October is a month that reminds us to stop for a moment and look after ourselves.
It’s both Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the time when the world recognises World Mental Health Day—two themes with a common message: you can’t pour from an empty cup.
We live in a country where the pressure is constant. South Africans carry a lot—from financial stress to work demands to the quiet worry of what tomorrow might bring.
According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), one in four South Africans will experience depression or an anxiety disorder in their lifetime. Yet, fewer than 25% will ever seek professional help. And when it comes to breast cancer, the National Cancer Registry shows that roughly one in 27 women in South Africa will be diagnosed at some point—but early detection dramatically improves survival rates.
These aren’t just numbers. They’re a reminder that we often run on empty for far too long. We look after clients, family, deadlines, and data, but we rarely schedule time to recharge our own batteries.
Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s survival.
It’s booking that mammogram, even if you’re “too busy.” It’s making the counselling appointment you’ve been putting off. It’s saying “no” when your plate is already full. It’s recognising that good mental health and physical health are two sides of the same coin—and both deserve attention.
In the insurance world, we talk about protection all the time. But the most important policy you’ll ever hold is the one that protects your own well-being. Review it often. Update it when life changes. And make sure the fine print includes rest, kindness, and time for yourself.
Because when you take care of yourself first, everyone—your loved ones, your clients, your community—benefits from the overflow.
