SA singer opens up about brother's death and mental health struggles
South African musician Craig Lucas recently opened up about his personal journey with mental health and addiction in a candid conversation with radio host Martin Bester.
Born and raised in the challenging environment of Bonteheuwel, a community plagued by gangsterism and substance abuse, Craig Lucas shared how his early life shaped his dreams and struggles.
Craig revealed that his master's dissertation focused on youth aspirations, exploring how circumstances can both limit and define them.
"Your circumstances do define you, but we shouldn't let them limit us," Craig emphasised. This insight paved the way for a deeper exploration of his own mental health challenges.
Behind the spotlight, Craig has faced immense personal loss, including the murder of his brother and sister-in-law at the hands of a family member.
READ: Craig Lucas breaks silence after the killing of brother, sister-in-law
Despite these hardships, he found resilience through support and a focus on self-care: "I had to decide if I was going to go down the road of numbing myself with substances or start trying to be better."
Initially diagnosed with bipolar II disorder, Craig later discovered he could be dealing with borderline personality disorder, which resonated more strongly with him.
He stressed the importance of seeking professional help, stating: "There are people that are literally educated to try and treat these things better."
His journey of navigating these diagnoses illuminated the importance of understanding and accepting mental health struggles.
Craig also spoke openly about his battle with addiction, sharing how alcohol and drugs initially served as his coping mechanisms.
After a harrowing period of substance abuse, exacerbated by the pressures of fame, Craig chose sobriety almost three years ago.
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The support from friends and a solid professional support system were pivotal in this transformative decision.
"It was one or the other, you’re wasting your money, you're wasting your time," was the wake-up call that helped Craig make a life-changing choice.
A particularly poignant moment in Craig's journey was the first day he woke up without the debilitating voices of doubt and self-hatred in his mind.
"Is this what it feels like to just wake up in the morning and be a little tired?" he recounted with the realisation that what he once thought was normal actually wasn’t.
Lucas's story is a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the power of overcoming adversity.
READ: Safe Space 2024
His journey underscores the fact that reaching out for help is crucial—not only for oneself, but also for those around us.
As Craig continues to embrace change and growth, he inspires others to "face it, acknowledge it" and take the courageous step towards healing.
Craig's interview on Breakfast with Martin Bester is part of Jacaranda FM's Safe Space initiative.
Jacaranda FM believes that if men are provided with the right platform and motivation, they will feel comfortable discussing the burdens in their lives and seeking help.
In November, Jacaranda FM will address various challenges men face in collaboration with October Health.
October Health, previously known as PANDA, is designed to empower individuals to take control of their mental health and well-being through proactive, long-term solutions.
By integrating performance psychology with cutting-edge technology, the platform helps users not only manage stress and anxiety, but also build mental resilience and unlock their full potential. With personalised tools, live sessions, and self-guided resources, October Health makes mental fitness an achievable and aspirational goal for everyone.
Use the code JACA24 on the October Health App to receive an extra 200 Luna credits and gain access to three premium AI coaching courses. By entering the promo code, you will unlock exclusive access to premium content, enabling you to fully benefit from everything October Health has to offer.
Tune in to the 'Breakfast with Martin Bester', on weekdays from 06:00 - 09:00. Stream the show live here or download our mobile app here.
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