Rachel Kolisi opens up about her depression and suicide attempt

Rachel Kolisi opens up about her depression and suicide attempt

This is how Rachel Kolisi survived a suicide attempt and how she's processing depression. 

Rachel Kolisi
Instagram/ Rachel Kolisi

According to SADAG, one in six South Africans will suffer from anxiety, depression or substance abuse. 

With no help and many people living in silence as they battle along alone, and this can sometimes lead to suicide. Philanthropist Rachel Kolisi is no longer living in silence after she recently opened up about her battle with depression that was triggered by the divorce of her parents when she was only 15-years-old. 

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During her podcast conversation with Mpoomy Ledwaba, Kolisi had an honest conversation about her battle with mental illness. 

"My parents went through a really hard divorce and we were involved in that process," Kolisi explained. "My parents' divorce was really challenging, I lost my way so much and found myself in unhealthy friendship groups, Kolisi continued. 

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When Kolisi was only a teenager, she tried to commit suicide due to her parents' difficult divorce. 

"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."

During that time a friend helped Kolisi out of the dark hole and convinced her to seek help.

Rachel Kolisi believes that everyone should seek help from a therapist. 

Please reach out to SADAG (South African Depression and Anxiety Group) if you suspect you might be suffering from depression.

You can contact them on 0800 456 789 or by visiting their website here.

Tune in to the 'Scenic Drive with Rian', weekdays from 16:00-19:00. Stream the show live here or download our mobile app here.

Image: Instagram/ Rachel Kolisi

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