'There is always hope'
His life began the day he decided to end it.
Henriette Lamprecht – Wentzel Stephanus’ journey to becoming an activist for mental health and an avid spokesperson for those trapped in the dark throes of depression, began the day he decided to end his life. Two years after that fateful day on 16 October 2021, Wentzel shares in his own words the tremendous turning point it was leading him again to the light.“I grew up in the dusty streets of Keetmanshoop and was raised by my grandmother. I was the child of a teenage parent and had to share the love of my grandmother with five other grandchildren. It was the trauma of that, father and mother issues all piled up and it became overwhelming and it definitely had an impact. I lost my job and as a father I need to provide for my children and be an example. I couldn’t take care of them and that day I decided to drive into the first car or truck that came my way. I got into my car and started driving to end it all. My car however ran out of gas before I could do anything, isn’t it amazing how powerful God is and how it couldn’t happen! I realised I needed help to find a way out of the darkness. You have to go on your knees and ask for help. I have a position at a company that has always been very good to me. I reached out to my manager who put me in touch with a clinic psychologist. People were put on my path who became a mentor and a friend and played and still plays a huge role in my life and made tremendous contributions towards it. You have to start opening up and talk to someone. The more you talk, the more confident you become. I’m not ashamed of the way I felt and where I have been. I know darkness and struggle, I’ve experienced it on a personal level. You need to find the skills to handle it. Luckily our company has a department that is dedicated to mental health. Your community is so important and something like depression doesn’t distinguish between colour or race of position. There are people that struggle in different ways, but if you start reaching out, you will feel and see there is still hope. There is always, always hope and help available. Talk to a friend, someone at work or in your community, just reach out! If you just share, the burden already becomes less and you will feel less alone. I know what it feels like, I’ve been through it. There was a very good reason why my car went out of petrol that day. It was to live a purposeful life. God is really lifting the dark cloud above men’s lives.”
Did you know?
Long-lasting
Deep engagement, listening to, and working through our feelings can unchain us from the past and affect long-lasting change.
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10 tips to boost your mental health
1. Make social connection — especially face-to-face — a priority
2. Stay active
3. Talk to someone
4. Appeal to your senses
5. Take up a relaxation practice
6. Make leisure and contemplation a priority
7. Eat a brain-healthy diet to support strong mental health
8. Don't skimp on sleep
9. Find purpose and meaning
10. Get help if you need it