Vuyiswa Shabangu: Living Someone Else’s Life | The Cost of Seeking Parental Approval

Описание: As You Think, So Are You: Episode 8

"As You Think, So Are You."

In this deeply moving episode of the As You Think podcast, we are joined by Vuyiswa Shabangu. Growing up as a pastor’s child, Vuyiswa’s life was defined by a singular mission: to be exactly who her father wanted her to be.

She opens up about the exhausting cycle of trying to impress a father who was overprotective, and the silent pain of being constantly compared to her younger sister. In the pursuit of her father’s approval, Vuyiswa lost herself—a journey that led her into the depths of depression and suicidal ideation.

When her father passed away, the very foundation she had built her identity on crumbled. Vuyiswa shares the raw reality of navigating grief while realizing she had been living someone else's life.

In this episode, we discuss:

The psychological toll of "Pastor’s Child" expectations.

Dealing with sibling comparison and parental pressure.

Navigating depression and suicidal attempts after the loss of a parent.

Breaking the habit of people-pleasing to find your authentic self.

How grounding yourself in personal values protects your mental health at university.

Why kindness and humility are the ultimate tools for resilience.

Vuyiswa’s story is a testament to the power of reclaiming your narrative. She shares how she shifted from living for her father’s approval to living for her own purpose, all while keeping her mother’s love as a pillar of strength.

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Release Date: Tomorrow, 8 PM.

⚠️ MEDICAL & SENSITIVE CONTENT DISCLAIMER:
The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical or psychological advice. This episode includes candid discussions regarding depression and suicidal ideation, which may be triggering for some viewers. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Please reach out to a licensed mental health professional or contact a crisis hotline immediately. You are not alone.

#AsYouThink #MentalHealth #Identity #Resilience #Healing #VuyiswaShabangu #EswatiniPodcast