Young author pens book to tackle mental health
Kgwatalala sets out to dislodge uninformed stereotypes
Author Thabang Kgwatalala didn’t allow himself to be deterred by mental illness and he has now written a book about his life experience. His passion for reading has grown deeper instead and he is now a published author of a motivational book titled Shaken But Not Forsaken.
The 25-year-old, who stays at Madiba Park in Polokwane, Limpopo, says he uses his tribulations to raise awareness about mental illness, influence and wants to inspire others.
“I have written a book to create mental health awareness to show and teach people suffering from mental illness how to cope and how to identify mental illness-related complications,” Kgwatalala said.
“In my book, I outline step by step my life journey – from failure to success.”
Kgwatalala passed his matric with flying colours in 2015 at Noordeland High School and his aptitude of figures persuaded him to enrolled for actuarial science degree with the University of Pretoria in 2016.
“I dropped out of university because I was not coping. I ended up going back home to be with my parents,” he says.
“That did not go down well with my parents; but they didn’t give up on me though and continued to encourage me to go back to school to further my studies.”
Kgwatalala was born on the same day his grandfather died and his parents named him Thabang, a Sepedi name meaning “be happy for the gift of life“, consoling the mourning family. He is now living his name and draws strength from the word of God to soldier on tirelessly.
In 2017, he won a study bursary from Limpopo agriculture department to study BSc in mathematical science at University of Limpopo.
He passed his modules with distinctions, excelling in mathematics. Towards the end of the year exams, he took ill again and was admitted to a mental healthcare facility where he was examined and was diagnosed him with bipolar disorder. He didn’t sit for final exams due to his mental health.
“I didn’t have any knowledge about mental breakdown. I didn’t have any idea how to cope with anxiety and depression,” Kgwatalala explains.
“I continued receiving necessary medical care treatment to help me recover and cope well with my illness.”
In the book, he encourages those who are sick that illness is not inability, he advises those who feel like they don’t have control of their emotions to waste no time but seek medical care and discover their purpose.
“I have completed writing four books now – The Price Of Anointing, Exposing The Broken Masculinity, Gratitude Is An Open Door To Your Abundance and Your Purpose Is Pregnant With Your Destiny.
“I am changing the stereotype that people who are good at mathematics are not normal. We are all mad and differ in the degree of madness.”
Kgwatalala is now a finalyear student, completing his BSc degree in mathematical science.