Reigning Miss South Africa, Natasha Joubert, has opened up about her battle with exhaustion in a post on social media.
Joubert, who was crowned as Miss South Africa in August last year, has taken to social media to open up about her recent struggles with feeling unhappy, low on energy, and without purpose.
The reigning Miss SA took to Instagram with a teary-eyed selfie and a message for those who are battling with mental health, keeping up with appearances, and exhaustion. She wrote:
“I took this picture with the intent of sharing it, because surely other people also go through days of crying the entire day and can’t stop.”
View this post on Instagram
Joubert addresses the recent state of her mental health by addressing how the pressure of becoming Miss South Africa has influenced how she has dealt with challenging personal matters.
“This past two weeks I’ve been feeling like I felt on this day. This picture was taken 21 Sept and I felt guilty sharing it after only being Miss SA for a month. Something big happened in my family and at the time didn’t have time to process as I usually would.”
Eight months into her reign, Joubert says that she struggles with feeling overwhelmed, but has found value in focusing on the small things.
“Recently I’ve been struggling feeling happy, full of purpose and like I have energy. I’ve realised how important balance is, the small things that’s actually the big things. Family, my dogs, friends, doing ‘nothing’ and sometimes just being in my feels.”
Throughout her journey as Miss South Africa, Joubert says that she has persevered to do her best, but has battled with feeling unfulfilled, and managing expectations.
“At times you can’t do it all. You can’t always be a power woman, full of energy, feel motivated, feel your most beautiful and manage everyones expectations. These past 8 months I have tried to be on top of it, push my boundaries, serve where I can, always be present in what I do and yet still struggle to feel fulfilled. And guess what? Still can’t everyone happy!”
After going for blood work to rule out medical issues that could have been impacting her mental health, Joubert says that the tests had reflected “normal and healthy” levels, and that exhaustion has been the culprit for her recent battles.
“I went for blood-work feeling like something in me is off, lol jokes on me, all my levels are normal and healthy, exhaustion looks different for everyone.”
Battling burnout, Miss South Africa says that she has shouldered the expectations and ‘misperceptions’ of others, and that in the final four months of her reign, she’ll be shifting her focus to recovering.
“Being in this year of my life, people will see you as an object, just what they can benefit, expect perfection and have a misperception that you don’t have feelings.”
“Here’s to the final 4 months of my reign, focussing on balance, firm boundaries, rest, finding joy again and appreciating my loved ones!”
Joubert ends with a note to self:
“I hope you learn and grow through a season of trial and turbulence. It’s exactly that- a season. Work through it, learn from it and grow past it (little note to myself).”
If you or your loved ones are battling mental health, do not hesitate to reach out for the help you need. We can’t shoulder the world, and we need to keep ourselves strong.
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Feature Image: Instagram / @natasha_joubert
