Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Renowned actress, video vixen and philanthropist Eunice Tava yesterday revealed that she has endured two challenging years battling depression, which nearly took a toll on her well-being.
Known for her jovial personality and trademark smile, Tava has shared exclusively with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub the series of misfortunes she has faced.
These hardships, which include intense family feuds, road accidents and low remuneration, weighed heavily on her, pushing her to the brink of giving up.
However, Tava chose to confront these life pressures head-on rather than seek refuge in a rehabilitation facility.
Just a fortnight after the World Mental Health Day celebrations on October 10, Tava is now in a positive space and ready to share how she emerged victorious in her battle.
“It has been two nightmarish years during which I was down, yet I continued to put on a smile in public while deep down I was struggling,” she stressed.
“I went through a difficult period that saw me suffering from depression as everything seemed to be at a standstill.
“I never considered checking into a rehabilitation centre since I have always been a fighter. As such, I ended up confronting the pressures of life with bravery.”
Tava, who has a large constituency of fans that look up to her as a mentor, actress and philanthropist, revealed that bravery was her only option.
“I have to try hard to show it because I know that most of the youngsters I have “adopted” look up to me as their provider.
“I had to find someone with whom I could share my struggles, and together we overcame them.
“It was never easy finding the right person to confide in because I am usually a secretive person who hardly shares my troubles with anyone.”
Although she refrained from revealing specific family feuds she faced, she noted that she had a challenging experience.
“In families, many things occur, and in our line of work, there are numerous setbacks, such as poor or no remuneration at times.
“I also had a road accident last year after surviving a series of other accidents in previous years. It was a difficult period for me because it meant I had to work hard to confront these challenges.”
As a role model and video vixen who has featured in several visuals for Jah Prayzah, particularly in the visual novel “Nhoroondo — The Book” as Mamoyo, she urged fellow influencers to be strong and resolute.
“To my fellow influencers and celebrities, we need to be strong all the time and ensure that we are content with what we have.
“We must never live for others because they have high expectations of us. It is also advisable to know our priorities and what’s best for us and our well-being,” shared the actress.
Tava, who has transformed the lives of many through her charity organisation, the Chedenga Foundation, which pays school fees for underprivileged learners, has vowed to continue fighting her own battles. She also urged those battling depression to always have faith in God.
“The moment you remember the people who look up to you, such as dependants, children, and orphans, you are bound to find strength.
“If you can afford rehabilitation, go for it, but the best way to combat mental health issues is to find the right person to share with and to stand firm at all times,” she added.
Born in Kwekwe and raised in Mhondoro, Tava is a renowned actress who has starred in several plays and short films.
She has directed productions including “Election Day,” “Colours of Dreams,” “Diamonds in Son’s Grave,” “Narratives from the Dark,” and “Blood Tongue.”
In film, she has also featured in “Studio 263,” “Subaru D,” “Salon.Com,” “Sinners,” “Mirage,” “Chipo The Gift” series, and “The Story of Nehanda,” among others.
Currently, she is working on a new production set to premiere in mid-November.
“I might be down, but we won’t stop working for the kids. For your information, I directed the Let Them Trust School Festival, which is run by Chido Musasiwa this year.
“I couldn’t celebrate my birthday on September 19 since I was busy, but I am just glad that I did something for the kids, which has always been my passion. There is something coming up next month, but I will need to finalise details with my producers,” she stated.
