Listen to Episode 3 of the TebZAR Podcast
In Episode 3 of the TebZAR Podcast, registered psychological counsellor Lerato Ngomane unpacks the realities of mental health in South Africa with honesty and heart. The conversation moves beyond buzzwords to reveal how our culture, workplaces and social media habits often disguise deep exhaustion.
Healing Begins Before Crisis
Lerato explains that most people only seek help when life has already collapsed. Stress builds quietly until it manifests as sleeplessness, high blood pressure or chronic anxiety. Many believe being “strong” means never breaking down, but she reminds us that suppressed pain always resurfaces. “We celebrate people who don’t cry,” she says, “yet unprocessed trauma becomes illness later.”
Toxic Strength and Soft Resilience
Drawing on her experience growing up in a small Mpumalanga town, Lerato saw young people surrender to hopelessness because opportunity felt distant. Her work now focuses on helping others rediscover hope, especially in a society that glorifies toughness. The old generation’s resilience kept families alive, but it also buried their emotions. Today’s generation must find balance between softness and strength.
Social Media and the Pressure to Compare
The rise of social media has created invisible mental strain. We wake up to curated highlight reels and wonder why our lives don’t look as perfect. Lerato warns that constant comparison erodes gratitude and amplifies anxiety. Self-awareness and reflection are key. “When you know who you are and where you’re going,” she says, “someone else’s success stops feeling like your failure.”
Finding Joy in Work and Life
Workplace stress and unemployment are two sides of the same coin. Lerato urges people to find small moments of joy, even in imperfect jobs and to nurture their creativity outside of work. For those without work, she advises remembering your why and doing purposeful projects that keep your sense of value alive. “Fulfilment,” she says, “is the medicine that keeps you moving.”
Small Steps for Mental Wellness
Her practical resets include walking, journaling, setting boundaries and protecting sacred time. Intentional reflection, movement and gratitude turn ordinary routines into therapy.
Mental Health, Fulfilment and the Courage to Pause
Listen to Episode 3 of the TebZAR Podcast
In Episode 3 of the TebZAR Podcast, registered psychological counsellor Lerato Ngomane unpacks the realities of mental health in South Africa with honesty and heart. The conversation moves beyond buzzwords to reveal how our culture, workplaces and social media habits often disguise deep exhaustion.
Healing Begins Before Crisis
Lerato explains that most people only seek help when life has already collapsed. Stress builds quietly until it manifests as sleeplessness, high blood pressure or chronic anxiety. Many believe being “strong” means never breaking down, but she reminds us that suppressed pain always resurfaces. “We celebrate people who don’t cry,” she says, “yet unprocessed trauma becomes illness later.”
Toxic Strength and Soft Resilience
Drawing on her experience growing up in a small Mpumalanga town, Lerato saw young people surrender to hopelessness because opportunity felt distant. Her work now focuses on helping others rediscover hope, especially in a society that glorifies toughness. The old generation’s resilience kept families alive, but it also buried their emotions. Today’s generation must find balance between softness and strength.
Social Media and the Pressure to Compare
The rise of social media has created invisible mental strain. We wake up to curated highlight reels and wonder why our lives don’t look as perfect. Lerato warns that constant comparison erodes gratitude and amplifies anxiety. Self-awareness and reflection are key. “When you know who you are and where you’re going,” she says, “someone else’s success stops feeling like your failure.”
Finding Joy in Work and Life
Workplace stress and unemployment are two sides of the same coin. Lerato urges people to find small moments of joy, even in imperfect jobs and to nurture their creativity outside of work. For those without work, she advises remembering your why and doing purposeful projects that keep your sense of value alive. “Fulfilment,” she says, “is the medicine that keeps you moving.”
Small Steps for Mental Wellness
Her practical resets include walking, journaling, setting boundaries and protecting sacred time. Intentional reflection, movement and gratitude turn ordinary routines into therapy.
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