Nomvula became depressed after her boyfriend, the father of her children, was unfaithful to her. The situation was so unbearable that she considered suicide as a way out.
I was shattered. I did not know what to do. I questioned God. I could not understand why that had to happen. I was angry at everyone and did not know how to handle the pain I felt. I slipped into depression. I felt like I was trapped in a dark hole.
My sister and I were raised by our grandmother. She fell sick and was diagnosed with diabetes. Shortly after that, she passed on. We had to move in with my mother and stepfather.
I was depressed because of insecurities and low self-esteem. I felt lonely and sad. I often cried myself to sleep at night. I considered myself a disappointment and I tried very hard to fit in.
I plunged into depression. I could not eat. Even when I was around people, I felt alone. I felt like I was in a dark place and nothing could bring me joy. I had a huge void that nothing and no one could fill.
My mother used to sell vegetables and I helped her. We went from house to house, selling to people. The situation at home was not easy because my father drank alcohol excessively. After work, he passed by the shebeen and often arrived home late..