Heal Your Mind with Tracey-Lee Kotzen

In this episode, we reflect on my time at the SVRI Forum 2024, where we had the distinct privilege of collaborating with Tarana Burke, the visionary founder of the #MeToo movement, and connecting with Shesheena A. Bray, Director of Programmes and Partnerships, who led wellness initiatives at the event. In our conversation, we tour the foundation of the #MeToo Movement and it’s unique perspectives on healing and wellness as essential pillars, not only for the team but also for every survivor. Shesheena recounts the early mission of the #MeToo movement, launched in 2006 to empower and support Black women and girls who are survivors of sexual violence. She highlights the movement’s ongoing commitment to resourcing survivor healing and wellbeing through tools like the Survivors Sanctuary online platform.

In this episode, we dive into the intricate intersection of grief and culture, unravelling the profound impact it has on mental health. Grief in a universal experience, yet the way it manifests and is processed varies across cultures, shaping individual and collective responses. Host Tracey Lee Kotzen is joined by Welile Maleka and Hazel Namponya.

In this episode, dive into the South African National Mental Health Policy Framework and Strategic Plan 2023 – 2030. Our discussion aims to unravel the intricacies of the framework policy, offering listeners an understanding of its contents and implications. Host Tracey Lee Kotzen is joined by guest Dr Njabulo Mbanda.

In this episode, we discuss how sexual violence trauma affects intimate partner relationships. Our guest shares their personal stories marked by unresolved trauma, scars, and pain. They recognise how this unhealed trauma impacted their intimate relationships and through their healing journey, give hope to those walking the same path. Join Tracey as she speaks with guests Martin Pelder, Zoe Pali, Kavya Swaminathan, and Etienne Louw.

INDODA is a podcast for men to have candid conversations about their mental health challenges from a trauma-informed perspective. The topics of the show are informed and deliberately selected, so as to bring awareness of the systemic contributions towards the mental health crisis. For so long, we have been fire-fighting symptomatic problems that stem from deeply entrenched and deliberately cultivated socially engineered problems, which predate our time. These have evolved and infiltrated into the lowest levels of our societies. In this episode, we unpack the stigma of male gender-based violence and address the impact on their mental health. It is crucial to emphasise that addressing the impact of GBV on men's mental health does not diminish the importance of addressing the systemic violence and discrimination that women and marginalised gender identities face. We approach GBV and mental health issues from an intersectional and inclusive perspective, recognising that everyone can be affected differently and may require tailored support. Promoting gender equality, challenging harmful gender norms, and ensuring accessible mental health services for all survivors are important steps to ensure a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone impacted by GBV. #Healyourmind #INDODA #mentalhealthandwellness #mwi #endthestigmaSA