Maria Chiguvari
MOST musicians have silently battled mental health, putting on happy faces for the rest of the world.
But things took another turn when gospel musician Mambo Dhuterere shared that he was mentally, emotionally and spiritually depressed.
The musician revealed that he has been turning down bookings and invitations.
The Love Shouldn’t Hurt Mai Hondo tournament that occurred in September in Mutare was the last time he appeared in public.
During the weekend, Mambo Dhuterere shared a post saying he needed time to find himself
“Have been turning down bookings and invitations zvaita kuti vamwe vave disappointed in me
“Forgive me, I am down mentally, emotionally and spiritually depressed. I just need a little while to pick myself up. I will be back. In God we trust.”
Artists across different genres have used their platforms to speak out in the hope of destigmatising everything about depression by opening up about their struggles and methods for coping.
A month ago, Trevor Dongo, revealed that he had been battling with depression.
Since 2021, Trevor Dongo has used his talent as a tool to cope.
He has been writing and recording music that reflects his emotions and experiences, which has helped him connect with his fans on a deeper level. Dongo also spoke about the importance of seeking professional help and therapy, as well as having a support system of friends and family. By sharing his story, Dongo hoped to inspire others to speak out and seek help for their own mental health struggles.
Similarly, the late Oliver Mtukudzi’s daughter, Selmor Mtukudzi, has been open about her own battle with depression after the death of her father.
She has used her platform to encourage others to seek help and to break the stigma around mental health in Zimbabwe.
These celebrities’ openness about their struggles with depression help to humanise the issue and normalise seeking help.
It’s important for all of us to recognise that mental health is just as important as physical health and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.