09/11/2025
Vicky Mlilo, a respected ZBC television news anchor, has courageously shared her personal journey with depression as a way of raising awareness and dismantling the stigma surrounding mental health. Speaking at a Women’s Conference held at Rest Haven Retreat Centre in Harare, she opened up about one of the most painful seasons of her life—a period marked by deep emotional suffering, grief, and a sense of overwhelming hopelessness.
She revealed that after experiencing the heartbreak of losing a child and the emotional toll that followed, including struggles with infertility, her mental health deteriorated significantly. The weight of clinical depression left her feeling isolated, numb, and consumed by despair. She described how simple daily tasks became impossible, and how she would sometimes remain in bed the entire day, staring at the ceiling in silence, unable to find the strength to live or connect with the world around her.
In her testimony, Vicky shared that at her lowest moments, she attempted to take her own life three times, hoping to escape the emotional pain that felt unbearable. One of those attempts, she narrated, involved ingesting a large number of tablets and covering herself with the intention of never waking up again. Her story moved many women in the audience—not only because it highlighted vulnerability, but because it revealed the depth of the silent battles so many face.
Today, Vicky uses her experience as a message of hope, healing, and resilience. By speaking openly about her journey, she encourages others to seek help, to talk about their struggles, and to understand that depression is a real illness that requires empathy, support, and proper care. Her voice has become a beacon for women who often carry emotional burdens in silence, reminding them that strength is not found in pretending to be fine, but in choosing to seek help, heal, and rise again.
The ladies’ conference was organized by the United Apostolic Faith Church Harare and Chitungwiza Sphere, in collaboration with the Masvingo and Chegutu Spheres.