Scandal! actress Nomvelo Makhanya has for the first time revealed details about winning the battle against bipolar, anxiety and depression.
The 21-year-old star, who plays the role of rebellious teenager Lindiwe Ngema, on the e.tv soapie, said she hoped her story would help others.
“When I visited my psychiatrist he told me that he wanted me to book myself into hospital the next day. I was hesitant. I kept thinking, ‘Dr, I need to get back to work tomorrow’.
“I was also scared that people wouldn’t understand and that I would be away with no support,” she explained.
At the time, Makhanya said she felt like everything was impossible to handle and sometimes felt like she could not make it through the day.
“I felt like I was drowning and felt like with every breath I was waging a war against myself,” Makhanya reflected.
After spending three weeks in hospital last year and getting the necessary help, Makhanya won the war.
“I didn’t really listen to what people were saying or worried what they thought of me, but I did get judged.”
Now about a year later, the rising star is in a much better space and has spoken out to inspire other people.
“I want people to know that there is hope. You have to take it one day at a time and believe that it will get better. I still struggle some days and I have to talk to myself and let myself know that it will be alright, even if I don’t feel like it in the moment,” she added.
