Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, popularly known as AKA, has come out to share that he struggles with mental health issues.
The rapper recently went on his Instagram stories to share that he had been diagnosed with clinical depression many months ago. He also said that he had been put on medication following his diagnosis, sharing a picture of a bottle of pills.
Unfortunately, according to the rapper, the medication was terrible for him. He said he felt absolutely nothing while on the meds, a feeling he completely hated. His job is literally to feel things, he said, so it was terrible for him to be unable to feel things.
Eventually, he took himself off the medication because he couldn't handle the feeling. He didn't detail, though, how he is handling everything now that he is off his medication. He especially provided no update on his clinical depression diagnosis.
He completed the "confession" by asking all those who were struggling to "hang in there".
Clearly, mental health issues are horrible. We would never have guessed that AKA was dealing with something so difficult. He has been handling it all so well and his public demeanor has betrayed nothing of the sort.
But that is probably a common factor with mental health issues, particularly depression. Just recently, another Mzansi sweetheart, comedian Lasizwe Dambuza, also confessed that he was struggling with depression.
Lasizwe checked himself into a mental health institution. Going on his social media platforms, he shared that he would be taking time off to take care of himself. He also said that he had no shame in admitting that he was struggling.
Lasizwe received an outpouring of love and support following his announcement. Other celebrities hopped onto his comments section to applaud his bravery. They said he was an inspiration to many others who were probably going through the same thing in private. His bravery showed that there is no shame in admitting you need help and seeking it.
But Lasizwe's confession turned dramatic when, only a few days after he apparently checked himself into the mental health institution, the comedian was spotted out and about at an event in Sun City. A video of him dancing to Osama went viral online, and many social media users who had been sympathetic had some choice words for him.
The greatest sentiment was betrayal, as many tweeps felt that he had faked depression, and could not understand whether it was all part of a publicity stunt, or part of a mental health campaign.
Read more: Did Lasizwe Fake Mental Health Issues?
The comedian is yet to address these claims, but to all indications, he is back and doing better. He has fully resumed his social media presence, and was recently live tweeting his favourite TV shows as he usually does.
We wish them both all the best on his recovery journey, and yes, it was brave to come out and admit to struggling. We are inspired by them!