates more on Mental Health Problems.
ADHD
ADHD is a highly genetic, brain-based syndrome that has to do with the regulation of a particular set of brain functions and related behaviors.
These brain operations are collectively referred to as “executive functioning skills” and include important functions such as attention, concentration, memory, motivation and effort, learning from mistakes, impulsivity, hyperactivity, organization, and social skills. There are various contributing factors that play a role in these challenges including chemical and structural differences in the brain as well as genetics.
According to epidemiological data, approximately 5% of adults have ADHD.
That represents over 11,000,000 people in the US. It occurs in both men and women and, in the majority of cases, persists throughout the lifespan.
ADHD usually persists throughout a person’s lifetime. It is NOT limited to children.
Since ADHD is a neuro-behavioral condition, there is no cure and the majority do not outgrow it. Approximately two-thirds or more of children with ADHD continue to have symptoms and challenges in adulthood that require treatment.
ADHD occurs in both men and women.
While initially research was focused on studying hyperactive, school-aged boys, we now know that women also have ADHD. Boys and men are more likely to be referred for ADHD testing and treatment, receive accommodations, and participate in research studies, which makes it hard to identify the ratio of men to women with ADHD. Some researchers have suggested that ADHD more prevalent in men, but we are learning that this is likely not the case. ADHD in women are consistently under-diagnosed under-treated compared to men, especially those who do not demonstrate hyperactivity and behavior problems.
Not every case of ADHD is the same.
There are different subtypes of ADHD (inattentive, hyperactive, and combined type), and every person has a unique brain profile. As with anything else, no two people with ADHD are exactly the same and everyone experiences ADHD in their own way.
What Is The Definition Of ADHD?
The diagnosis of ADHD is outlined by the American Psychological Association in the DSM-5 as a lifelong, persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development across time and settings. The diagnosis requires the following criteria:
- Inattention: Six or more symptoms of inattention for children up to age 16, or five or more for adolescents 17 and older and adults; symptoms of inattention have been present for at least 6 months, and they are inappropriate for developmental level:
- Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or with other activities.
- Often has trouble holding attention on tasks or play activities.
- Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
- Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (e.g., loses focus, side-tracked).
- Often has trouble organizing tasks and activities.
- Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to do tasks that require mental effort over a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework).
- Often loses things necessary for tasks and activities (e.g. school materials, pencils, books, tools, wallets, keys, paperwork, eyeglasses, mobile telephones).
- Is often easily distracted
- Is often forgetful in daily activities.
- Hyperactivity and Impulsivity: Six or more symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity for children up to age 16, or five or more for adolescents 17 and older and adults; symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have been present for at least 6 months to an extent that is disruptive and inappropriate for the person’s developmental level:
- Often fidgets with or taps hands or feet, or squirms in seat.
- Often leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected.
- Often runs about or climbs in situations where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may be limited to feeling restless).
- Often unable to play or take part in leisure activities quietly.
- Is often “on the go” acting as if “driven by a motor”.
- Often talks excessively.
- Often blurts out an answer before a question has been completed.
- Often has trouble waiting his/her turn.
- Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games)
In addition, the following conditions must be met:
- Several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms were present before age 12 years.
- Several symptoms are present in two or more settings, (e.g., at home, school or work; with friends or relatives; in other activities).
- There is clear evidence that the symptoms interfere with, or reduce the quality of, social, school, or work functioning.
- The symptoms are not better explained by another mental disorder (e.g. Mood Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Dissociative Disorder, or a Personality Disorder).
Anxiety
Anxiety Overview
Experiencing occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. However, people with anxiety disorders frequently have intense, excessive and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. Often, anxiety disorders involve repeated episodes of sudden feelings of intense anxiety and fear or terror that reach a peak within minutes (panic attacks).
Examples of anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder (social phobia), specific phobias and separation anxiety disorder. You can have more than one anxiety disorder. Sometimes anxiety results from a medical condition that needs treatment.
Whatever form of anxiety you have, treatment can help.
Symptoms
Common anxiety signs and symptoms include:
- Feeling nervous, restless or tense
- Having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom
- Having an increased heart rate
- Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Feeling weak or tired
- Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry
- Having trouble sleeping
- Experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) problems
- Having difficulty controlling worry
- Having the urge to avoid things that trigger anxiety
Several types of anxiety disorders exist:
- Agoraphobia (ag-uh-ruh-FOE-be-uh) is a type of anxiety disorder in which you fear and often avoid places or situations that might cause you to panic and make you feel trapped, helpless or embarrassed.
- Anxiety disorder due to a medical condition includes symptoms of intense anxiety or panic that are directly caused by a physical health problem.
- Generalized anxiety disorder includes persistent and excessive anxiety and worry about activities or events — even ordinary, routine issues. The worry is out of proportion to the actual circumstance, is difficult to control and affects how you feel physically. It often occurs along with other anxiety disorders or depression.
- Panic disorder involves repeated episodes of sudden feelings of intense anxiety and fear or terror that reach a peak within minutes (panic attacks). You may have feelings of impending doom, shortness of breath, chest pain, or a rapid, fluttering or pounding heart (heart palpitations). These panic attacks may lead to worrying about them happening again or avoiding situations in which they’ve occurred.
- Selective mutism is a consistent failure of children to speak in certain situations, such as school, even when they can speak in other situations, such as at home with close family members. This can interfere with school, work and social functioning.
- Separation anxiety disorder is a childhood disorder characterized by anxiety that’s excessive for the child’s developmental level and related to separation from parents or others who have parental roles.
- Social anxiety disorder (social phobia) involves high levels of anxiety, fear and avoidance of social situations due to feelings of embarrassment, self-consciousness and concern about being judged or viewed negatively by others.
- Specific phobias are characterized by major anxiety when you’re exposed to a specific object or situation and a desire to avoid it. Phobias provoke panic attacks in some people.
- Substance-induced anxiety disorder is characterized by symptoms of intense anxiety or panic that are a direct result of abusing drugs, taking medications, being exposed to a toxic substance or withdrawal from drugs.
- Other specified anxiety disorder and unspecified anxiety disorder are terms for anxiety or phobias that don’t meet the exact criteria for any other anxiety disorders but are significant enough to be distressing and disruptive.
Crime
Many people in our society today have ‘n hard time to overcome the consequences of an act of crime.
With the high crime rate in South Africa and other countries, many people live in fear for their lives.
The result of crime:
- Anxiety
- Hopelessness
- Depression
- Anger
Bipolar
What Is Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that affects millions of people from all walks of life. According to medical professionals, people who suffer from this condition experience episodes of mania, which are typically followed by episodes of depression and vice versa.
The most common symptom associated with bipolar disorder is mood swings. Individuals who are bipolar will experience heightened euphoria and happiness, followed by drastic depression and guilt. While mood swings are the most common symptom, they are not the only symptom. There are several other hallmarks of this condition and many of them contradict each other. Essentially, there are two types of symptoms: manic symptoms and depressive symptoms. Each set of symptoms produce very different types of behavior and are often experienced back to back in a short period of time.
Below you will find a list of bipolar symptoms from various medical sources as well as the type (manic or depressive, or both) associated with each:
1. Mood Swings
Type: Manic and Depressive
Mood swings are the most common symptom of bipolar disorder and are a combination of the manic and depressive symptoms. A mood swing is characterized by high levels of positivity followed by high levels of negativity and depression or vice versa. Manic periods can last anywhere from a few days to a few months, as can their depressive counterparts.
Many people with bipolar disorder also experience a buffer phase known as “hypomania.” These are like mild manic episodes which do not significantly interfere with the patient’s everyday responsibilities and behavior. It is also common for people to experience mood instabilities in the days leading up to the full onset of a manic or depressive episode.
Depression
Depression
Most people associate depression with an overwhelming feeling of sadness or loss of interest in everyday activities. But depression can be so much more than just that.
Feeling down from time to time is a normal part of life, but when emotions such as hopelessness and despair take hold and just won’t go away, you may have depression. Depression makes it tough to function and enjoy life like you once did. Just trying to get through the day can be overwhelming. But no matter how hopeless you feel, you can get better. By understanding the cause of your depression and recognizing the different symptoms and types of depression, you can take the first step to feeling better and overcoming the problem.
What is Depression
Depression is a common and debilitating mood disorder. More than just sadness in response to life’s struggles and setbacks, depression changes how you think, feel, and function in daily activities. It can interfere with your ability to work, study, eat, sleep, and enjoy life.
What are the symptoms of Depression
The feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness can be intense and unrelenting, with little, if any, relief.
While some people describe depression as “living in a black hole” or having a feeling of impending doom, others feel lifeless, empty, and apathetic. Men in particular can feel angry and restless. No matter how you experience depression, left untreated it can become a serious health condition. But it’s important to remember that feelings of helplessness and hopelessness are symptoms of depression—not the reality of your situation. There are plenty of powerful self-help steps you can take to lift your mood, overcome depression, and regain your joy of life.
Depression varies from person to person, but there are some common signs and symptoms. It’s important to remember that these symptoms can be part of life’s normal lows. But the more symptoms you have, the stronger they are, and the longer they’ve lasted—the more likely it is that you’re dealing with depression.
Ten Comnon Symptoms Of Depression
- Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. A bleak outlook—nothing will ever get better and there’s nothing you can do to improve your situation.
- Loss of interest in daily activities. You don’t care anymore about former hobbies, pastimes, social activities, or sex. You’ve lost your ability to feel joy and pleasure.
- Appetite or weight changes. Significant weight loss or weight gain—a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month.
- Sleep changes. Either insomnia, especially waking in the early hours of the morning, or oversleeping.
- Anger or irritability. Feeling agitated, restless, or even violent. Your tolerance level is low, your temper short, and everything and everyone gets on your nerves.
- Loss of energy. Feeling fatigued, sluggish, and physically drained. Your whole body may feel heavy, and even small tasks are exhausting or take longer to complete.
- Self-loathing. Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt. You harshly criticize yourself for perceived faults and mistakes.
- Reckless behavior. You engage in escapist behavior such as substance abuse, compulsive gambling, reckless driving, or dangerous sports.
- Concentration problems. Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.
- Unexplained aches and pains. An increase in physical complaints such as headaches, back pain, aching muscles, and stomach pain.
Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence & Physical Abuse
Domestic Violence Or Relationship Abuse Is One Partner Maintaining Power And Control Over Another Partner In An Intimate Relationship.
Domestic Violence Is Not A Race, Age, Sexual Orientation, Religion Or Gender Issue. It Happens In All Walks Of Life. Power And Control Is Has Forever Been A Problem And Affects People Of All Socioeconomic Backgrounds And Education Levels.
The Signs Of Domestic Violence:
Physically Harm, Emotional Harm, Intimidation, Economic Deprivation, Sexual Violence, Using The Children To Impose Fear,
Warning Signs
Possessive And Controlling Behaviors Don’t Always Appear Overnight, But Rather Emerge And Intensify As A Relationship Grows.
Domestic Violence Doesn’t Look The Same In Every Relationship Because Every Relationship Is Different. But One Thing Most Abusive Relationships Have In Common Is That The Abusive Partner Does Many Different Kinds Of Things To Have More Power And Control Over Their Partner.
Some Of The Signs Of An Abusive Relationship Include A Partner Who:
- Always Corrects You And Make You Feel Incompetent
- Insults, Or Shames You
- Are Jealous And Will Accuse You Of Things You Are Not Guilty Of
- Keeps You Or Discourages You From Seeing Friends Or Family Members
- Be In Full Control Of The Money And Accuse You Of Overspending
- Takes Your Money Or Refuses To Give You Money For Necessary Expenses
- Looks At You Or Acts In Ways That Scare You
- Controls Who You See, Where You Go, Or What You Do
- Prevents You From Making Your Own Decisions
- Tells You That You Are A Bad Parent Or Threatens To Harm Or Take Away Your Children
- Prevents You From Working Or Attending School
- Destroys Your Property Or Threatens To Hurt Or Kill Your Pets
- Intimidates You With Guns, Knives Or Other Weapons
- Pressures You To Have Sex When You Don’t Want To Or Do Things Sexually You’re Not Comfortable With
- Pressures You To Use Drugs Or Alcohol
- You May Be Experiencing Physical Abuse If Your Partner Has Done Or Repeatedly Does Any Of The Following Tactics Of Abuse:
- Pulling Your Hair, Punching, Slapping, Kicking, Biting Or Choking You
- Forbidding You From Eating Or Sleeping
- Hurting You With Weapons
- Preventing You From Calling The Police Or Seeking Medical Attention
- Harming Your Children
- Abandoning You In Unfamiliar Places
- Driving Recklessly Or Dangerously When You Are In The Car With Them
- Forcing You To Use Drugs Or Alcohol (Especially If You’ve Had A Substance Abuse Problem In The Past
Do Not Wait Untill It Is To Late.
Call Us Now If You Experience Any Of The Signs Of Abuse Or Violence.
+27 (076) 708 6100
Rape
Rape Traumatic Syndrome (RTS) is the medical term of the response to rape.
It is very important to note that RTS is not a mental disorder or illness, but a natural response of a psychologically healthy person to the trauma of rape.
The most powerful factor in determining how people respond to rape is the nature of the traumatic event itself.
Not only is there the element of surprise, the threat of death and the threat of injury, there is also the violation of the person. This violation is physical, emotional and moral and associated with the closest human intimacy of sexual contact.
The intention of the rapist is often to profane this most private aspect of the person and render the victim utterly helpless.
Rape by its very nature is intentionally designed to produce psychological trauma. It is form of organised social violence comparable only to the combat of war. We get nowhere in our understanding of Rape Trauma Syndrome if we think of rape as simply being unwanted sex. Where combat veterans suffer Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, rape survivors experience similar symptoms on a physical, behavioral and psychological level.
PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS OF RAPE TRAUMA SYNDROME:
Physical symptoms are those things which manifest in or upon the survivor’s body that are evident to him/her and under physical examination by a nurse or doctor. Some of these are only present immediately after the rape while others only appear at a later stage.
- Immediately after a rape, survivors often experience shock. They are likely to feel cold, faint, become mentally confused (disorientated), tremble, feel nauseous and sometimes vomit
- Pregnancy
- Gynecological problems. Irregular, heavier and/or painful periods. Vaginal discharges, bladder infections. Sexually transmitted diseases
- Bleeding and/or infections from tears or cuts in the vagina or rectum
- A soreness of the body. There may also be bruising, grazes, cuts or other injuries
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Throat irritations and/or soreness due to forced oral sex
- Tension headaches
- Pain in the lower back and/or in the stomach
- Sleep disturbances. This may be difficulty in sleeping or feeling exhausted and needing to sleep more than usual
- Eating disturbances. This may be not eating or eating less or needing to eat more than usual
BEHAVIORAL SYMPTOMS OF RAPE TRAUMA SYNDROME
Behavioral symptoms are those things the survivor does, expresses or feels that are generally visible to others. This includes observable reactions, patterns of behavior, lifestyle changes and changes in relationships.
- Crying more than usual
- Difficulty concentrating
- Being restless, agitated and unable to relax or feeling listless and unmotivated
- Not wanting to socialize or see anybody or socializing more than usual, so as to fill up every minute of the day
- Not wanting to be alone
- Stuttering or stammering
- Avoiding anything that reminds the survivor of the rape
- Being more easily frightened or startled than usual
- Being very alert and watchful
- Becoming easily upset by small things
- Relationship problems, with family, friends, lovers and spouses
- Fear of sex, loss of interest in sex or loss of sexual pleasure
- Changes in lifestyle such as moving house, changing jobs, not functioning at work or at school or changes to appearance
- Drop in school, occupational or work performance
- Increased substance abuse
- Increased washing or bathing
- Behaving as if the rape didn’t occur, trying to live life as it was before the rape, this is called denial
- Suicide attempts and other self-destructive behavior such as substance abuse or self- mutilation
PSYCHOLOGICAL SYMPTOMS OF RAPE TRAUMA SYNDROME
Psychological symptoms are much less visible and can in fact be completely hidden to others so survivors need to offer this information or be carefully and sensitively questioned in order to elicit them. They generally refer to inner thoughts, ideas and emotions.
- Increased fear and anxiety
- Self-blame and guilt
- Helplessness, no longer feeling in control of your life
- Humiliation and shame
- Lowering of self esteem
- Feeling dirty or contaminated by the rape
- Anger
- Feeling alone and that no one understands
- Losing hope in the future
- Emotional numbness
- Confusion
- Loss of memory
- Constantly thinking about the rape
- Having flashbacks to the rape, feeling like it is happening again
- Nightmares
- Depression
- Becoming suicidal
The trauma of rape is often compounded by the prejudice and stigma associated with rape.
Survivors have to fight feelings of guilt and shame. The burden can be overwhelming especially if the people they come into contact with reinforce those prejudices.
It is never a survivor’s fault for being raped. No one asks to be raped or deserves to be raped.
Abuse (Sexual, Financial, Digital)
Emotional Abuse
To learn some of the common warning signs of each type of abuse, Click on these buttons.
Experiencing even one or two of these behaviors in a relationship is a red flag that abuse may be present. Remember, each
typeof abuse is serious, and no one deserves to experience abuse of any kind, for any reason.
If you have concerns about what’s happening in your relationship, contact us. We’re here to listen and support you!.
Emotional abuse can happen to anyone at any time in their lives. Children, teens and adults all experience emotional abuse. And emotional abuse can have devastating consequences on relationships and all those involved. Just because there is no physical mark doesn’t mean the abuse isn’t real and isn’t a problem or even a crime in some countries.
Definition of Emotional Abuse
One definition of emotional abuse is: “any act including confinement, isolation, verbal assault, humiliation, intimidation, infantilization, or any other treatment which may diminish the sense of identity, dignity, and self-worth.”1
Emotional abuse is also known as psychological abuse or as chronic verbal aggression. People who suffer from emotional abuse tend to have very low self esteem and show personality changes . They may become withdrawn and depressed, anxious or suicidal
Signs and Symptoms of emotional abuse
Emotional abuse symptoms vary but can invade any part of a person’s life. Signs of emotional abuse include:
- Yelling or swearing
- Name calling or insults; mocking
- Threats and intimidation
- Ignoring or excluding
- Isolating
- Humiliating
- Denial of the abuse and blaming of the victim
Emotional abuse, like other types of abuse in a relationship becomes a cycle . The abuser usually experience guilt, over the consequences of his or her actions and will make up excuses for his or her behavior to avoid taking responsibility of what happened. The abuser usually pretends as if the abuse never happened and may, in fact, be extra charming, apologetic and loving to make the abused believe that he/she regrets the action and will not abuse again.
Examples of Emotional Abuse
- Threats of violence or abandonment
- Intentionally frightening
- Making an individual fear that they will not receive the food or care they need
- Lying
- Failing to check allegations of abuse against them
- Making derogative or slanderous statements about an individual to others
- Socially isolating an individual, failing to let them have visitors
- Withholding important information
- Demeaning an individual because of the language they speak
- Intentionally misinterpreting traditional practices
- Repeatedly raising the issue of death
- Telling an individual that they are too much trouble
- Ignoring or excessively criticizing
- Being over-familiar and disrespectful
- Unreasonably ordering an individual around; treating an individual like a servant or child
Financial Abuse
Economic or financial abuse is when an abusive partner extends their power and control into the area of finances. This abuse can take different forms, including an abusive partner:
- Giving an allowance and closely watching how you spend it or demanding receipts for purchases
- Placing your paycheck in their bank account and denying you access to it
- Preventing you from viewing or having access to bank accounts
- Forbidding you to work or limiting the hours that you can work
- Maxing out credit cards in your name without permission or not paying the bills on credit cards, which could ruin your credit score
- Stealing money from you or your family and friends
- Using funds from children’s savings accounts without your permission
- Living in your home but refusing to work or contribute to the household
- Making you give them your tax returns or confiscating joint tax returns
- Refusing to give you money to pay for necessities/shared expenses like food, clothing, transportation, or medical care and medicine.
Sexual Abuse
Sexually abusive methods of retaining power and control include an abusive partner:
- Forcing you to dress in a sexual way
- Insulting you in sexual ways or calls you sexual names
- Forcing or manipulating you into to having sex or performing sexual acts
- Holding you down during sex
- Demanding sex when you’re sick, tired or after hurting you
- Hurting you with weapons or objects during sex
- Involving other people in sexual activities with you against your will
- Ignoring your feelings regarding sex
- Forcing you to watch pornography
- Purposefully trying to pass on a sexually transmitted disease to you
Sexual coercion
Sexual coercion lies on the ‘continuum’ of sexually aggressive behavior. It can vary from being egged on and persuaded, to being forced to have contact. It can be verbal and emotional, in the form of statements that make you feel pressure, guilt, or shame. You can also be made to feel forced through more subtle actions. For example, an abusive partner:
- Making you feel like you owe them — ex. Because you’re in a relationship, because you’ve had sex before, because they spent money on you or bought you a gift
- Giving you drugs and alcohol to “loosen up” your inhibitions
- Playing on the fact that you’re in a relationship, saying things such as: “Sex is the way to prove your love for me,” “If I don’t get sex from you I’ll get it somewhere else”
- Reacting negatively with sadness, anger or resentment if you say no or don’t immediately agree to something
- Continuing to pressure you after you say no
- Making you feel threatened or afraid of what might happen if you say no
- Trying to normalize their sexual expectations: ex. “I need it, I’m a man”
Even if your partner isn’t forcing you to do sexual acts against your will, being made to feel obligated is coercion in itself. Dating someone, being in a relationship, or being married never means that you owe your partner intimacy of any kind.
Get In Touch
We want to hear from you!
Call
076 708 61 00
jbaytrauma@gmail.com
Address
J-Bay Trauma Support Centre
Shop 12, Neptune Terrace
Jeffrey's Bay, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Hours
Mon - Fri: 8:00 - 17:00
Emergency Calls Will Be Answered