The legacy of apartheid has left many wounds - mental, physical and emotional. On November 11, the Eastern Cape town of Cradock will host the launch of a film about one of its former citizens who has travelled a long journey to come to terms with the pain and anger she felt following the murder of her husband. The film, "Nyameka's Story" is based on the life of Nyameka Goniwe and the process she has undergone since her husband, UDF leader Matthew Goniwe, was killed by security forces in 1985. Thandeka Teyise spoke to her about her healing process.

October 5-11 is National Anxiety Disorder Awareness Week. The aim of the week is to educate the public about the anxiety disorders, to help sufferers find appropriate treatment and to help destigmatise these conditions. Health-e takes a look at some of the phobias that affect some 21% of all South Africans.

Several pieces of legislation are expected to come before Parliament before the end of the year. The health minister describes the Mental Health Care Bill as one of the most interesting pieces of legislation while the crucial National Health Bill will not be tabled this year following Constitutional hitches.

Almost 700 psychiatric patients have been discharged from hospitals in the Western Cape and according to the SA Health review, more will follow. Many believe that mentally ill patients will have a better quality of life outside an institution. However, being exposed to a new kind of life outside hospital walls presents numerous challenges. Kerry Cullinan reports

A challenge facing many deinstitutionalized psychiatric patients is finding suitable employment. At Fountain House, run by the Cape Mental Health Society, patients receive training and temporary work assignments to give them a second chance.

It should be a time of joy, peace and goodwill '€“ yet all too often Christmas can be a time of loneliness, strained family relations and financial hardship. Psychologists warn that society has imposed all kinds of expectations around this time of year '€“ some of which are unrealistic and most of which are guaranteed to heighten stress levels. However, there are ways of coping.