By Tamlyn Canham
Mihlali Ndamase is one of the biggest influencers in South Africa, but all that glitters is not always gold.
The 24-year-old says local influencers need a support group to tackle mental health issues.
“We need some sort of support group for content creators in this country, a safe space for our mental health and overall well-being. This job takes so much from you, and not a lot of people speak about that,” she tweeted.
We need some sort of support group for content creators in this country, a safe space for our mental health and overall well-being. This job takes so much from you, and not a lot of people speak about that.
— Mihlali Ndamase 🤍 (@mihlalii_n) September 7, 2021
Many of Mihlali’s followers agreed, with one saying people don’t care until someone takes their own life.
Another Twitter user pointed out that constantly being on social media – which is a crucial tool for influencers – can cause depression.
“This is very profound and must be taken seriously, multiple studies have found a strong link between heavy social media use and an increased risk for depression, anxiety, loneliness, self-harm, and even suicidal thoughts.”
This is very profound and must be taken seriously, multiple studies have found a strong link between heavy social media use and an increased risk for depression, anxiety, loneliness, self-harm, and even suicidal thoughts.
— Billionaire Ye 🇨🇳 (@dacoldest_ncube) September 7, 2021
ALSO READ: Mihlali Ndamase reveals she spent R40k on a Louis Vuitton bag
One Twitter user says letting the world into your personal space can be scary.
“Funny enough… I was watching videos on YouTube yesterday, and was like this too much… Letting the world in your personal space and sharing every little thing you do…”
This is very profound and must be taken seriously, multiple studies have found a strong link between heavy social media use and an increased risk for depression, anxiety, loneliness, self-harm, and even suicidal thoughts.
— Billionaire Ye 🇨🇳 (@dacoldest_ncube) September 7, 2021
The ugly side of fame
It’s not the first time Mihlali has addressed the mental health of influencers. She opened up about the ugly side of fame in an interview with TshisaLIVE last year.
The YouTube star says being in the public eye can be “nerve-racking” and she sometimes feels like she needs to “walk on eggshells”.
But she doesn’t allow the negative energy online to bring her down.
“No, I’m not trying to be anybody else but myself. So I put myself on the platter and I put myself out there and you take it or leave it. If you don’t like it, don’t eat from this platter, eat from another one. I’m a very raw person and I’m very honest and transparent.”
Kaya 959 news reporter, Katleho Sekhotho, spoke to Mihlali about conquering the naysayers in June. Watch the interview below.
If you or anyone you know is suffering from depression, you can reach out to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG):
To contact a counsellor between 8am-8pm Monday to Sunday, Call: 011 234 4837 / Fax number: 011 234 8182.
For a suicidal emergency contact 0800 567 567
24hr Helpline: 0800 456 789
Main image credit: Instagram/@mihlali_n



