As more people struggle with anxiety, depression and emotional distress, many are turning to AI chatbots for comfort and advice instead of mental health professionals.

As more people struggle with anxiety, depression and emotional distress, many are turning to AI chatbots for comfort and advice instead of mental health professionals. Whether it's cost, stigma, long waiting lists or the promise of anonymity, the trend is growing—but so are the concerns. Experts warn that while AI can be a useful tool, it's no substitute for qualified mental healthcare and, in some cases, could even make a crisis worse.  Guest: Dr Yumna Minty, Member of the South African Society of Psychiatrists