Life in South Africa during COVID 19 by Marlene Bartlett

Marlene writes: I grew up in Johannesburg and spent 38 years there. I am a Graphic Designer with a Diploma in Art Direction (Advertising). My struggle with mental illness began 24 years ago at the age of 16 when I hit my first major depression – the journey to accurate diagnosis, understanding and management has been complex – as with us all. I am a divorced, single mother and an anti-Child Abuse Activist.  My fight in this sphere dropped me onto the radar of some extremely evil people at the end of 2018 and I was forced to lay low for the sake of survival.  I had to leave Johannesburg and now live in a picturesque little town on the ‘Garden Route’ in the Western Cape surrounded by rainforests and blue flag beaches.  The perfect setting to recover, heal and regain strength for the work that lies ahead. God has [...]