Suicidal behaviour in the world and in South Africa has reached critical proportions. This cuts cross all ethnic, gender and age groups. A disturbing shift has emerged, as increasingly more young and black South Africans are affected. This book explores why individuals succumb to suicidal behaviour. The book: examines and updates current statistics that provide clues to the circumstances surrounding suicidal behaviour; questions the misconceptions associated with such behaviour; offers prevention and management solutions; and, suggests further research needs. It is extremely important to educate healthcare workers and the general public on preventing suicide. The price of neglecting this is too high. The information contained in this book will help to equip readers to deal with issues surrounding suicidal behaviour.

Stress has been termed the 'millennium malady' and is an aspect of modern life that is largely unavoidable. In Mind Shift, Professor Schlebusch makes accessible to both the general reader and health-care professional some important new insights into the nature of stress, its impact on the health of individuals, as well as practical guidelines to its management. Key areas include: * the mind-body connection * the nature and causes of stress * how changing your perception will change your thoughts, emotions and behaviour * formulating a personal mission statement * using your mind power and the energy of your emotions * what is happiness? * self- and time-management * assertiveness, self-esteem and effective communication * thought-processes, problem-solving skills and visualisation * developing a lifestyle that includes a wellness programme and healing image