By: Natasha Archary
Zoleka Mandela, daughter of the late Zindzi Mandela took to her social media to share a gut-wrenching post about the reality of depression and anxiety.
The South African writer and activist penned an emotional post about coming undone, feeling worthless, sad and demotivated.
In her autobiography in 2013, Zoleka opened up about sexual abuse in her childhood, being addicted to drugs and alcohol as well as her suicide attempt.
The founder of the Zoleka Mandela Foundation is a breast cancer survivor and often speaks at events to inform and share her experience with cancer and other social upliftment topics.
However, a recent speaking engagement triggered the 41-year old’s depression and anxiety, forcing her back onto antidepressants and sleeping pills and therapy.
“I just want to feel normal again without the emotional heaviness of failure.”
With so many people afraid to talk about their struggles, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) has launched a new mental health support group for panic and anxiety.
The free support group will take place every first and third Wednesday (September 1 and 15) of the month via Skype between 19:00 and 20:15.
This group is one of many run by Sadag, an NPO striving to educate patients, families, professionals and the general public on the nature and management of mental illnesses.
Last week the organisation warned that the pandemic has triggered a massive spike in anxiety and depression among adolescents.
Sadag says this seems to be getting worse as the pandemic goes on and social isolation, loss of loved ones, disruption of schooling are among other things that stressing children since Covid-19.
Also read: Zoleka Mandela: My family is at war with one another


