FREE Literary Fest p3 NGO lends a p4 to honour helping hand LENTSWE LA BATHO • VOICE OF THE PEOPLE Flaxman at Petunia WEDNESDAY 11 JULY 2018 Student tackles depression SEITHATI SEMENOKANE The drastic life change can be
[email protected] Next Chapter founder, overwhelming and has the potential Tshepang Laurence Mahlatsi of causing mental illnesses such as PHOTO: STUDIO M anxiety and depression. “This is where After going through the trials and PHOTOGRAPHY tribulations of the #FeesMustFall Next Chapter comes into play – we movement, Tshepang Mahlatsi (22) found offer structured group therapy and peer himself overwhelmed by his leadership support for each other. We are privileged role and as a result, was diagnosed to have professionals such as Dr Ancel with depression in 2016. The third-year George, a clinical psychologist and senior student studying towards his Bachelor lecturer, willing to assist us and also help of Law (LLB) degree at the University of with our projects. We refer to her as our the Free State (UFS), was then inspired guardian angel,” said Mahlatsi. to start Next Chapter, a programme that Although they are looking for sponsorship, addresses mental health issues among Mahlatsia said he was grateful for the the youth. support he had received from CampusKey “At the time I was the prime of male Student Living, where he resides. They residence, Tswelopele. I suppressed my have taken on the task of sponsoring the emotions in order to assist the other initiative, offering them a place to host residents and students. I also lost valued their sessions as well as assisting them people during this time, which led to an with marketing material.