Stacey talks about her anxiety and mental health in special message for KZN
It's okay not to be okay...
There are a lot of words that, within a week, have become a part of our daily vocabulary.
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These things have always existed. But now they are affecting livelihoods, families, friends, businesses and entire communities right here in our backyard.
Protests, looting, riots, violence, army, racial profiling, state of emergency, barricade, civil unrest, the list goes on.
What usually follows these words are a lot of negative feelings.
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Feelings of anxiety, depression, anger, sadness, fear and hopelessness.
At the start of the week, the gravity of this volatile situation truly hit us.
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Things were starting to escalate, looting was still rampant, fires started to burn across KZN and we had one job to do:
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However, there is only so much one person can take.
Our community is going through its biggest struggle and most testing time. While we can't even begin to imagine what it must be like for those who find themselves in the midst of the chaos, we see you.
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We see the videos on social media of local businesses, family-owned businesses and small businesses being destroyed and finding themselves at a point of no return.
We hear the voicenotes flooding our WhatsApp line of families hiding in their houses in fear, we read the messages coming through of people saying that this is the most terrified they have ever been and we listen to the constant news and traffic reports keeping us updated and informed.
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And while we are very fortunate and blessed to be able to go to work, we can also admit that the uncertain circumstances we find ourselves in have taken an emotional and mental toll on ALL of us.
On Tuesday Stacey chose to stay home and not do the show:
J Sbu gave his girl all the time she needed and also had a special message for anyone who might be experiencing the same terrible feelings:
But now she's back and sometimes that's all it takes - being vulnerable, opening up to those closest to you and being honest.
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It's so important to take care of your mental and emotional health during this stressful time and also remember you are never alone.
Here are some free therapy sources:
Life line: 086 1322 322
SADAG: 011 234 4837
Suicide Crisis Lifeline: 0800 567 567
Trauma Helpline: 0800 205 026
We are here, for you.
Remember to follow the #ECRTraffic team for your latest Traffic updates on the go here.
Main image courtesy of East Coast Radio