Depression is easily misunderstood in our community. Because of the existing stigma, many are not comfortable to seek help and speak about it. I want to set an example for opening up about mental health in the South African black community and share my own experience with depression.
Dealing with depression and anxiety since I was 12, I have gotten to know my downward thought spiral quite well – and its weak spots. Here are three things I remind myself of, to stay one step ahead of my gloomy thoughts and catch them when they try to run away with my mind.
In October 2016 the rapper Kid Cudi shared an emotional post on his official Facebook page. Cudi announced that he had gone into rehab for depression and suicidal urges. His message clearly struck a chord – a year later it had almost 600.000 likes, 55.000 comments and it was shared 137.000 times.