💡 Navigating mental health: Ask a social worker anything

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In the latest expert Q&A, we are opening the floor for all things mental health. Ruth Katz, a Registered Social Worker with over 34 years of experience in private practice, is on DMC to answer all your questions. Based in Sydenham, Johannesburg, she provides practical, compassionate mental health support to adults, families, communities, companies, and older adults.

Need answers? From Bipolar Mood Disorder and depression to the vital work of destigmatising mental illness, no question is too big or too small. Join the conversation and gain professional insight into fostering mental well-being in your home, workplace, or community and how to build healthier relationship dynamics. Ask @ruthkatzsegercrantz anything below.

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Dear Ruth, I am Biploar 2. How do you stop yourself sliding into depression? I’ve been well for a month now after having ECT but I’m noticing in the mornings that my mood is going down. How do I stay on an even keel? The meds seem to make no difference.

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Dear Sue, Very good question about how to stop yourself sliding into depression - In the short term I would suggest exercise as much as you’re able to manage.

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Another short-term suggestion is to volunteer for a cause close to your heart

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Sue, another suggestion for you and other readers who are diagnosed with Bipolar Mood Disorder 1 or 2 is to check out Bezzy for Depression, a section of https://www.healthline.com

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@SueCo If you’re still on this thread are there more questions you want to ask?

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Please folks don’t hesitate to ask me questions - here’s a true story from Bezzy.com that just may get you thinking about asking questions about mental health Dear Depressed Me: Reminders from Your Well Self

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Dear Doctor,

I would like to provide some background regarding my mental health history and my current emotional state, as I feel increasingly overwhelmed and uncertain about what I am experiencing.

From around the age of 19, I struggled intermittently with depression which was treated during flare-ups with relatively light medication. I also have a long-standing history of ADHD symptoms. However, by the age of 30, I was formally diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, Generalised Anxiety Disorder, and Attention Deficit Disorder.

Over the years, my treatment has become increasingly complex, and I currently feel burdened by the number of medications I take daily. More recently, I have also been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia, which has added another physical and emotional layer to my life.

Emotionally, I feel very disconnected from my partner, despite him being loving and supportive. He carries much of the parenting responsibility for our child, and objectively I know I have support. However, internally I feel detached and withdrawn. I find myself wanting to be alone and have my old life back to be out there with people, even though I am functioning professionally and continue to carry significant responsibility as the primary breadwinner for our family. It is hard.

At the same time, I feel emotionally drawn toward another person, which is deeply confusing and distressing to me. I am frightened by the thought of leaving my partner, yet I also feel emotionally restless and disconnected from my current life. I cannot tell whether what I am experiencing is related to depression, anxiety, burnout, medication effects, chronic illness, a psychological episode, or whether it reflects a genuine life change and shift in identity or needs.

I would appreciate a comprehensive psychiatric and psychological evaluation to better understand what may be contributing to these feelings, as well as guidance on treatment, medication review, and how to navigate these emotional changes in a healthy and responsible way.

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Hi Ruth. My wife has been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder and Anxiety over 10 years ago and currently struggling each day. Way too much medication than she would like. I would be eager for your advice on supporting a loved one in this place. I always find hard the balance between being the loving supportive one & the one who is encouraging/motivating/nudging… to do more. I strongly feel that one needs to just get out there & do that tiny step more than you did yesterday (Just do it), and get frustrated with Health Care experts who tell my wife ‘you will know when you’ve ready’.
Also, I really think that NLP is a great tool and I’ve heard about the Discovery NLP tool, but really struggled to get it right for my wife to get access to it (even though she is clinically diagnosed).
Thanks

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TK Do you currently see a psychiatrist who can give you a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation?

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T K Are you interested in self-help for your issues in the short-term? Ruth

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Frikkie - Do you have people in your life that you trust? Ruth

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Ashley, You can come for a consultation and I can give you a link to book and in the meanwhile I can suggest excellent self-help resources online.

Your wife is not alone in feeling she has way too much medication - many patients with major depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions feel this way. It’s even a concern to professional pharmacists. You can come for a consultation for me to help you support your wife - if you wish, I can give you a link where yo can book.

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Frikkie, are you in a position to pay for professional help?

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Frikkie, please email me on ruthkatzsegercrantz@gmail asap and I’ll give you a comprehensive list of self-help resources. (including some for the gay community. )Judgement isn’t in a social worker’s vocabulary - BTW, you may like this quote ‘Thinking is hard, that’s why people judge’ Attributed to Carl Gustav Jung

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Ashley, you can encourage your wife to take better care of herself as a start. Many people with Major Depressive Disorder struggle to bath/shower - I know people who hate the feeling of water on their skin. Self-care as in bathing/showering/putting onmakeup/perfume often leads to bigger steps - like being more willing to socialise with trusted family and friends. A lot of people with Major Depressive Disorder feel unworthy and uncomfortable in company.

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Ashley, are you on the Daily Maverick Mental Health Q & A today, Thursday 21st of May 2026?

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TK, Are you on the Daily Maverick Mental Health Q & a today?

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Ruth Katz Consulting is available until 21:30 to take questions from Daily Maverick readers.

2026-05-22T22:00:00Z ting Social Worker

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Dear Daily Maverick Readers I’ll be available between 7 and 8:30 PM this evening, Thursday the 28th of May to answer your questions. Regards @ruth