Mangaliso Kabulika
MOTIVATIONAL speaker, Portia Sunhwa (26) has spoken out about her struggles with depression caused by financial crisis and rejection from friends.
As she lost interest in everything she loved, and even closing her counselling group for youths, her family didn’t notice her depression as she stayed indoors.
Portia said she found her strength in listening to various sermons.
She believes that people need to constantly check on each other, especially when someone posts on social media, as it could be a cry for help.
Portia emphasised that depression needs a practical solution and acceptance that someone is depressed, and not trying to solve problems alone without opening up.
“I was going through a deep financial crisis and I faced a lot of rejection from friends and this made me extremely bitter.
“I could not sleep; I remember that I spent a week without even sleeping and that’s when I realised that I was depressed.
“I lost interest in everything that I loved, from going to church and visiting family and friends. My life was on pause, nothing was moving and I didn’t have any hope.
“When you’re everyone’s anchor and people come to you for help, they won’t take you seriously if you tell them that you’re also depressed.
“I had to pretend to be strong as I could not stand the shame of being seen at my weakest. I simply kept quiet.
“I hoped that through the closure of my group someone would come to ask why and then I would open up, but no one came as people assumed that I was just being arrogant,” said Portia.
Portia said she didn’t visit any professional counsellor, but just listened to various sermons.
“We may visit professionals, but sometimes depression needs a practical solution and once a person accepts that they are depressed and stop trying to solve problems on their own without opening up, that’s when healing begins.”