In a deeply personal interview with David Mashabela, renowned South African singer Bucie bravely shared her ongoing battle with borderline personality disorder (BPD), a mental health condition that severely affects emotional regulation. This revelation, reported by TshisaLIVE, marks the first time the beloved artist has publicly spoken about her diagnosis and the emotional challenges she has faced, offering a rare glimpse into her journey toward understanding and managing her condition.
Bucie’s emotional turmoil became too overwhelming to ignore, prompting her to search for answers on the internet before seeking professional help. After consulting with a psychologist, she finally received a diagnosis that brought clarity to her experiences. “It’s not something we talk about enough as Africans; it’s still taboo, it’s as if you are crazy. I have been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder but so much made sense. All of it [makes sense],” Bucie revealed, highlighting the deep-seated stigma surrounding mental health issues in African communities.
The diagnosis, while bringing Bucie some understanding, also highlighted the complexities of BPD. Characterized by intense mood swings, impulsivity, and difficulties in maintaining stable relationships, BPD has deeply impacted her life. Bucie described her struggles with anger, stating, “I used to freak out in my anger. I am calm, I like being like this, I like laughing, I don’t want to be mad. When I’m mad, it’s like something switches, and I just see red. And when I snap out of it, it’s always like, did I do that?”
Her candid reflections shed light on the unpredictable nature of BPD, where emotions can swing from one extreme to another, often leaving individuals feeling out of control. For Bucie, these episodes were not just personal battles but also moments that affected her relationships and career.
Following her diagnosis, Bucie began taking prescribed medication, a common approach in managing BPD. However, the side effects proved to be a significant challenge. “I started taking medication, and I hated it. I was a zombie; I was not interested in anything, and there was something not normal about the way I was feeling,” Bucie recalled. The medication left her feeling disconnected, a state that conflicted with her vibrant personality and love for life.
The decision to stop taking medication came when Bucie discovered she was pregnant, adding another layer of complexity to her journey. She chose to focus on counseling and leaned heavily on the support of her family and friends to help manage her condition. “I wanted to feel like myself again, especially with my baby on the way,” Bucie said, reflecting on the importance of mental health support beyond medication.
Despite the personal hardships she has faced, including a recent divorce, Bucie remains resilient and committed to maintaining her mental well-being. She has learned to navigate her emotions with greater self-awareness, finding solace in laughter and the simple joys of life. “Being able to control your emotions? That’s not easy. When you can do it, and you don’t need anything to help you do it, and you do it by yourself sober-minded,” Bucie expressed, emphasizing the power of self-regulation.
Bucie’s openness about her struggle with BPD serves as an important reminder of the broader mental health challenges faced by many, particularly within African communities where such discussions are often shrouded in stigma. Her journey highlights the importance of breaking down these barriers, fostering a more supportive environment for those battling mental health conditions.
As Bucie continues to manage her BPD, she hopes her story will inspire others to seek help and speak openly about their struggles. Her journey, marked by moments of intense difficulty and profound self-discovery, underscores the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of mental health awareness.
“I’m in a much better place now,” Bucie said, reflecting on her growth and the strength she has found within herself. Her story is not just one of survival but of thriving in the face of adversity, offering hope to others that with support, understanding, and self-awareness, living with borderline personality disorder is not just manageable—it’s possible to find joy along the way.