One young woman helping others heal!
When we have a broken arm, we are careful with it and people understand when we are slower, sore or just not lekker. When we are depressed, it should be the same thing.
Mental illness is something we still feel shame about. We would more easily tell people we had a stomach bug than tell even our closest friends that we feel anxious, depressed or have BiPolar disorder.
One young woman from Thembisa is working tirelessly to change this narrative! Her name is Tshidy Mokoena and she has depression and anxiety - and is not afraid to say it!
After suffering abuse from a person close to her, Tshidy developed depression and anxiety, driving her to self harm and alienating herself from her peers and family. She sat with me and spoke candidly about her struggles and how talking about them has helped her begin to heal. Through her blog she unpacked her very real emotions about the abuse and her struggles stemming from that.
Also listen to: How one organisation is changing lives!
The blog quickly grew into a gathering and has brought peace to so many young people, removing some of the stigma attached to having a mental illness.
In her own words: "I hope that this [Uncensored] will be the footprints that I leave in the sands of time and the legacy that I will one day leave behind for this broken society, a legacy of healing. My name is Motshidisi Fortunate Mokoena and this is my baby. I hope it grows and continues to plant seeds of light and love in people's lives."
Also listen to : Yanga will not be silenced! How she is using her platform for good
You can listen to our chat here:
If you are struggling, you are not alone. Reach out and talk to someone you trust!
Another Great article: How far are you willing to run for something you believe in?