You Are Not Alone: When “Eat or Be Eaten” Feels Too Real

A real look at money struggles and why ending your life is not the answer.

If you are here, maybe life feels too heavy right now. The rent is due. The fridge is empty. The bills don’t stop. You’ve searched for answers everywhere and nothing seems to work. Maybe you’ve even thought, “My family would be better off without me.”

I know that feeling. I’ve been in that dark place too. But please, pause. Take one more breath with me. That thought is not the truth — it’s just pain speaking.

Your family doesn’t need a payout. They need you. Your laugh. Your hugs. Your presence. No money can replace that.

Why Life Feels Like “Eat or Be Eaten”

Living in South Africa can feel harsh. Jobs are few. Support systems are hard to find. Sometimes it feels like you must fight alone. But you are not alone. There are people, organisations, and even strangers who want to see you win.

What To Do When You Feel There’s No Way Out

This is not the usual “just get a job” advice. These are real steps that can help right now.

1. Talk to Someone — For Free

Speaking out is not weakness. It is courage.

• SADAG (South African Depression and Anxiety Group): 0800 456 789 (24 hours). Or SMS 31393.
• Lifeline South Africa: 0861 322 322 (24 hours).

You don’t have to fix everything in one call. Just say: “I’m not okay. I need someone to listen.”

2. Small Hustles That Can Help

Sometimes the little things keep us going.

• Sell what you can on Facebook Marketplace or WhatsApp groups.
• Offer services like washing cars, braiding hair, babysitting, or gardening.
• Do online work through platforms like Fiverr or Upwork. Start small with data entry, writing, or admin jobs. It takes time, but it can bring money in.

3. Community and Support

Help often comes from places we don’t expect.

• BackaBuddy: Start a crowdfunding page and share your story. People do care.
• NGOs, churches, mosques, temples: Many give food parcels or emergency help, even if you’re not a member.
• Stokvel or burial societies: Speak to your group leaders. They may give an advance or once-off support.

4. Speak To Landlords or Creditors Early

It’s hard, but tell them what’s happening. Most would rather arrange a plan than chase payments later.

5. Stretch What You Have

• Focus on food, rent, and transport first.
• Cut or pause subscriptions you don’t need right now.
• Cook cheap staples like beans, rice, or samp in bulk.
• Swap skills with neighbours — maybe trade babysitting for groceries or garden work for meals.

Asking for Help Without Shame

It’s not easy to ask. But it’s not surrender — it’s survival. Practice saying:
“I’m struggling. Can you help with [food/transport/a small loan]?”

Be clear about what you need. Many people want to help but don’t know how unless you ask.

A Final Word

The fact that you are even thinking about these things shows one thing clearly: you love your family. That love is your strength. Use it to take the next small step.

This is a hard chapter, but it is not the last page. Keep going. Make one call. Try one thing from the list. Reach out.

You are not a burden. You are loved. You are needed.

Quick Numbers to Save

• SADAG: 0800 456 789 or SMS 31393 (24/7)
• Lifeline SA: 0861 322 322 (24/7)