MY PAIN WAS TOO MUCH TO BARE
By Valencia Legodi
Pfumani Raphasha, a 25-year-old individual, made multiple suicide attempts but was unsuccessful. She grappled with persistent thoughts of self-harm, hurtful insults, and challenges in her relationships. The stability of her family was disrupted when her father betrayed her mother and shifted the blame onto his spouse for his infidelity, resulting in him taking out his frustrations on their children.
The quarrels between her parents disturbed the family's peace and made home unpleasant. “It broke my heart to see my siblings
go through it in tears, I felt so helpless at that time because there was not
much I could do to help them, “she said.
In 2015, she was diagnosed with depression and a minor
stroke due to stress and anxiety. Doctors often advised her to maintain a
positive mindset and to avoid things and people that caused her stress. The stress
she experienced at home and in her toxic relationship became unbearable. As a result, she
overdosed on her mother’s high-blood pills and was later admitted at Kalafong. Upon discharge, She
was referred to a psychologist.
After attending a few therapy sessions her psychologist prescribed
medications for her. However, things deteriorated in her relationship as her baby daddy began cheating on her and neglecting their daughter. He started emotionally abusing her, leaving her physically weakened and even resorted to physically assaulting her and then buying her medication to
heal her wounds. At times, she even considered resorting to prostitution to
support her child.
“I did not know what to do, because I was unemployed then and my mother had a lot on her plate. Asking her for help would just add to
her stress. Raising a child on my own was so difficult that I even
found myself considering prostitution to support my child” Pfumani said.
Should you find yourself feeling suicidal and helpless, you can contact the SADAG on 011 234 4837 or 0800 567 567.
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