Finding hope in darkness: Prindha Govender’s story of resilience

PRINDHA Govender, a 54-year-old English teacher from Malvern, has transformed her battles with depression into a motivational book, aimed at inspiring others to persevere amidst their dark times.

- MONISHKA GOVENDER

Govender, a mother of three and a teacher for 32 years, recently released her debut book, Hanging onto the Coat Tails of Jesus: Unveil your inner peace, about her 9 year battle with depression and anxiety.

"We all need hope when suffering with this chronic illness. We need to know that we can live a good life despite the illness," said Govender this week.

She first started experiencing symptoms of depression in 2016 but she did not take it seriously.

"My symptoms included being in a constant panic state, unable to function. I would stress the whole day but do nothing except sit in one spot the whole day. I also could not cope with my workload increasing, large class sizes, and being expected to complete the tasks with larger numbers.

"I was bewildered as to what was happening to me. But I never consulted a medical professional. I let the symptoms wash over me for three months. My husband and children were my lifeline in those months.

"I could not function at all. They took over the cooking and cleaning. It was so debilitating. I lay on the sofa doing nothing for months. My mind was chaotic.

"There were no sensible thoughts. I looked at my husband and children who so desperately wanted me to return to my old self again and I really tried for their sake but it was as if something was preventing me from doing so."