As many as 1 in 6 South Africans suffer from anxiety, depression or substance-abuse problems.
Only a quarter of the people with a diagnosable mental disorder are receiving treatment.
According to one study, the high exposure to violent crime could mean as many as 6 million people are living with post traumatic disorder. “This leads to anger, worry and a lack of hope for the future. Many of the people affected are teenagers and this will mark their adult lives”
Mental illness in the workplace is also on the rise. A combination of factors including rising job insecurity, impact of artificial intelligence, and high job demands are contributing to this epidemic according to a Deloitte report on mental health and well-being.
WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH?
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.
Mental health can affect our daily life. It can affect our relationships and even physical health. It includes the ability to enjoy life, i.e. to attain a balance between life activities and efforts, to achieve physical resilience.Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood
Ways to Maintain Positive Mental Health
- Self-understanding
- Self-awareness
- Forgiveness
- Connecting with others
- Staying positive
- Getting physically active
- Helping others & giving
- Getting enough sleep
- Developing coping skills
- Gratitude and giving thanks
- Getting professional help if you need it
WHAT IS COGNITIVE HEALTH?
Cognitive health covers everything that has to do with the process of thinking, reasoning, 
perceiving, judging, exercising awareness, problem solving and basic motor skills.
A healthy diet and regular exercise are two of the easiest and most effective ways to support normal cognitive functions. There are a variety of natural nutrients and brain supplements that offer additional cognitive support.
Natural Supplements For Cognitive Health
Here are some natural ingredients to consider:
GINKGO BILOBA – Has been used in people with reduced cerebral function and memory issues. It is thought to improve brain function by improving the blood circulation in the brain. It achieves this by dilating blood vessels and reducing blood viscosity. It is an antioxidant and also reduces the decrease in brain chemical receptors that is often associated with an increase in age.
ACETYL-L-CARNITINE – Helps with brain metabolism by converting fatty acids into energy within the nerve cells, thereby helping to keep them constantly supplied with energy.
ALPHA LIPOIC ACID – Has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, memory improving and neuroprotective effects.
L-ARGININE – Is an amino acid that is very important for normal brain functioning. It facilitates good blood flow in the brain and may play a role in learning and memory.
MAGNESIUM – Is important for normal brain function. Magnesium deficiency is uncommon in healthy people who consume a balanced diet, however a deficiency can result in neurologic and muscular symptoms.
