Inspiration, Motivation & Encouragement from Cameroonian Artist Askia’s journey.
Category: Addictions and Recovery
Someone is struggling with a struggle you know nothing of…
Support our Anti-Rape Campaign ‘It Starts from ME’
It starts from Me Ending Sexual Violence/Rape Campaign
Each month, hundreds of cases of rape and sexual assaults are being talked about and we know these appalling crimes of sexual violence/rape is being committed against our sisters/brothers, daughters/sons and babies. These heinous acts have caused some fatalities as young as 3 months old and three quarters of survivors of this distressing involvement are under the age of 15.
Despite the trauma involved many cases of rape and sexual violence still go unreported as families and communities practice a culture of silence or indifference about sexual violence/rape leaving victims devastated.
In Cameroon there are no safe homes/shelters for victims/survivors and medical treatment is unaffordable to many of them.
The N4SHE found that institutional practices and traditions can lead to a highly unsafe environment rarely challenged by our society. The society has miserably failed to educate and evolve to always pass the blame on the victims thereby communicating to victims that violence is a ‘normal’ feature of life. Schools, therefore, can be breeding grounds for potentially damaging rape culture which remain with pupils into adult life. Yet, with appropriate intervention, schools can provide an enabling environment for the prevention of sexual violence/rape.
The main objective of this campaign is to raise awareness and sensitize parents, teachers and communities at large to make use of the three Rs “RECOGNISE, RESPOND, REPORT” in children who are victims of sexual violence.
The target population is parents/teachers & community stakeholders across the nation.
So, do you want to join the campaign raise awareness, sensitize and normalize the conversation around rape? We are just a WhatsApp away
Join the Campaign train @ +237652956343
Please donate to the campaign: https://gf.me/u/yn552g
FB Page: https://web.facebook.com/TheNetworkforSolidarityHopeEmpowermentCameroon
https://www.networkofhopeandempowerment.org/
Be the Change you want for your community as “It starts from Me”
Men are beginning to join the conversation on domestic violence in my community
It’s a big step in the right direction already when men sit on the same panel with women and speak up or out.
When men join the conversation this earnestly, we can only be full of Hope that one day both genders will stop ‘fighting’, get their knees off each other’s neck, and live in harmony especially in their intimate relationships. There will as a result be no more domestic violence, abuse, gender bases violence and children suffering from adverse childhood experiences
Mental health Challenges and Addiction – there is hope
What do you think about mental health problems and addiction? Watch my video on that and be inspired to take positive actions now: https://youtu.be/BxISqQKoZS0
Clinical depression is no death sentence
A Mental illness is not a death sentence. Clinical depression can only last that long. Joe is 38 and is ok with the world knowing he has been struggling with his mental health for 4 years and lost touch recently. But, #thereishope. I received him at the Integration Clinic Bonamousadi Douala Cameroon yesterday and he was hospitalised for a closer follow up and holistic treatment approach.
Ekema is a peer diagnosed with Schizophrenia 25 years ago and living with me since June 2018. He is doing so well now and is
working at the Hope for the Abused and Battered center currently running from home. He came to visit Joe and reassure him all will be well. Visit us at http://www.hope4abusedbattered.com
#notostigma
#mentalhealthiswealth
#mentalillness
#BetheHope
#Iamfreedomnlove
How To Make Ends Meet During Recovery by Eva Benoit
Pre script: Am so grateful to receive another guest post from Eva especially on a topic so close to heart and home. I have seen many addicted and so much pain, I know how challenging it is to make ends meet during recovery. Thank you so much Eva
Monster.com career expert Vicki Salemi states that the job search is “one big emotional roller coaster,” with all the ups and downs. And, let’s face it, fear. The only thing is you can’t hold up your hands as you go down that first big hill. If you’re a recovering addict who has begun your journey, you’re definitely experiencing the same thing. Taken together, the two experiences can be both frightening and elating, filled with both uncertainty and victory.
Regardless of the reason, you are starting your job search after also starting recovery. It’s your first time back in the job market, and your addiction might have caused you to lose a job. You will definitely need to bring in some money in order to keep your bills paid, a roof over your head, and your utilities on. So until you get a job offer, you’ll need a temporary side gig. The question is, though, what can you do?
The late Dick Bolles, author of What Color is Your Parachute, said “Everyone has skills,” and you can think of them as belonging to three categories: verbs (sewing, negotiating, planning, and more), nouns (data, graphics, software, animals, and others), and adjectives (adaptable, creative, flexible, and so on). The key is to identify which of your skills go into which category. This not only helps you determine a side gig, but it also can help you determine which type of full-time job to pursue.
But until you get hired, consider these two broad possibilities for making ends meet.
1. Offer Yourself in a Service Role
In a service role, you essentially perform the tasks some folks don’t have the time for or are incapable of doing. For some senior citizens or disabled people, you can become an errand runner or a shopper. There are even some people who will pay you to wait in a line for them for new technology gadgets, concert tickets, and more. You can also hire yourself out as a pet sitter or dog walker. The best part about those kinds of opportunities is that you can set your own schedule, including nights and weekends.
When you offer yourself in a service role, you become an extra pair of legs for someone who is unable to tend to some essential life tasks. Plus, one additional benefit is that you might be able to increase your job-hunting network by telling your clients that you’re looking for full-time work.
2. Make Money With a Hobby or Skill
Can you make jewelry or seasonal wreaths? Can you paint or take photographs? Can you knit or do flower arranging? If so, you can turn your hobby into something profitable by selling your items on at Etsy shop or to family and friends. The best part about this side-gig is that you actually get to make your hobby profitable. And, of course, having a hobby is beneficial when you’re in recovery. If you play a musical instrument or even sing, consider offering music lessons. And once you get a full-time position, you can keep teaching your students for as long as you like.
A job search can be one of the most stressful events in someone’s life, and it can be especially difficult for those who are newly sober. So since you are in recovery, you must keep in mind that any additional stress you feel from your job search might trigger a relapse. Having a side gig might help you avoid stress, prevent a relapse, and keep you on your path.
Photo Credit: Pixabay.com
About Eva
About 6 years ago, Eva Benoit left her job as an office manager to pursue being a life, career, and overall wellness coach. She specializes in helping professionals with stress and anxiety, but welcomes working with people from all walks of life. She works with her clients to discover and explore avenues that will bring them balance, peace, and improved overall well-being that can last a lifetime. Her website is evabenoit.com and she is author of the upcoming book, The 30-Day Plan for Ending Bad Habits and Improving Overall Health.
You can read Eva’s last guest article on Executive Addiction here
Have a great weekend everyone and know you are not alone in any struggles
It is called: Hope for the Abused and Battered Association
So world, last week I said there was something in the pipeline. It was going to be all about Hope. This girl who navigated by grace from Hopeless to Hopeful is now ready after 3 years of grooming, to contribute her might in giving hope to others still in that hopeless hold of despair…
Before I write further, if you are on Facebook, please show some love by liking our Facebook page.
When I was about to start this year, my spirit told me it’s going to be my year of Grace. Barely a month into the new year, my spirit said set yourself aside for 70 days and do a spiritual journey fasting from 7 things. Ha, I mean even my mum said I was going nuts.
Not only were some pissed I was seemingly leaving the legal practice to get into psychotherapy, but they weren’t even seeing any clear road map.
Now, earlier this month same spirit said start doing live video campaigns to advocate for the battered, and then a few days ago – bingo; you are creating an association and you will call it… I wrote down the constitution and everything in like 3 hours – it was near magical – I got the numbers to call, found the support from an awesome sisterhood network I belong to online, volunteers reached out and long story short we are on our way to legalization and more…
Would you say I walk with stubborn but passionate faith or not yet convinced?
At Hope for the Abused and Battered, we have the following objectives:
The association Hope for the Battered (H4B) has the following objectives:
• To provide legal assistance to victims of domestic violence, and the battered in our communities;
• To provide counseling and psychotherapeutic assistance to individuals and groups;
• To raise awareness and sensitize the population on the damages caused by domestic violence, and all other forms of violence;
• To encourage a spirit of peace, love, forgiveness and living in harmony in our communities;
• To cooperate with associations with similar objectives
Here are our four focus areas:
1) Hope for victims and survivors of Domestic Violence;
2) Hope for persons living with a mental illness or mental challenges;
3) Hope for abused children and youths; My own son’s case is going to maybe be the first we handle as an association lol
4) Hope for the Battered and Tattered by life.
Anyone wanting to join us and make a difference should kindly contact me. It must not be financial assistance, we still need to build a website and get the word out sort of. We need to get legalized then start looking out for partners and sponsors… I know this will be huge, I pray for the Grace above all
Have a great week everyone, thank you so much for all your support, reading, liking, commenting, I really appreciate and am often moved to tears
Executive Addiction:How to Know When to Seek Help by Eva Benoit
Pre script: Am so grateful to be receiving guests posts these days especially on a topic so close to heart and home. I have seen many addicted and so much pain, I can only hope they reach out everyday even after a relapse
Are you living a double life? Are you, by all appearances, a hardworking professional by day and an addict by night? How do you know when you need to seek help?
If you’ve asked yourself these questions and are concerned you need help for an addiction, take heart knowing there are a lot of options for you to get the treatment you need. Our guide is here to support you on your journey to a healthier life.
First, if you have difficulty making it through the day without some form of chemical stimulant, or if you need alcohol or some other depressant to bring you down, you are probably an addict. Additionally, there are many other telltale signs of addiction you should be aware of, including:
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Thinking frequently about your drug of choice (DOC)
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Feeling like you can’t fit in or make it without your DOC
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Performing uncharacteristic or dangerous behaviors in order to get your DOC
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Regularly being under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol
Addiction is less about how often or how much you use, and more about the consequences of your using. If your substance use causes problems in your life, you may have an abuse issue.
Addicts are all ages, shapes and sizes, and from every career path and socioeconomic background. Addiction is also a chronic issue, meaning that it’s a lifelong condition; if you’re an addict, you’re one for life, and you will need to work on your recovery every day.
If you’re hesitant to seek treatment out of fear it will require you to take time off from work, the good news is that you can most likely get help from an outpatient facility on your schedule; this would allow you to continue working over the course of your treatment. Inpatient centers can be effective if you need to get away from your daily life and the impulse to use, but that makes it difficult to keep things close to “normal life.” If you want or need to continue working, outpatient treatment may be your best option.
If you seek medical treatment, your information will not be shared with your boss. The only time a treatment professional would share that you are in treatment would be if you gave them written permission, or if they felt you were a danger to yourself or others. Otherwise, people can find out only if you share your news, or if they guess it from your behavior. If you take medical leave and you don’t want to share the reason with your boss or co-workers, they will not know the nature of your absence.
Check with your company’s HR department about your company’s medical and mental health benefits options. Your company may have an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that allows you to take time off to get better without fear of losing your job. Make an appointment with an HR rep to discuss your situation confidentially; they can be a great referral resource, as well as answer questions about your options. Even if you work for a small firm, your company’s health insurance may cover substance abuse treatment in full or in part.
Outside of the office, there are many additional resources for those seeking help for addiction. For example, the SAMHSA National Helpline offers free, confidential treatment referral in English and Spanish for individuals and their families seeking help for substance abuse. The number is 1-800-662-HELP (4357), and the organization takes calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Additionally, you can find treatment centers in your area using SAMHSA’s locator tool.
If you’re an addict, you have a choice to make every day, every hour, every minute whether you use or not — but you don’t have to struggle alone. You have many options for getting the treatment you need. Don’t let the stress of your job — or the fear of losing it — keep you from taking action for your well-being. Choose right now to get the help you need.
About Eva
About 6 years ago, Eva Benoit left her job as an office manager to pursue being a life, career, and overall wellness coach. She specializes in helping professionals with stress and anxiety, but welcomes working with people from all walks of life. She works with her clients to discover and explore avenues that will bring them balance, peace, and improved overall well-being that can last a lifetime. Her website is evabenoit.com and she is author of the upcoming book, The 30-Day Plan for Ending Bad Habits and Improving Overall Health.
Have a great weekend everyone and know you are not alone in any struggles
A Lost Generation: Opiods and Young Adults submitted by Jake Belfry
When I created a page for addictions and recovery, I didn’t know I was going to be receiving many guest articles and resources.
When I did a 2 months internship at the lone public psychiatric ward in Douala the economic capital of Cameroon, 90% of the youths I received had an addiction to something – call it sex, drugs, opiods with the choice one being Tramadol. The youngest I saw was 13 years old and already looked like he could beat me up. Actually tried to fight with the bouncer oh my.
So today, I want to share a resource/guide sent my way by Jake Belfry the Addiction Outreach Specialists over at Silvermist in the USA. Silvermist recovery is a Young Adult Addiction Treatment in Pennsylvania, who pride themselves in: “Inspiring Hope Through Empowerment, Fellowship and Recovery from Addiction”.
The guide is a downloadable PDF that can be save and printed for guidance.
Here are a few topics in the guide:
- Why Young People Use Opioids
- How Opioid Addiction and Dependence Develop
- Opioid Addiction is Treatable
My other long term goal, I think this one beats the goal to create an hospice with a kindergarden for inter-generational healing, is to build an addiction and recovery center. Needless to say there are barely a handful to be generous (I know only of 2 in my city) and am happy I can be inspired by what works elsewhere such as at Silvermist.
Recovery is possible, I have been working one on one with someone spent over a month at the hospital and has been sober for 3 months now. This is the longest they have been since the started using over a decade ago. They have been hospitalized 3 times already but we all hope this time was their last time.
If you or someone you know needs help with an addiction, especially our vulnerable youths exposed to just all sort of stuffs today, please reach out to someone or any of the many organizations available on the net.
I am ever grateful for all the submissions I receive especially those with a message of hope in their conclusion.
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