Reynard Slabbert opens up about depression and ADD diagnoses
The actor hopes to help break the stigma surrounding mental health and joined the Drive team to talk about his personal journey.
In 2024, it's easy to hide behind a perfectly crafted Instagram feed.
You often hear influencers and celebrities say, "Don't believe everything you see; you never truly know what someone is going through".
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Reynard Slabbert has been a regular fixture on South African screens as a 'Bravo!' host and for his role in everything from 'Egoli' to '7de Laan'.
While Slabbert was smiling away, little did anyone know about the internal struggle he was facing.
In 2022, he finally received the diagnosis that would explain why he felt like he wasn't coping.
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Reynard was diagnosed with clinical depression and ADD.
That's why I sometimes feel so low and I don't wanna get out of bed. I can stay there because nothing gets me out of bed. Nothing gets me excited.
Now, Reynard says with the help of medication and therapy, he is taking better care of himself, finding it easier to manage his emotions and navigate daily life.
Given his very public persona, he also shared that it can be hard to open up about these kinds of issues because of the harsh stigmas that still surround mental health.
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Not long ago, he made the courageous decision to leave his long-standing TV position to take care of his emotional well-being. This was a pivotal moment when he prioritised his mental health instead of giving in to career pressures.
He believes that there is incredible importance in speaking out and discussing mental health openly, as it will hopefully encourage others to do the same.
But it's still not easy.
Reynard says that ADD influences his daily experiences, especially in the form of rejection sensitivity.
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Rejection sensitivity "is extreme emotional sensitivity and pain triggered by the perception that a person has been rejected or criticized by important people in their life".
When this gets triggered, it can cause severe emotional responses like anger and sadness in people who have ADD.
He explains how he might see a picture on social media of a braai he wasn't invited to and his thoughts start running:
Your whole life has been filled with feeling like nothing makes sense, as if you've just always denied everything, you feel like you're not worth anything, you cannot maintain a relationship, and you're not good at your job. That's why you're not invited.
Slabbert shares that realising why he was having these severe reactions made him understand them better, and he could start to learn how to work through them.
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Therapy has also been a vital tool in his journey. It has helped him dismantle years of shame associated with mental health struggles.
Reynard Slabbert serves as a testament to what the benefits of seeking treatment, positive changes, and open conversation can bring.
For him, it's now all about taking it one day at a time and maintaining a positive outlook despite the struggles.
For me, it's a way of life. I was fine with it, that I have depression, that I have this.
Watch the full interview here:
Slabbert's interview on The Drive with Rob and Roz 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 manage stress and anxiety, 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 benefit fully from everything October Health has to offer.
Tune in to 'The Drive with Rob & Roz', on weekdays from 16:00 - 19:00. Stream the show live here or download our mobile app here.
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