HOPE AFTER THE HORROR

Anton is beating his battle with depression thanks to a bird, a boy and a blind man

- JACO HOUGH-COETZEE

EVERY three months he needs to have a session with his psychiatrist. It's been this way since 2005, when he tried to take his own life.

But at his most recent session the evaluation was different - his doctor was so pleased with his progress she changed his treatment plan.

For Anton Pieterse it was a significant moment. Not only would he need to see the psychiatrist only every six months she also reduced his antidepressant dosage.

Anton (46) recalls their conversation from December last year with immense satisfaction.

The psychiatrist wanted to know what had happened to bring him to that point. A few things had changed his life, was his response.

Today Anton is sharing what those things are from his garden cottage in Mokopane, Limpopo. He's come a long way since he tried to take his own life 17 years ago using a hunting rifle.

He was a 28-year-old game warden at the time. But the .458 bullet missed his brain and went through his mouth and out above his nose.

Anton survived with a severely mutilated face. He underwent 30 reconstructive surgeries and had regular psychiatric treatment.

It took him some time to recover but he could eventually face others and started sharing his experience of depression, speaking at schools, churches and support groups. It helped give purpose to his days - but then Covid-19 hit.

He felt aimless again, Anton says of being unable to give talks. “The setbacks came and went. The black dog of depression can strike like a lightning bolt and catch you unexpectedly."

Then came the creature that would bring a series of changes in his life-giving him renewed hope and a zest for living.

WHEN Anton bought a Brazilian parakeet from an acquaintance, he couldn't have foreseen how the bird would change his world.