By Tamlyn Canham
Simphiwe Dana has joined scores of South Africans in sharing their stories about depression.
The musician opened up about her battle while responding to a tweet shared by Kaya 959’s political analyst Dr. Sithembile Mbete.
Dr. Mbete talked candidly about her own struggle with depression, anxiety, and ADHD.
Using the phrase “thank you for sharing”, Simphiwe revealed that she was scared to take medication for depression.
“I don’t take meds for the depression as I fear it will affect my creativity. I do take stressam for the anxiety,” she tweeted.
https://twitter.com/simphiwedana/status/1381544712746713090
Radio personality Melanie Bala replied to Simphiwe’s post with a story of her own.
The mother-of-two revealed that she also takes medication for anxiety.
“Thank you for sharing. I am Melanie Bala and I’ve suffered from depression, and post-natal depression. I take medication for my anxiety when it flares up. Let’s destigmatise.”
READ: SADAG aims to remove the stigma around mental health
Thank you for sharing. I am Melanie Bala and I've suffered from depression, and post-natal depression. I take medication for my anxiety when it flares up. Let's destigmatise 🙏🏽 https://t.co/UQfTpCY2DB
— Threads: melzinbala (@MelBala) April 12, 2021
Lalla Hirayama and Phumzile Van Damme also spoke out.
Thanks for sharing. My name is Lalla Hirayama. I struggle with panic & anxiety disorder, depression and have gone through 3suicidal phases in my life. I have worked w/my psychologist for 8 years & a psychiatrist. I’m currently on medication to help.
Let’s destigmatize 🙏 https://t.co/nPUZNLU1yN— Lalla Hirayama (@Lalla_Hirayama) April 12, 2021
Shudufhadzo Musida plays her part
Miss South Africa Shudufhadzo Musida is also on a mission to end stigmas about depression. She retweeted many of the posts shared during the “thank you for sharing” discussion.
Shudu says being kind to each other is important.
“I want people to know that it’s okay to not be okay but they’re not alone. I’m Miss South Africa but I too have struggles and I can only hope that with the little I do through mindful Mondays people can know that they’re not alone. I’m with them.”



