The Family Doctor Broadacres

31/07/2026

💛 ADHD, ANXIETY OR DEPRESSION? 💛

Many of the behaviours we see in children can look very similar on the surface.

Difficulty concentrating.
Low motivation.
Restlessness.
Irritability.
Poor sleep.
Feeling overwhelmed.

It's easy to assume they're all the same, but they're not.

ADHD, anxiety and depression are different conditions with different underlying causes, which means they often require different types of support.

At the same time, they can also occur together.

A child with ADHD may develop anxiety after years of trying to keep up, worrying about making mistakes, or feeling like they're constantly falling behind.

Another child may experience depression after repeated struggles with school, friendships or self-esteem.

Sometimes anxiety or depression can make ADHD symptoms appear worse, and sometimes untreated ADHD can contribute to emotional difficulties.

That's why it's so important not to guess.

Looking beyond the behaviour and understanding why a child is struggling is the first step towards getting them the right support.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach.

Every child deserves to be seen as a whole person, not just a list of symptoms.

If you're concerned about your child, don't be afraid to seek a professional assessment. The right support can make a world of difference.

💛 Understanding leads to empathy.
💛 Assessment leads to answers.
💛 Support leads to brighter futures.

23/07/2026

At Stellenbosch University, we take mental health seriously.

ADHD is not a trend or a phase – it is a lifelong condition that, when left unidentified and untreated, can significantly impact every aspect of a person’s life.

Through research and advocacy, experts like Prof Renata Schoeman are working to reshape how ADHD is understood, diagnosed, and supported in South Africa, helping to build a more responsive and inclusive health system.

Read more: https://www0.sun.ac.za/researchforimpact/2026/07/02/adhd-in-south-africa/

20/07/2026

💛 MORE THAN ADHD: UNDERSTANDING COMORBIDITIES 💛

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition, but for many people, it's only part of the story.

Research shows that individuals with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing certain mental health conditions and behaviours, including substance use disorders and eating disorders.

Why?

ADHD can impact impulse control, emotional regulation, reward-seeking behaviour, self-esteem, and the ability to manage stress. Without the right support, some individuals may turn to unhealthy coping strategies in an attempt to manage overwhelming emotions, restlessness, anxiety, or feelings of failure.

⚠️ Substance Use Disorders
People with ADHD are at an increased risk of problematic alcohol and substance use, particularly when ADHD goes undiagnosed or untreated. Early identification and appropriate support can significantly reduce this risk.

⚠️ Eating Disorders
Children, adolescents, and adults with ADHD may be more likely to experience difficulties with eating behaviours, including binge eating, emotional eating, irregular eating patterns, and certain eating disorders.

The important thing to remember is that ADHD does not cause these conditions, and not everyone with ADHD will experience them. However, understanding the increased risk allows us to recognise warning signs early and provide support before challenges escalate.

💛

14/07/2026

💛 TIP TUESDAY 💛
"Just focus." If only it were that simple.

For many children with ADHD, the challenge isn't knowing they need to pay attention; it's managing a brain that is constantly filtering information, juggling distractions, responding to sensory input, and working harder to stay on track.

What can look like laziness, daydreaming, fidgeting, or lack of effort is often a child using all of their energy just trying to focus.

The good news?
Small changes can make a big difference.

✨ Break tasks into smaller steps.
✨ Use visual reminders and checklists.
✨ Reduce unnecessary distractions.
✨ Build in movement and brain breaks.
✨ Celebrate progress, not perfection.

Most importantly, remember that focus is a skill, not a character trait.

Children don't need more criticism.
They need understanding, support and strategies that work with their brains, not against them.

Because success isn't about trying harder.
It's about having the right tools.

💛 Small steps lead to big changes.
💛 Progress over perfection.
💛 Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive.

13/07/2026

💛 ADHD & MENTAL HEALTH: IT'S OFTEN MORE THAN ADHD 💛

When we talk about ADHD, it's important to remember that ADHD rarely travels alone.

Many children, teenagers, and adults with ADHD experience additional challenges that can affect their learning, emotions, behaviour, and daily functioning. These are known as co-occurring conditions or comorbidities.

Some of the most common include:

🧠 Anxiety: Persistent worry, fear, or feeling overwhelmed.
💛 Depression: Ongoing sadness, loss of interest, low motivation, or feelings of hopelessness.
📚 Learning Difficulties: Challenges with reading, writing, maths, processing information, or academic performance.
⚡ Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD): A pattern of frequent frustration, arguing, defiance, or difficulty managing emotions and authority figures.

Understanding these challenges is important because they can sometimes have a bigger impact on a child's wellbeing than ADHD itself.

That's why early identification matters.

💛

08/07/2026

04/07/2026

💛 UNDERSTANDING MENTAL ILLNESS 💛

Mental illness is more common than many people realise, and it can affect anyone.

It doesn't always look the way we expect. Sometimes it looks like a child who has lost interest in things they once loved. Sometimes it looks like a teenager withdrawing from friends, struggling at school, or becoming unusually irritable. Sometimes it looks like an adult silently carrying a burden that no one else can see.

The good news? Mental illness is not something we need to fear; it is something we need to understand.

By learning the signs, breaking stigma, and having open conversations, we create safer spaces for people to ask for help and access support sooner. Awareness doesn't just change minds; it can change lives.

💛 Awareness leads to understanding.
💛 Understanding leads to support.
💛 Support leads to hope.

24/06/2026

💛 TIP TUESDAY 💛

When most people think about ADHD, they think about attention and hyperactivity.

But for many children, teens, and adults, one of the biggest challenges is actually managing emotions.

Feeling overwhelmed.
Reacting intensely to frustration.
Struggling to calm down once upset.
Experiencing emotions so deeply that they feel impossible to ignore.

This is called emotional dysregulation, and it's something many people with ADHD experience every day.

The good news?
Emotional regulation is a skill.

And like any skill, it can be learned, practised, and strengthened with the right support.

As we celebrate 9 years of changing lives, we've had the privilege of walking alongside thousands of children and families, helping them better understand ADHD and build the tools they need to thrive.

Because behind every behaviour is a child trying their best.
Behind every meltdown is a child who may be feeling overwhelmed.
And behind every success story is a community of people who chose understanding over judgement.

💛 This week, try replacing:

"Why are they behaving like this?"
with
"What might they be feeling right now?"

Sometimes that small shift changes everything.

Together, we can create a world where children are not punished for struggling, but supported as they learn.

💛 Every child seen.
💛 Every child supported.
💛 Every child given a better story.

17/04/2026

22/03/2026

Think about it… you could save someone’s life just by sitting on a chair for a few hours!
Go for it…. Donate and make a difference!