26/06/2026
🧠 THE BRAIN IS AN ORGAN TOO
We easily understand that parts of the body can become ill.
❤️ The heart is an organ
• It pumps blood and oxygen through the body.
• When the heart is ill, we investigate and treat it.
🫘 The kidneys are organs
• They filter the blood.
• They remove waste and balance fluids.
• When kidneys are ill, we investigate and treat them.
🫁 The lungs are organs
• They help us breathe and get oxygen.
• When lungs are ill, we investigate and treat them.
🟤 The liver is an organ
• It processes toxins, medicines and nutrients.
• When the liver is ill, we investigate and treat it.
🧠 The brain is also an organ
• It controls mood.
• It controls behaviour.
• It controls memory.
• It controls sleep.
• It controls emotions.
• It controls decision-making.
• It controls personality.
🚩 RED FLAGS: sudden changes matter
Please do not ignore sudden changes such as:
🚩 New or severe depression
🚩 Confusion
🚩 Paranoia
🚩 Aggression
🚩 Severe anxiety
🚩 Withdrawal from people
🚩 Impulsive or risky behaviour
🚩 Not sleeping
🚩 Hearing or seeing things others do not
🚩 Personality changes
🚩 “This person is just not themselves”
These are not always signs of weakness, drama, laziness or bad character.
Sometimes, the brain is ill.
And just like heart disease, kidney disease, thyroid disease or liver disease, brain-related illness may be:
✅ investigated
✅ treated
✅ improved
✅ and sometimes even cured, depending on the cause
🩺 Compassion first. Assessment early. Judgement last.
🧠 The brain is an organ.
💙 Illness is not a character flaw.
Dr Tanya Laubscher
Advanced GP Care | Skin | Procedures | Telemedicine
