Born and raised in the challenging environment of Bonteheuwel, a community plagued by gangsterism and substance abuse, Craig Lucas shared how his early life shaped his dreams and struggles.

Craig revealed that his master’s thesis focused on the aspirations of young people, exploring how circumstances can limit and define them.

“Your circumstances define you, but we must not allow them to limit us,” Craig emphasized. This insight paved the way for a deeper exploration of her own mental health challenges.

Behind the spotlight, Craig has faced immense personal losses, including the murder of his brother and sister-in-law at the hands of a family member.

READ: Craig Lucas breaks silence after the murder of his brother and sister-in-law

Despite these difficulties, she found resilience through support and a focus on self-care: “I had to decide if I was going to go down the path of numbing myself with substances or start trying to be better.”

Initially diagnosed with bipolar II disorder, Craig later discovered that he might be dealing with borderline personality disorder, which resonated more strongly with him.

He stressed the importance of seeking professional help, saying, “There are people who are literally educated to try to deal with these things better.”

Her journey navigating these diagnoses illuminated the importance of understanding and accepting mental health issues.

Craig also spoke openly about his battle with addiction and shared how alcohol and drugs initially served as coping mechanisms.

After a harrowing period of substance abuse, exacerbated by the pressures of fame, Craig chose sobriety nearly three years ago.

WATCH: Will Linley performs iconic ABBA song

The support of friends and a strong professional support system were instrumental in this transformative decision.

“It was one or the other, you’re wasting your money, you’re wasting your time,” was the wake-up call that helped Craig make a life-changing decision.

A particularly poignant moment in Craig’s journey was the first day he woke up without the debilitating voices of doubt and self-hatred in his mind.

“Is this what it feels like to wake up in the morning and be a little tired?” he recounted realizing that what he once thought was normal actually wasn’t.

Lucas’s story is a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the power of overcoming adversity.

READ: Safe Space 2024

His journey underscores the fact that asking for help is crucial, not only for oneself, but also for those around us.

As Craig continues to embrace change and growth, he inspires others to “face it, own it,” and take the brave step toward healing.

Craig’s interview on Breakfast with Martin Bester is part of Jacaranda FM’s Safe Space initiative.

Jacaranda FM believes that if men are given the right platform and motivation, they will feel comfortable talking about the burdens in their lives and seeking help.

In November, Jacaranda FM will address various challenges facing men in collaboration with October Health.

October Health, formerly known as PANDA, is designed to empower people to take control of their mental health and wellbeing through proactive, long-term solutions.

By integrating performance psychology with cutting-edge technology, the platform helps users not only manage stress and anxiety, but also develop mental resilience and unlock their full potential. With personalized tools, live sessions, and self-guided resources, October Health makes mental fitness an achievable and aspirational goal for everyone.

Use code JACA24 in the October Health App to receive an additional 200 Luna Credits and gain access to three premium AI training courses. By entering the promo code you will unlock exclusive access to premium content, allowing you to fully benefit from everything October Health has to offer.