Breaking the stigma: Prindha Govender’s debut book ignites vital conversations on mental health

For over three decades, Prindha Govender has been a dedicated educator, shaping young minds through English and Drama at a high school in Chatsworth. 

But now, she has taken on another role – one that required immense courage and vulnerability. 

She has become an author, using the power of storytelling to shed light on a topic that is often shrouded in silence: mental health.

“It still feels surreal,” she said. “Becoming an author has been a dream of mine since I was a teenager. But I never imagined that it would be my struggle with depression and anxiety that would push me to finally put pen to paper.”

Govender was born in Shallcross, the youngest of six children to parents Kay and Kisten Nair. Her family later moved to Isipingo Hills, where she spent most of her youth. 

“I had a happy childhood,” she reflected. “My brother became an educator when I was 11, and later, my sister followed in his footsteps. They were my role models, and from a very young age, I knew I wanted to be a teacher too.”

She pursued that dream relentlessly, eventually becoming a respected teacher with over 32 years of experience. 

“Drama and English were my favourite subjects in high school,” she said. “I loved performing, I loved the power of language – and it felt natural to pass that passion on to my students.” 

But behind the confident teacher and doting mother was a woman grappling with an invisible illness. In 2016, Govender began experiencing symptoms of depression. 

“I was utterly bewildered,” she admitted. “I did not even know what was happening to me. I did not seek help – I just tried to push through, hoping it would pass. And it did, briefly. But the symptoms kept returning – in 2017, 2019, 2021.

“Each time, I would go through two months of emotional and mental turmoil, and then pretend like it never happened.”

It was not until July 2022, after a complete mental breakdown, that she finally sought professional help. 

“By that point, I was no longer functioning like a regular person. I could not eat, could not sleep and could not even speak to the people around me.”

“My thoughts were terrifying. I truly believed my family wanted to harm me. I tried praying, but my mind was so far gone that it felt like no one-not even God – could reach me.”

She was admitted to a psychiatric ward, where fear and shame engulfed her. “I remember looking around and thinking, ‘Is this my life now?’ I was terrified my family would leave me there and never return.

“But they did not. My husband and children stood by me, desperate to see me become myself again.”

It was medication that finally helped lift the fog. 

“As I responded to the treatment, I began to see again. That is when I understood – this was not a weakness. This was a chronic illness, a chemical imbalance that required treatment, just like any other health condition.”

Her recovery was not instant, and the healing did not come easily. 

“I was desperate for immediate growth and healing,” she said. “But I soon realised – this was only the beginning of the journey. And that is when I went back to my journal.”

Govender had started journaling amid her illness, trying to capture the chaos and confusion she could not say out loud. “At first, it was just a way to survive,” she explained. “But as I began to heal, I re-read those entries and realised they told a powerful story – one that needed to be shared.”

That journal eventually became her debut novel – a candid, heart-wrenching exploration of her 10-year battle with depression and anxiety.

“Writing this book was never just about me,” she said. “It was about helping others who are suffering in silence. If even one person reads my story and feels less alone, then I have done what I set out to do.”

“What matters most to me,” she added, “is that the book is creating dialogue about mental health. That was always the goal. Too many people are suffering quietly. We need to talk about it. We need to make it okay to ask for help.”

Her faith has also been instrumental in her journey.

“I was introduced to Christianity when I married my husband. It took time for me to understand and embrace it fully, but over the years, I have seen God’s hand over my life.

“During my illness, though, my mind was so chaotic I could barely pray. At times, I could do nothing but stare blankly at the ceiling. But when the medication began working, my faith gave me strength. It helped me process what I had been through.”

Sharing her experience so openly has not been without its challenges. “At first, I was in no state to face anyone. I isolated myself, filled with self-loathing, constantly berating myself,” she recalled. 

“But once I began recovering, I made a decision. I was not going to be ashamed. I was not going to let people’s opinions silence me. I told my friends, my family and my colleagues. I spoke openly about my condition – and if anyone mocked or gossiped, that was on them. Shame on them.” 

She admitted that some colleagues and family members reacted negatively.

“Yes, there were people who said hurtful things. But I have learned to choose my circle wisely. I only keep positive people around me now. Who needs negativity? I have no space in my life for it. I want to uplift others. I want to spread light – and if that means sharing my darkest moments, so be it.”

Looking back, she believed everything unfolded for a reason. “Maybe it was God’s plan,” she reflected. “Maybe this is why I went through what I did – so I could help someone else find their way out of the dark.”

And in doing so, Govender has found her own light. Not just as an educator. Not just as an author. But as a voice for the millions who are still trying to find the courage to speak.