ENTERTAINMENT PERSONALITIES SPEAK OUT OVER DEPRESSION

MBABANE – “Depression flourishes in silence. When you name and talk about it you start to separate yourself from it.”

This is a revelation made by one survivor, who has asked to remain anonymous, as they are going through counselling sessions on dealing with depression.
Depression is increasing globally and is expected to be the second most common reason for occupational disability by 2020.

It has been reported that approximately one third of Africans suffer from some form of mental illness, and more than 17 million people in South Africa are dealing with depression, substance abuse, anxiety, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Because of this silent killer, Eswatini’s entertainment industry has joined forces to try and curb this societal  issue.

Concert

Eswatini’s Worship with us and Pool for nations have come together to organise a youth concert with the aim of raising awareness on depression and discuss ways to overcome it. By doing so, they have invited youth in all four regions of Eswatini to take part in the capaign as according to them, they have seen the need to rise and discuss depression issues as it is one factor that has crippled the community.

According to Zuzile Shiba, who is the Founder and Director of the event, the idea came after they noticed a trend of suicidal deaths in Eswatini, which mostly were a result of depression.

Shiba said they wanted to touch base with the youth as a majority of them were aspiring entertainment industry pioneers.
“The way the youth is dependent on approval of their peers on social media through what they post is very worrying, as such a life can lead one to depression,” said Shiba.

Shiba added that working in the entertainment industry could leave one burnt out. It can also leave you a shell of your former self.
“A quality family life is often the biggest casualty for those in the entertainment industry. Without time for this kind of essential support, those in the industry are left in a situation where depression easily becomes an issue and because of this, we need to address this issue sooner than later,” she said.

Shared

During the event, South Africa-based musician Ayanda Ntasi will perform and has shared his excitement with the Entertainment Desk during a telephonic interview on being part of the initiative.
 “I am so excited to be part of it as one of my main goals is to always help and inspire other troubled souls through my music,” he said.

Ntasi will not be the only one ministering through music, but other local gospel artists will be present, the likes of Lungelo Matse, Switch, Bhelekazi and many more.

Shiba said the event would be more of a motivational session with less speeches and more inspiring gospel music .One of the main reasons of the event is to raise awareness on issues of depression and on ways to overcome it.

“This will help in giving a perfect, friendly platform for the youth to get educated on these issues, which are not addressed that much in most churches,” she said

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