The launch of a new campaign in Hurlingham, called Ndimlo, aims to break the stigma around depression and encourage communities to support one another.
Puleng Rachidi, the founder of the campaign, explained that she came up with the idea for the campaign in August and was further motivated to create a platform for people to engage with each other following the death of well-known hip-hop artist HHP in October.
Ndimlo, which means ‘This is me’, was started when Rachidi wanted to find a way to help those around her who were struggling with depression. “I had been reading a lot of newspaper articles and losing friends to suicide and depression and I asked myself ‘What am I doing?’. The first question I would ask is why they didn’t seek help and then I had to ask myself if I was there for that person.”
The campaign will host a series of monthly workshops for communities to gather together and offer support to those who are struggling with depression. Rachidi explained that in the social media age people feel so pressured to compete with one another and communicate primarily through a screen. Ndimlo aims to offer a safe space for people to connect and reach out to those who suffer from depression.
Actress Salamina Mosese attended the launch to share her own experience with depression. Mosese explained that she has been battling with depression for the past 18 years and has only recently begun speaking out about it in order to break the stigma attached to depression and encourage others to seek help.
Mosese explained that a healthy diet, exercise, working with medical professionals, taking medication and focusing on things that she loves has helped her cope with her depression.
“Don’t wait until you are at crashing point, I had a nervous breakdown in university and it took me two years to come back.”
Rachidi concluded, “You don’t have to change the nation, but you can change your surroundings, you can change your family, your friends, those that you talk to on a daily basis. We have responsibilities in our communities, our families and our workplaces.”
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Related Articles:
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/all4women/458394/bonnie-mbuli-to-get-candid-about-depression-in-new-web-series/
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