My name is Chimonay Masumbe and blessed with a healthy boy, this after being told that he would be Down syndrome. However, through unceasing prayer and support from family, I managed to overcome the sinking claws of depression.
I worked as an English Lecturer and served as Foundation Coordinator at a university in the Middle East. This experience has taught me the importance of being a good listener and being able to communicate in different ways that encourages those listening to respond without the fear of making mistakes. My Post-Graduate studies in Applied Psychology have paved the way into gaining a more in-depth knowledge on depression and its effect on woman in particular. Studies have shown that the rates of pre- and post- natal depression in South Africa have increased. Depression silences the inner voice and creates the false belief that loneliness and hopelessness are the only companions, while choking the possibility of experiencing happiness again.
I am truly grateful to be part of the Mamandla Movement. Being a fellow of the movement to me means serving with the capacity to “influence others through inspiration, motivated by passion, produced by conviction and ignited by a purpose” (Dr. Myles Munroe). I believe that I was born for a time such as this to let mothers and woman suffering with depression know that, ‘We Hear You!’
I am truly grateful to be part of the Mamandla Movement. Being a fellow of the movement to me means serving with the capacity to “influence others through inspiration, motivated by passion, produced by conviction and ignited by a purpose” (Dr. Myles Munroe). I believe that I was born for a time such as this to let mothers and woman suffering with depression know that, ‘We Hear You!’
Chimonay Masumbe