Skeem Saam Actress Lethabo Mekoa Opens Up About Battling Depression

Lethabo Mekoa, widely recognized for her compelling portrayal of Ntswaki on the beloved South African soap opera “Skeem Saam,” has recently taken a brave step in sharing her personal battle with depression.

In a heartfelt interview, she candidly addressed her experiences, highlighting the significance of mental health awareness, particularly within the entertainment industry, where the pressures can often be overwhelming.

Mekoa began by discussing the dark moments she faced during her struggle with depression. “There were days when getting out of bed felt like the hardest thing in the world,” she confessed.

Behind the scenes of her vibrant on-screen persona, she was grappling with feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and isolation.

The expectations of fame, combined with the demands of her career, created an emotional weight that she found increasingly difficult to bear.

“It was as if I was living in a shadow, where everything seemed dull and joyless,” she reflected.

One of the most powerful aspects of Mekoa’s story is her acknowledgment of the stigma surrounding mental health.

“In our industry, there’s often a pressure to appear perfect and put together,” she explained. “But the truth is, many of us are struggling.

It’s crucial to break that silence and share our stories.” By coming forward, she hopes to inspire others to recognize that they are not alone in their battles.

Mekoa emphasized the importance of seeking help and the pivotal role therapy played in her journey toward healing.

“Talking to a therapist was a game-changer for me,” she revealed. It provided her with a safe space to express her feelings and explore the root causes of her depression.

“I learned that it’s okay to ask for help. We don’t have to carry our burdens alone.”

This message is particularly vital for young people who might feel overwhelmed by societal expectations or personal challenges.

Self-care emerged as another key theme in Mekoa’s discussion. She described how small practices, such as journaling, meditation, and spending quality time with loved ones, helped her regain a sense of control and joy in her life.

“I started to find beauty in the little things,” she noted.

“Whether it was a walk in nature or a good book, I learned to cherish those moments.”

This shift in perspective not only aided her recovery but also reinforced her belief in the importance of nurturing one’s mental health.

Mekoa also spoke about the pressure to maintain a particular image as a public figure.

“There’s a constant fear of judgment,” she said, explaining how that fear often kept her from expressing her true feelings.

However, she realized that vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength.

“By sharing my truth, I hope to encourage others to do the same. It’s okay to not be okay, and it’s perfectly fine to show our real selves.”

Her bravery in discussing her mental health struggles is paving the way for more open conversations about these issues in the entertainment industry and beyond.

She hopes that her story will serve as a reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health, deserving of attention and care.

As Lethabo Mekoa continues her journey, she remains committed to using her platform to advocate for mental health awareness.

“We need to create spaces where people feel safe to talk about what they’re going through,” she asserted.

By sharing her experiences, she aims to contribute to a culture that prioritizes well-being and encourages individuals to seek help without fear of stigma.

Through her openness and vulnerability, Mekoa is not just a role model for her fans but also a beacon of hope for anyone battling their own mental health challenges.

Her message resonates deeply: it’s okay to struggle, it’s okay to seek help, and it’s essential to take care of oneself.

In a world that often emphasizes perfection, Lethabo Mekoa’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that authenticity and healing are possible, and that every voice matters in the fight for mental health awareness.