Vic Naidoo: "I could finally just let my hair down and not worry what people thought of me"
"I think the only time I'm truly really happy is when that mic goes on for three hours a day, because it's an escape from my mind." - Vic Naidoo.
As we embark on Movember, a month dedicated to men's health, Vic Naidoo invites Jane Linley-Thomas to the studio to chat with her about her amazing campaign.
For 30 days this November, Jane Linley-Thomas has invited men from all parts of KZN and from varied backgrounds to chat about their mental health.
One of the men who features in the campaign is our very own Vic Naidoo.
Many men come across to the world as if they have it all together, but the truth is that there are many men who suffer from mental health problems and are not comfortable sharing their strife.
Vic Naidoo reveals that he struggles regularly and that he believes that his mental health is a work in progress. Some days are good and some not so much.
Jane profiled her 13-year-old son as a prelude to the campaign and this young man's insight into mental health was astonishing.
When asked about his mental health, he responded by saying: "Sturdy. Good. Sometimes, I do feel stressed, anxious, and overwhelmed. If I don't work through these emotions, they can turn into anger"
We love this campaign and how it aims to break down the stigmas attached to mental health as a whole and, particularly, surrounding men.
As Jane so emphatically said in her interview, men matter. Being raised by a strong and positive father, being married to a mindful and supportive partner, and being a mother to two sons, she felt the urge to hold space for men this Movember.
Jane Linley-Thomas said that we are all really dealing with mental health issues and the more we deal with it, the more we can be there to hold each other's hands through it.
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Hearing Vic Naidoo and so many people come through with their voice notes sharing their mental health so openly was a pleasant opening to a door that has traditionally been closed.
And in saying that, sometimes not everyone is able to speak so freely about it. As Vic Naidoo mentioned, there are good days and bad days.
So, if you are not able to speak about it with someone you know, then you can reach out to The South African Depression And Anxiety Group, also referred to as SADAG. You can also call 0800 567 567 for help.
Otherwise, stay tuned to this amazing campaign by following the journey on Jane's social media here.
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