Teen writes poems to work through depression, self-harm
Tshepi Buda said depression is a lifetime struggle but there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
After the death of her mother and her experience with depression, Tshepi Buda (16) has found the strength to share her journey in a tell-all book.
Although she has not yet published her book, Openings, her goal is to find a publisher to help her fulfil this dream.
Tshepi believes the book will help other youngsters to understand what it is like to live with depression.
“I am still trying to heal from the trauma of losing my mother and the emotional turmoil I experienced after her death,” she said.
The sudden changes in her life led to feelings of confusion and trauma, Tshepi explained.
“Like any other teenager, I distanced myself from people and spent more time on social media. It is there I learned to self-harm to escape emotional pain. I thought it was easier to feel physical rather than emotional pain.”
To deal with this destructive habit, Tshepi was booked into a rehabilitation centre for seven months.
She eventually realised self-harming would not help her deal with her pain. Instead, it added more distress to her life.
“So, I started writing poems to express my intense emotions. Being in rehab made me realise I was not the only youngster struggling and in need of guidance.
”I think my poems will inspire other young people to express their feelings more constructively,” said Tshepi.
She added that though depression is a lifetime struggle, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Email cathrynchristy@icloud.com for more information or to assist with publishing.
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