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Emotional and mental wellbeing in Cape Town
Emotional resilience and behavioural support are treated as part of physical health, not separate from it. Mind and body are looked at together, because they affect each other.
Who this is for.
- People under long-term stress or close to burnout.
- People whose low mood, worry or poor sleep sits alongside physical symptoms.
- People who find it hard to keep up healthy changes and want to understand why.
- People who want a doctor who treats the mind and the body together.
Concerns people bring.
- Long-term stress, exhaustion or feeling close to burnout.
- Worry that is hard to switch off.
- Low mood, or losing interest in things you usually enjoy.
- Poor sleep, tension or physical symptoms that seem linked to how you feel.
- A difficult period, such as illness, loss, a change of job or a new baby.
- Not being sure whether what you feel is stress, anxiety, burnout or low mood.
How the work is done.
Care follows the same three stages, with equal attention to how you are feeling.
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A full history
How you have been feeling, what is happening in your life and how your sleep, energy and body are responding. Time to be heard comes first.
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Proper baseline data
Your emotional wellbeing is considered alongside your physical health, since each can drive the other, and physical causes are not overlooked.
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A plan reviewed over time
Support that is practical and agreed with you. Where psychological or psychiatric care would help, referral is discussed, and the plan is reviewed as you go.
Your first visit.
The first visit gives time to talk. You are asked how you have been feeling, what is happening in your life, and how sleep, energy and your body are responding. You can say as much or as little as you like.
Physical causes are considered alongside emotional ones, since each can drive the other. A plan is agreed with you, and if a psychologist or psychiatrist would help, referral is discussed.
What this is not.
- Not therapy, and not a substitute for psychological or psychiatric treatment where that is needed.
- Not an emergency service. If you are in crisis, call 10177 or 112, or go to your nearest emergency room.
- Not a diagnosis from a website. Only an assessment by a doctor can tell what is going on for you.
What this is, and is not.
This is general medical care that takes emotional health seriously. It is not a substitute for psychiatric or psychological treatment where that is needed, and referral is discussed when it is appropriate.
If you need help now. If you are in crisis or thinking of harming yourself, call 10177 or 112, or go to your nearest emergency room. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) Suicide Crisis Helpline is 0800 567 567.
Common questions.
Is this therapy?
No. It is medical care within general practice, with time given to emotional health, and referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist when that would help.
Will I be prescribed medication?
Whether any treatment is needed is decided with you after assessment. Options, benefits and risks are explained.
Is what I say confidential?
Yes. Consultations are confidential, in line with medical ethics and the privacy policy on this site.
Why is this part of a practice about metabolic health?
Sleep, stress and mood affect appetite, blood sugar, blood pressure and the ability to keep up healthy habits. The reverse is also true.
How do I know if it is burnout or depression?
They can look alike, and they can occur together. Whether you have either is decided by an assessment with a doctor, not by a checklist online.
Will my employer or family be told?
No. Consultations are confidential. Information is shared only with your consent, or where the law requires it.
What if I only want to talk?
That is a good place to start. Being heard is the first part of care, and what comes next is agreed with you.
Patient education.
Plain-language guides written by Dr Naidu on topics related to this care. General information only, not medical advice.
Related care.
Dr Tevin Naidu practises general medicine with a special interest in metabolic health and preventive medicine. About Dr Naidu. Page updated October 2026.
Book a consultation
Dr Naidu consults at both practices below, on Cape Town’s West Coast. Appointments, fees and medical records are handled by the practice you book with.
Big Bay Doctors
- Address
- Shop 40, Seaside Village Shopping Centre, Cnr Otto du Plessis Dr & Cormorant Ave, Big Bay, Cape Town, 7441
- Hours
- Mon–Fri 8am–5pm, Sat 8am–12pm
- Dr Naidu
- Mon–Sat 9am–12pm
- Phone
- 021 554 3665
Blouberg Doctors
- Address
- Shop 4, Sunningdale Lifestyle Centre, Sandown Rd, Sunningdale, Cape Town, 7441
- Hours
- Mon–Fri 8am–5pm
- Dr Naidu
- Mon–Fri 1pm–5pm
- Phone
- 021 891 0500
For medical emergencies, call 10177 or 112, or go to your nearest emergency room. Please do not use the email addresses above for medical advice, clinical consultations or urgent care, contact the practice directly for those. Information here is general and does not replace individualised medical advice given during a consultation.