Rachel Kolisi opens up about depression and suicide attempt at the age of 15
You never truly know what people are going through until you actually hear it from them.
One person which that statement is all so true for is philanthropist, businesswoman, mom, and wife to Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, Rachel.
A recent podcast episode of 'Wisdom & Wellness with Mpoomy Ledwaba' is opening up the veil to what was the reality for one half of Mzansi's favourite couple.
READ: YouTube star Mpoomy Ledwaba and Brenden Praise are one of the most-loved couples in Mzansi
In the podcast, the ladies have a vulnerable and honest conversation about a range of topics, from raising confident young women and spirituality to struggling with depression.
According to SADAG, one in six South Africans will suffer from anxiety, depression or substance abuse. Many people live in silence as they battle along, which often leads to the only out that many people believe they have - suicide.
This is why it is so comforting to see more people of influence, including our very own Miss South Africa Shudufhadzo Musida and now Rachel Kolisi, focusing on this.
READ: Miss South Africa Shudufhadzo Musida tackles mental health through new campaign
In the podcast, Rachel shares where her depression stemmed from. It started in her teen years when her parents were going through their divorce.
I know everyone in their teenage years has their struggles. Mine were based on my parents divorce and we were all involved in that process and dragged in the between a lot. My parents divorce was really challenging, I lost my way so much and found myself in unhealthy friendship groups.
Her friends at the time would suggest unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as smoking and drinking:
They would be like 'If you are having a bad day, Let's have a drink or a smoke and thats the enviroment I found myself in and it just spirals. Depression does that
Rachel had sunk to such a dark place that she started to self harm and attempted to take her own life at the age of just 15.
I was in a hole and I just wished that someone would drop down a ladder or a rope. I tried to commit suicide at 15. I spent two to three years cutting myself and crying for help but not finding it.
Fortunately for Rachel, she opened up to a friend of hers that she had met in America.
The friend helped her get help and this was also around the time where her faith was strengthened. Rachel is aware that not everyone gets the much needed intervention and assistance in time, however.
If you or a loved one are struggling, please reach out to SADAG (South African Depression and Anxiety Group), as they are always willing and ready to assist.
You can contact them on 0800 456 789 or by visiting their website here.
Image Courtesy of Rachel Kolisi's Instagram Page
Listen to the team chat about Rachel in the podcast below: