Mandisa Nduna's anxiety inspired her to start a platform to speak about mental health
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Image: Via Instagram
Actress-turned-rapper Mandisa Nduna who suffers from anxiety herself has started an initiative to encourage other people to talk about mental health issues.
Mandisa told TshisaLIVE that after dealing with anxiety for years, she knows how difficult it is for one to express their hurt or to find a professional setting to release when they are triggered.
"I have anxiety. It manifests itself physically sometimes where I find myself with a stiff tongue and neck, temporary paralysis in fingers and toes and sometimes temporary loss of hearing. I also have mild social anxiety."
Mandisa said she knew that everyone was going through something and hoped to find a community of people willing to help pick each other up.
"I'm not someone looking from the outside in, I am also dealing with my own things. The reason I started this platform was because in my own journey it was difficult to only speak to family and to also access any kind of professional help... be it because of money, accessibility or time. For me, my social anxiety makes it hard to even want to leave the house," she told TshisaLIVE.
The actress explained in a lengthy thread on Twitter how the idea of a "video diary" came to her and why she thought it could work.
"I know first hand what it's like to feel like nobody understands you. To be 14 years old and have anxiety attacks and be told you’re crazy or bewitched (true story) and that you just need church. I know what it’s like to feel like you aren't being heard."
She hopes the platform will be refuge and perhaps a place to heal for her and many others.
Read her comprehensive thread below.
2). What began to happen is, people started reaching out and telling me they can relate to me and my message. They began opening up about their own battles with anxiety and/or depression and it seemed like having an outlet and someone to talk to was helping them. SO..
— Mandisa Nduna (@NdunaRoyal) November 6, 2018
4). I know first hand what its like to feel like nobody understands you. To be 14years old and have anxiety attacks and be told you’re crazy or bewitched (true story), and that you just need church. I know what it’s like to feel like you arent being heard. ALSO..
— Mandisa Nduna (@NdunaRoyal) November 6, 2018
6). Thats when I discovered the ‘Video Diary’. It isn’t a new concept but wow it revolutionized my journey. A self-tape diary session where I could speak about anything, just like i would in a normal diary! I could laugh, cry, scream, vent or just be silent. NOW..
— Mandisa Nduna (@NdunaRoyal) November 6, 2018
8). I’m aware of the role Social Media plays in people mental health journeys. I’m aware of trolls. But what if this could be something safe and beautiful where people support and encourage one another? What if people could finally find help on this platform? What if it works?
— Mandisa Nduna (@NdunaRoyal) November 6, 2018
10). I’m extremely emotional as i type all of this so please forgive me if i’ve left out some info. Feel free to ask questions. And please RT and spread the word as far and wide as possible. @CentreMental_SA is also on Instagram (as @ centremental)🎥
— Mandisa Nduna (@NdunaRoyal) November 6, 2018
11). The whatsapp number is in the @CentreMental_SA bio for video submissions. I will be engaging with mental health experts to offer support. I’m aware of the risks of opening old wounds and would like people to feel as safe and supported as possible. Let’s do this! RT RT RT🙏🏾
— Mandisa Nduna (@NdunaRoyal) November 6, 2018
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