My healing journey

My name is Sihle Khumalo, and I live in Umlazi, Durban. I’m a single mother, a small business owner, and—until recently—someone who thought asking for help made me weak.

After my divorce, I tried to stay strong for my son, Lwandle. Every morning, I’d wake up early, get him ready for school, open my salon by 8, and work till sunset. I wore makeup and a smile every day—but when I came home, I’d fall apart.

The silence in my flat was unbearable. I started feeling exhausted, unmotivated, and numb. Some days I didn’t even want to leave my bed. I lost interest in my clients, stopped cooking, and felt completely disconnected—even from my child.

At night, I’d cry silently in the bathroom, hoping Lwandle wouldn’t hear me. My chest felt tight all the time. I didn’t know if it was stress, anxiety, or just life, but I knew something was wrong.

I blamed myself.
Was I a bad mother?
Was I just lazy?
Why couldn’t I “just be strong”?

One day, while scrolling on Facebook, I came across a page called “I Need Help”. The name caught me off guard. It felt like it was speaking to me. I clicked on it and read a story of a woman just like me—same age, same pain, same silence. That story gave me courage.

I sent an email to support@ineedhelp.org.za with trembling hands. Within 24 hours, someone replied. Warm. Gentle. No judgment. Just help.

I was connected to a counselor who spoke Zulu and understood my background. She helped me put words to my pain: “You are not broken, Sihle. You are tired, overwhelmed, and human.”

💡 Healing Journey
I started weekly virtual sessions, learned breathing techniques, and created a simple routine that gave me peace.
I began journaling, taking 15 minutes each day for myself, and most importantly—I stopped hiding my emotions from my son.
Now, we speak openly. I tell him, “Mommy sometimes has sad days too, but she’s getting better.”

My Message to Other Women:
To every mother who feels like she’s falling apart—you are not alone. You don’t have to be strong all the time. There is help. And there is healing.