SA singer opens up about his brother’s death and his mental illness

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

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

“Your circumstances define you, but we shouldn’t let them limit us,” Craig emphasized. This insight paved the way for a deeper exploration of his own mental health issues.

Behind the spotlight, Craig has dealt with tremendous personal loss, including the murder of his brother and sister-in-law by a family member.

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

Despite these hardships, he found resilience through support and a focus on self-care: “I had to decide whether I was going to numb myself with substances or try to get better.”

Initially diagnosed with bipolar II disorder, Craig later discovered he may be dealing with borderline personality disorder, which had a stronger impact on him.

He emphasized the importance of seeking professional help, saying, “There are people who are literally trained to try to treat these things better.”

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

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

After a harrowing bout with substance abuse, exacerbated by the pressures of fame, Craig chose sobriety almost three years ago.

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The support of friends and a solid professional support system were crucial 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 choice.

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

“Is this what it feels like to wake up in the morning and be a little tired?” ‘ he said, realizing that what he once thought was normal was actually not.

Luke’s story reminds us of the importance of mental health awareness and the power of overcoming adversity.

READ: Safe space 2024

His journey underlines the fact that seeking help is crucial – not only for yourself, 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 courageous 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 discussing the burdens in their lives and seeking help.

This November, Jacaranda FM will be tackling various challenges faced by men in partnership with October Health.

October Health, formerly known as PANDA, is designed to empower individuals 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 build mental resilience and unlock their full potential. With personalized tools, live sessions and self-directed resources, October Health makes mental fitness an achievable and ambitious goal for everyone.

Use the code JACA24 on the October health app to receive an additional 200 Luna credits and access 3 premium AI coaching courses. By entering the promotional code you unlock exclusive access to premium content so you can take full advantage of everything October Health has to offer.