While for many individuals, the holiday season means spending time with family, friends, and loved ones, travelling, and exchanging gifts, it can also be a tough and emotionally demanding time.
Somizi Mhlongo, a media celebrity, took to Instagram this week to encourage South Africans to be kind to one another throughout the Christmas season.
During the popular “Bathroom Talks With Somizi” segment, the “Idols SA” judge urged the public to talk about depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders that many people suffer from, especially during the holiday season.
“I want to talk about the level of anxiety, sadness and doses of depression that goes on around this time of the year,” said Somizi.
“This time of the year it’s very easy for people to hide what they are going through because it’s festive. So it’s easy to get into that emotional state and hide it.”
Somizi also revealed with his followers that the holiday season is difficult for him because he lost his mother, legendary actress Mary Twala, in 2020.
Somizi also revealed with his followers that the holiday season is difficult for him because he lost his mother, legendary actress Mary Twala, in 2020. “This is the time when depression kicks in because of a whole lot of things…with me personally, this is the time when I reflect, most of my family members have passed, my mother, my sisters, my cousins…”
Somizi shared some words of wisdom on mental health awareness, saying, “Depression is real. It is not an attention-seeking ploy for someone to indicate they are depressed.
“Don’t be afraid to tell someone that you’re depressed, so you can get help.
“There are so many people that have committed suicide that we know of that looked the happiest.
“Depression is evil because it hides inside the most beautiful people, faces and expressions.”
Somizi indicated that he will continue to advocate for mental health awareness and the significance of speaking up.
“I will not stop advocating the importance of being vulnerable and not feeling shame. And I wish and hope that I carry on like this and that I don’t let you down.
“Nothing is permanent, including sad times. And I wish you a beautiful festive season. I love you.”
The tragic death of American dancer and choreographer Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss has spurred a conversation about mental health in Black communities, where depression and other mental health issues are sometimes taboo.
On December 13, Boss allegedly committed suicide at the age of 40.
Earlier this year, South African rapper Rikhado “Riky Rick Makhado,” seasoned actor Siyabonga Zubane, and veteran actor Patrick Shai all committed suicide.
Main Image: Somizi Mhlongo/ Instagram
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