International Overdose Awareness Day 2024: Addressing the Drug Abuse Crisis in Nigeria
August 31 is globally recognized as the International Overdose Awareness Day. It is a day dedicated to create awareness on drug overdose and drug abuse and other harmful effects of drug abuse.
It is also a day to remember those who have lost their lives due to drug overdose and encourage support for people who are in recovery or have been affected by drug use.
The theme for this year's International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is "Together We Can". This means that to stop drug overdose and other harmful effects of drug abuse, all hands must be on deck.
So, in this article, you will learn about drug overdose and drug abuse in Nigeria, its impact and how we can all contribute to its reduction in Nigeria.
Drug Abuse and Drug Overdose in Nigeria
Drug Abuse
Drug abuse is the excessive consumption of substances like alcohol, cocaine, heroin, cannabis, etc., or the misuse of prescription drugs like cough syrup, tranquilizers, etc.
A 2018 report showed that drug abuse was prevalent among an estimated 14 million Nigerians. Unfortunately, that number has skyrocketed today.
In 2021, the National Drug Law enforcement Agency (NDLEA) revealed that 40% of youths between 18-35 were deeply involved in drug abuse. This is how dire the drug abuse crisis in Nigeria is.
Drug Overdose
Drug Overdose in simple terms is when a person has excess substances or drugs in his/her body system. It is a very serious issue as it can easily lead to death.
Drug Overdose is a very terrible reality in our world today. In America, up to 107,543 people died from drug overdose in 2023.
Drug Overdose has also caused a lot of deaths in Nigeria. Earlier this year, a student of University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) died of an overdose of Colorado, an illegal drug popularly known as "colos"or "spice".
This is just one of many incidents of drug overdose in Nigeria.
Drug Overdose can be caused by a number of reasons like taking excessive substances or drugs, taking medications with alcohol, etc.
How Can You Recognize a Drug Overdose?
Below are a few signs that can tell you if a person is experiencing a drug overdose-
- Dilated eyes.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Chest pain.
- Slow or difficult breathing.
- Confusion and disorientation.
- Limp body.
- Unresponsive but awake.
- Loss of consciousness.
NOTE: These symptoms vary depending on each person.
Examples of substances or drugs which can also cause a drug overdose is Heroin, Cocaine, Codeine, Tramadol, Arizona, etc.
What Should You Do in The Case of a Suspected Overdose
Here are a few steps to take if you suspect that someone is experiencing a drug overdose:
- Do not leave the person alone.
- Do not try to induce or cause them to vomit.
- Do not give the person something to drink or eat.
- Move the person to a quiet place.
- Call for an ambulance or take them to the nearest hospital or clinic.
Factors That Have Contributed to The Drug Abuse Crisis in Nigeria
There are a lot of reasons why Nigerians abuse drugs or take substances. Some of them are:
- Cost of living in Nigeria.
- Insufficient knowledge of the harmful effects of drug abuse.
- The glamorizing of drug use by the entertainment industry.
- Peer Pressure, etc.
Here is a brief explanation some of these factors:
- a) Cost of Living in Nigeria: The serious effects of the economic recession in Nigeria has driven many to take illegal drugs. The frustration and pain of being unable to afford three square meals a day for many and their families, has led to drug abuse.
Many Nigerians have resorted to drugs to numb their pain and frustrations at the situation of the country.
- b) Insufficient Knowledge of the Harmful Effects of Drug Abuse: Many people especially youths take drugs due to inadequate knowledge of its negative and harmful consequences.
Drug abuse ruins a person's life financially, mentally and physically. Its harmful effects can even extend to families and loved ones.
- c) The Glamorizing of Drug Abuse by the Entertainment Industry: In Nigeria, many popular stars sing songs about drug use and sometimes publicly abuse drugs.
Some musicians even use drugs to get inspiration for their music. This makes it look as if drug abuse is a cool thing to take part in and this has led many Nigerians to abuse drugs.
Consequences of Drug Abuse.
Drug abuse can have a lot of negative effects on a person physically, mentally and socially. Here are few of these effects:
Physical and Mental Effects of Drug Abuse
- Liver Damage.
- Respiratory Problems.
- Heart Attack and Stroke.
- Risk of Drug Overdose and Death
- Increase in Anxiety and Depression.
- Memory Loss and Cognitive Impairments.
Social Effects of Drug Abuse
- Relationship Breakdown.
- Family Conflicts.
- Inability to Focus at Work, School, etc.
- Stigmatization and Discrimination.
- Financial Strains.
- Loss of Work.
- Legal Problems.
How Can We Address the Drug Abuse Crisis in Nigeria?
As stated earlier, the theme of this year's International Overdose Awareness Day is "Together We Can". This means that to address the drug abuse crisis in Nigeria, everyone has a role to play.
- Government, Groups, Organizations-
- Education and Sensitization: Government, policy makers, ministries, activists etc, should increase the education and sensitization of members of the society on the terrible effects of drug abuse. This outreach must be done online and offline.
It should also extend to all areas including rural areas, schools, higher institutions, churches, etc. Adequate publicity should also be done to reduce the stigma associated with drug abuse.
A study carried out by the National Bureau of Statistics and United Nations Drug Office on Drugs and Crime revealed that stigma associated with substance use, was one of the major limitations discouraging drug users from seeking treatment in Nigeria.
- Establishment of Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers: More treatment centers should be established to ensure comprehensive care for drug abusers or addicts.
In Nigeria, drug treatment is usually carried out by tertiary hospitals, NGOs, churches., etc which makes their services limited. Even government facilities do not have enough qualified staff to care for people with drug abuse disorders.
It is therefore very important that treatment centers provide more comprehensive care. Beyond detoxification and counseling, they should also offer rehabilitation and relapse services for drug users.
- Reduced Cost of Treatment: Affordable treatment options should be provided for people with drug use disorders. The government can try to subsidize the cost of drug treatments to make it more affordable and accessible.
- Increased Efforts from Law Enforcement Agencies: Law enforcement agencies like National Drug Law enforcement Agency (NDLEA) should intensify their efforts in stopping and reducing drug trafficking in Nigeria.
B. Individuals-
- Parents must thoroughly educate their children on the harmful consequences of drug abuse. They must 'deglamorize' drug use from how it is painted by the media especially the music industry.
You must teach your children that taking drugs should never be an option to cope with life's challenges. Let them know that drug abuse ruin lives, families and increases the risk of overdose and death.
- As individuals, we must educate our colleagues, friends, families on the harmful effects of drug abuse. Through our social media, we can sensitize the people around us on the devastating effects of abusing drugs.
We should also encourage our friends and loved ones who use drugs to seek professional help and support them in their recovery journey.
Conclusion
Drug abuse is an issue that affects every member of the society one way or the other. Studies shows that 1 in 8 Nigerians experience the consequences of drug abuse, even due to other people's drug use.
It is therefore very important that every one - government, ministries, policy makers, Individuals come together to fight this issue that is killing many of our people.
Mycarebuddy Can Help You
If you or your loved one is trying to recover or in the process of recovery from drug abuse, our qualified therapists are here to guide you on that journey. Feel free to approach us HERE.
Our mental health community is also always open to you. CLICK HERE to join our community- a safe space where your mental health needs are prioritized.
Online v In-Person Support Groups/Communities: Choosing the Right Format for Your Mental Health Needs.
Support groups and communities play a major role in helping you prioritize your mental well-being. With the rise of digital platforms like Discord, Telegram etc., you now have the option to join either an in-person mental health community or an online community.
In this blog, we will consider this two formats, helping you make an informed decision about which one best aligns with your mental health needs.
Mental Health Groups/Communities
Choosing to join a mental health group/community can be a major step towards prioritizing your mental health.
Mental Health communities/groups are gatherings of individuals who are ready to prioritize their mental health. In these communities/groups, mental health support, resources and encouragement are provided to each member.
It is a safe space where members can share their experiences, doubts, fears, mental health issues and receive empathetic guidance and support.
A lot of mental health resources are usually provided to members of these groups like mental health webinars, videos, professional advice etc.
No matter what you're going through, belonging to a mental health community ensures you get guidance and support from like-minded people or individuals with same experiences.
5 Amazing Benefits of Joining a Mental Health Community
Joining a mental health community can have so many amazing benefits on your mental health and physical wellness. Some of them are:
- It reduces isolation and loneliness.
- It Increases your access to mental health resources like videos, articles, etc.
- It provides emotional support and guidance in your life journey.
- It teaches you better and healthy coping strategies.
- It acts as a safe space for you to express your feelings, emotions and tell your stories without fear.
Also Read : 10 Amazing Benefits of Joining an Online Mental Health Community
Types of Mental Health Community Formats
There are two major types of mental health community/support groups
- In-Person support groups.
- Online Support groups/communities.
In-Person Support Groups
These are face-to-face gatherings of individuals with same mental health experience. This groups are usually organized by mental health professionals for specific mental health issues.
Advantages-
In-Person mental health communities are more specific compared to online communities. For example, a support group could be created for only individuals trying to recover from an addiction. Another group can be created for individuals experiencing PTSD or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, etc.
There is also more personal connection involved since you get to meet others with similar experiences as yourself.
Disadvantages-
A major disadvantage to in-person support groups is the cost involved. Transportation and logistics costs can be a huge burden especially if you live in a rural environment or far location.
Also, there is less anonymity which means a risk that your shared experience can be leaked out beyond the group.
Online Support Groups/Communities
Online mental health communities are online spaces where you connect with other members going through similar mental health experiences as yours.
Online communities became very popular during the COVID-19 pandemic and its popularity has only continued to increase further with the advancements in technology. These communities are usually hosted on online platforms like Telegram, WhatsApp, Facebook etc.
In this communities, people going through stress, anxiety, burn out, grief, trauma etc., receive emotional support and guidance to navigate those situations.
An example of an online mental health community in Nigeria is the Mycarebuddy mental health community hosted on Telegram.
Advantages-
Compared to in-person communities, an online mental health group is usually cheaper. Transportation and other logistics costs are also eliminated since you can easily gain access to these communities online.
Furthermore, since all you need is a good internet connection, you can access resources and guidance at anytime and anyplace without delay.
Also, all physical barriers to accessing mental health care are eliminated. This is a major advantage for individuals who live in rural areas.
Online support groups also provide a level of anonymity for group members compared to in-person support groups. You can easily share your experiences and feelings without fear of judgement or criticism.
It is also less specific compared to face-to-face groups. This means that you can share and receive guidance on any issue affecting your mental health at any time in your life e.g work anxiety, depression, trauma, grief from losing a loved one, parenting issues, relationship conflicts, etc.
Disadvantages-
The major disadvantages to online mental health communities are poor internet connection and easy distractions.
However, this are mere trivialities. You can easily come back and access any resources or advice shared when you are free and less distracted.
Choosing the Right format for your Mental Health Needs
There are certain things to consider in choosing whether to join an online or in-person mental health community. Some of them are:
- Your Goals: You must consider your goal for joining. If you hope to receive support and guidance for various issues like burnout, relationships, parenting, then an online mental health community is more suitable.
Online mental health groups are also more suitable if you are seeking a safe space to express your feelings and emotions and receive practical feedback.
However, if you have a specific mental health goal to achieve, then consider joining an in-person support group created for that particular goal.
- Physical Location: You might also need to consider your physical location before choosing whether to join an in-person or online community.
If you live in a rural or difficult to access location, an online mental health community is definitely your best option.
- Privacy Concerns: This is a very important factor in choosing whether to join an in-person support group or online community.
If you hope for a level of anonymity in sharing your experiences, then an online community may be more suitable for you.
Join the Mycarebuddy Mental Health Community
Our community is an online mental health space where you get unlimited access to premium mental health resources like articles, videos, expert-led webinars and masterclasses etc., at no or subsidized costs.
It is a community where you can share and receive support on whatever issues you might be going through in your relationships, family, work, etc.
Click here and Join our community today.
International Youth Day 2024: Addressing the Challenges Faced by Youths in Nigeria which Affects their Mental Health.
On August 12, the International Youth Day was globally celebrated. It is a day dedicated to acknowledging the efforts of youths in bringing change to the society.
It is also a day to bring awareness towards the challenges faced by youths globally.
Mental health has always been a major discussion among youths with suicide being the 4th leading cause of death among 15-29 year olds. According to a study, 1 in 6 Nigerians aged between 15-24 are depressed.
This is why the discussion on the mental health challenges of Nigerian Youths must be addressed.
So, in this article, we will examine some of the challenges faced by youths which affects their mental health and how they can be addressed.
Challenges Faced by Youths Which Affects their Mental Health
- Mental Health Disorders.
- Academic Pressure and Stress.
- Social Media Influence and Comparisons.
- Poverty and Unemployment.
- Substance Use Disorder.
- Peer Pressure and Bullying.
- Unhealthy Relationships/Domestic Violence.
- Family Conflicts/Dysfunctional Families.
(a). Mental Health Disorders: Mental health disorders are very common among young people in Nigeria compared to other age groups. Yet due to social stigma, inadequate access to mental health resources, low mental health awareness, these mental health issues are neglected and largely go untreated.
Many youths in our society are experiencing anxiety and depression but cannot speak up for fear of being ignored or stigmatized.
Furthermore, there is little or no awareness of other mental health disorders like Obsessive Compulsive Disorder(OCD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Prolonged Duress Stress Disorder(PTSD), eating disorders, Autism etc.
All these has led to increase in drug abuse, addictions and suicide among our youths.
(b). Academic Pressure and Stress: Many youths especially in higher institutions are under pressure by their parents, peers and the society to get good grades and perform excellently.
While it is good to encourage students to give their best, it can also be overdone.
Academic Pressure according to the National Institute of Health (NIH) is the tension, discomfort and other emotions caused by the pressure from school, family and society in the academic process.
When students feel excessively pressured to excel in their academic pursuits, it can cause anxiety, poor sleep quality, unhealthy competitions which can have a negative effect on their mental health.
Academic pressure can also cause depression, anxiety, substance use , stress and burn out, etc.
(c). Social Media Influence and Comparisons: Multiple studies suggest that there is a huge correlation of mental health issues with excessive social media use.
Social media like all technologies has its advantages and disadvantages. Social media helps people connect, share information, etc. Yet with its many benefits, it also has many negative mental health effects.
The youths bear the major brunt of these negative impacts as they spend more time on social media compared to other age groups.
Social media comparisons have many negative effects on youths like poor sleep quality, unhealthy life and body comparisons, cyberbullying etc.
Furthermore, the constant comparisons that happen on social media has led to low self-confidence and inferiority complexes among many youths.
These has led to an increase in depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and self-harm.
(d). Poverty and Unemployment: Each year, the higher institutions keep churning out graduates with no corresponding jobs for them.
Many youths in Nigeria find it very difficult to make ends meet and this has driven many into vices like prostitution, thuggery, violence, drug abuse, and alcoholism, 419 etc.
The effects of poverty and unemployment on many youths is that they experience depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, etc.
Also Read : 10 Major Benefits of Joining an Online Mental Health Community
5 Ways to Address and Handle These Mental Health Challenges Faced by Youths
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Mental Health Awareness and Literacy
Youths and other age groups in the society must be properly educated on mental health disorders to help them identify and seek help.
Through social media, television and radio stations, more awareness campaigns must be carried out about various mental health disorders.
The stigma around mental health needs to be gradually broken down and seeking help or speaking out must be encouraged.
Youths and society as a whole must also be informed on how and where they can access mental health resources.
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Social Media Awareness and Use Campaigns
Social media awareness campaigns targeted towards youths must be carried out both online and offline.
The aim of this is to educate youths on the negative realities and the dangerous effects of trying to meet the unreal expectations of social media.
The youths should also be educated on how excessive social media use can impact their mental health and how they can set healthy boundaries.
3. Substance Use Education and Treatment
Drug and alcohol abuse is at an all time high among youths today. In 2018, statistics showed that drug abuse was prevalent in up to 14 million Nigerians . Due to economic hardships, that number has increased today with the youths taking the lead.
To combat the impacts of substance, use among our youths, substance use education programs must be carried in schools, higher institutions, social media etc.
Youths must also be educated on the detrimental effects of drug and alcohol abuse on their mental health, alongside guidance on accessing resources such as drug education programs, counseling centers, recovery clinics, and support groups.
4. Poverty Alleviation and Job Creation
The government must put extra efforts into job creation to reduce the number of unemployed youths in the country and reduce poverty.
Furthermore, skill acquisition trainings must be aggressively carried out by the government and other stakeholders to ensure that Nigerian youths have means of survival.
5. Increased Access to Mental Health Resources and Communities.
There needs to be more mental health clinics, programs and communities that would provide accurate mental health information to youths and guide them in making better choices related to their mental health.
Join Our Mental Health Community Today
The Mycarebuddy mental health community is a safe space where like-minded individuals who truly care about their mental health come together to connect, learn, and access premium mental health resources. It is open to all age groups and individuals.
Join the Mycarebuddy mental health community today and get unlimited access to mental health resources like professional guidance, mental health articles and videos, mental health webinars and masterclasses, addiction recovery etc.
Click here to be a part of our community.
5 Ways Joining a Mental Health Community Can Help You Manage and Reduce Stress
Anyone can feel stressed out. It is part of daily living. You may feel stressed due to your work, family, relationships, etc.
However, studies have shown that excessive or prolonged stress can lead to mental health problems like depression, anxiety and even physical health problems like hypertension.
So, choosing to join a mental health community could be a major step in helping you reduce and manage stress in your life.
In this article, we will briefly examine some of the causes and signs of stress. We will also consider 5 ways joining a mental health community could help you reduce and handle stress.
9 Causes of Stress.
There are several reasons why a person can feel stressed out. Some of them are:
- Poverty and unemployment.
- Relationship conflicts.
- Work problems.
- Health concerns.
- Parenting challenges.
- Addictions.
- Debts.
- Adulting issues.
- Academic pressure.
(a). Poverty and Unemployment
In Nigeria and many other countries, a lot of individuals live from hand to mouth. The inability to afford the basic needs of life can significantly increase stress levels.
Unemployment, both short term and long term, can also be a major cause of stress. It can cause mental health problems like anxiety and depression. A study, showed that 43% of unemployed people had poor mental health.
Unemployment also causes financial hardship, low life satisfaction and low self-esteem.
(b). Relationship Conflicts
Relationship conflicts can be a disagreement or misunderstanding with your friend, partner or family. Being in a relationship either romantic or familial that is constantly filled with conflicts can be very stressful.
It can be very stressful and can also lead to mental health problems like depression and anxiety. Relationship conflicts can also lead to aggression, mood swings, insomnia, etc.
(c). Work Problems
Work- related stress occurs when you are constantly pressured by work demands. Stress from work is also a leading cause of mental health problems like depression and physical problems like hypertension.
According to research , 69% of Gen Z are experiencing workplace stress. The statistics is even more dire for other generations with 79% of millennials and 59% of Gen X experiencing work-related stress.
Excessive work demands can lead to stress and ultimately burnout
10 Signs of Being Stressed Out
There are various signs to identify if someone is stressed but here are a few common ones:
- Constant worrying.
- Getting angry constantly.
- Eating too little or too much.
- Chest pain.
- Poor sleep quality.
- Mood swings.
- Inability to concentrate.
- Depression.
- Drug and alcohol abuse.
10 Weight problems.
Also Read : 5 Effective Ways You Can Manage Stress as a Working Nigerian Student
5 Ways a Mental Health Community will help you Manage and Reduce Stress.
1. Healthy Coping Strategies
Belonging to a mental health community ensures that in whatever you may be going through, there will be someone with similar or same experiences as you.
Therefore, you will be able to get practical and actionable advice/ tips on what strategies worked for them and what didn't work. You will also receive healthy coping strategies from experts who can empathize with you.
2. Shared Experiences
Listening to the experience of others is a good way to reduce stress. You feel less isolated and stressed when you hear others who have gone through similar things as yourself.
3. Professional/ Expert Guidance
Mental Health communities are usually led by mental health professionals and experts. You can ask questions and seek help whenever you need it. You also get resources, advice tailored to help you manage and reduce stress.
For example, the Mycarebuddy mental health community offers webinars and masterclasses which are led by mental health professionals ensuring you get accurate mental healthcare and guidance.
4. Emotional Support
A 2019 study showed that people with social support either from friends and family have reduced levels of stress.
This shows that having a social support system is very important to your mental well-being.
Therefore, joining a mental health community can be a huge support to you and reduce your stress levels. This is a very good option if you do not have friends/family members to rely on or they live far away.
Furthermore, belonging to a mental health community creates a sense of belonging and helps you feel good. You feel happy and less stressed knowing you belong to a group where your stories and experiences are empathized with.
5. A Safe Space to Unwind
One of the unique benefits of a mental health community is the empathetic support you receive.
Mental Health communities are judgement- free zones where you can express your honest feelings and emotions. You can let down your guard and tell others what you are going through without reserve.
An example is if you are going through a tough breakup. Normally, you might be embarrassed to talk about it in real life. However, you can easily talk and share your experience in your mental health community.
You also receive support from others and learn practical ways to cope and handle such a situation
Another example is a person who is having parenting difficulties. Belonging to a mental health community can ensure that him/her receive practical advice from other parents who might have been in that situation in the past.
Join Our Amazing Community
Joining a mental health community can be one of the best decisions you can make for your mental health and general well-being.
Click here to be a part of our family today.
10 Major Benefits of Joining an Online Mental Health Community
Online mental health communities are online gatherings where people come together to share experiences impacting their mental health and receive emotional support and guidance, perspectives and practical resources.
They are usually hosted on social media platforms like Facebook groups, Discord, WhatsApp, Telegram. etc.
Joining an online mental health community can be very beneficial to your mental health and general wellness.
So, in this blog, we will examine 10 of the major benefits you enjoy when you join an online mental health community.
10 Major Benefits of Joining an Online Mental Health Community
Joining an online mental health community will help you:
- Develop better and healthier coping strategies.
- Reduce your stress and anxiety.
- Share your honest experiences and feelings without fear of judgement.
- Receive practical self-care tips and advice.
- Reduce loneliness and isolation.
- Increase your hope and optimism in the future.
- Gives you access to accurate and personalized mental health information and advice.
- Help you develop a sense of belonging and companionship.
- Boost your confidence and self-esteem.
- Help you offer support to others around you.
Explanations-
- Develop better and healthier coping strategies: When you join a mental health community, you will learn better and healthier ways to cope with life's challenges.
From members’ shared experiences, you will learn how they managed and overcome situations that affected their mental health.
E.g., When facing a negative situation, many people resort to drinking or smoking to numb themselves from what they are feeling.
However, when you are a part of a mental health community, you learn better ways to manage situations like journaling, therapy, meditation etc.
- Reduces stress and anxiety: As the saying goes “a problem shared is a problem solved.”
A major feature of belonging to a mental health community is the opportunity to share your experiences.
When you do this, you receive empathy, support, which can help alleviate your stress and calm you. Furthermore, members share stress management tips that helped them to overcome their own struggles.
You also receive feedback from others on your own specific issues. This can reduce your stress levels and make you feel less anxious.
3.Express your honest feelings without fear of being judged: As a member of a mental health community, you become part of a safe space where you can freely share your experiences, emotions, struggles without fear of being stigmatized or judged.
Rather, you receive support, resources and comfort to help you navigate those situations. By joining a mental health community, you can get things off your chest and feel less isolated.
- Receive practical self-care tips and advice: In a mental health community, members share personalized advice and tips that helped them overcome a situation or handle a mental health issue like depression, burnout, etc
You also get advice on how to set boundaries, handle a breakup or navigate a marital challenge etc.
For example, a woman experiencing postpartum depression will have her feelings validated and receive motivation and encouragement by hearing others share their similar experiences.
- Reduces loneliness and isolation: One major effect of having a mental health issue is loneliness and social isolation.
You feel alone and end up distancing yourself from others because you feel they don’t understand what you're going through or because you are afraid you might be judged.
However, if you are a part of a mental health community, you realize other people share the same experiences as yourself. You also get to express your emotions without being afraid of judgement.
This ultimately makes you feel less lonely and you are less likely to isolate yourself.
- Increase your hope and optimism in the future: Belonging to a mental health community helps you realize that you are not alone. You realize that others have faced the same situation as yourself and were able to cope with it.
This will boost your mood and help you hope for a better outcome.
Also, when you share your experiences, you get support and encouragement from other members of the community which motivates and encourage you.
- Access to accurate and personalized mental health information and advice: In a mental health community, you are given access to mental health resources like articles, videos etc.
You also get the opportunity to get direct guidance from mental health professionals and expert.
In the Mycarebuddy mental health community, we share invitations to webinars and masterclasses where seasoned mental health professionals come to teach, share accurate mental health information and answer your questions.
- Develop a sense of belonging and companionship: As a member of a mental health community, you connect with like-minded individuals with similar experiences. You get to share your own stories while learning from others.
You also become a part of a supportive network where you are valued and this creates a sense of belonging and companionship between you and other members with similar experiences.
- Boosts your confidence and self-esteem: When you are part of a mental health community, you are not only receiving support from others, you are also supporting others.
You get to share your own advice, tips and stories for other members with similar experiences to learn from. This helps you feel more confident in yourself and happier.
- Helps you offer support to others around you: Being part of a mental health community helps you understand how to help your family, partners, kids, friends who might be going through similar issues discussed in the community.
You learn how to empathize and offer support and encouragement to them. You can also share resources from your mental health community to people around you who might need them.
Take a Step Towards an Emotionally Fulfilling Life
The Mycarebuddy community was created with the aim of helping you receive support, resources that would help you take care of your mental health and live a more fulfilling life.
Click here to join our family today and become a part of a community created to support and encourage you in your life's journey.
Mental Health Support Groups/Communities: How They Can Guide You Through Life's Journey.
As you go through life, you will face a lot of challenges and situations that would impact your mental health and overall well-being.
Whether as an individual, couple, family, employer or employee, you need a support group that would guide you and offer a safe space where you can share your feelings and emotions without fear of being judged and receive advice, resources and encouragement from like-minded individuals.
In this article, you will learn about mental health support groups/communities and how joining a mental health community will help you in your life journey.
What are Mental Health Support Groups/Communities?
These are spaces and communities where individuals come together to offer each other support, share experiences, and provide encouragement, guidance and resources with the aim of taking care of their mental health.
It is a safe space or environment where you can share your thoughts, emotions, struggles about your mental health and receive comfort, resources and encouragement from people who understand you and can empathize with you.
In a mental health community, people come together to share experiences and learn how to cope with mental health issues like depression, anxiety, PTSD, etc., and situations that might impact their mental health e.g., loss of loved ones, parenting challenges, family conflicts, traumatic experiences etc.
In a mental health community, you get resources, advice, expert guidance to help you take care of your mental health and overall well-being.
Unfortunately, mental health is still an issue that carries stigma which can discourage you from speaking out. However, in a mental health community, you get a space where you can share your experiences freely without judgement.
Mental health communities could be online or in-person. Online mental health communities are also usually hosted on platforms like Telegram, Discord, WhatsApp, Facebook etc.
How Can Joining a Mental Health Community Guide You in Your Life’s Journey.
Choosing to join a mental health community can have very positive short-term and long-term impacts on your mental health and your life as a whole. Here are a few ways joining a mental health community will help you in your life's journey-
1. Practical Advice and Resources
Whether in your personal life or at work, you will face situations that would discourage, confuse or even make you feel depressed e.g., loss of loved ones.
Being a part of a mental health community will ensure you receive practical and actionable support and resources like videos, articles, expert advice, opinions from people who have faced similar situations.
You will get all the necessary information and guidance that would help you handle those situations at any point.
For example, if you are feeling burnout from work or experience work anxiety, you can express how you feel in your mental health group and receive practical advice and support to help you navigate such a situation.
2. Emotional Support
Joining a mental health community ensures you receive emotional support whenever you need it.
In mental health communities, people share their experiences, its impact as well as how they are managing it. Such shared experiences help you know and understand that you are not alone.
So when depressing situations occur, you understand that others have being there, survived and that you can too.
For example, if you are experiencing grief from losing a loved one, hearing stories from others who have faced similar situation as yourself, can be very comforting and help you feel less emotionally drained.
3. Social Connection and Reduction of Isolation
Everyone experiences loneliness at one point in life whether you're an introvert or extrovert. Loneliness makes you feel alone and think you are the only one facing a specific situation.
It can also lead to an increase in self-harming thoughts.
However, when you join a mental health community, you hear people's experiences and can also share your own stories. All these will help you in combatting the negative effects of loneliness.
Also, from mental health communities, you can develop valuable friendships and develop a sense of belonging.
4. Increased Mental Health Awareness and Education
According to the WHO, one in four people will face a mental health challenge at one point in their life. This goes to show how important it is for you to belong to a mental health community.
Not only can you access resources that would help you take care of your mental health, you will also learn a lot about mental well-being.
You will also learn to empathize and support your family or friends who might have a mental health challenge.
In the Mycarebuddy community, you will receive invitations to masterclasses and webinars where mental health experts would provide you with relevant and accurate mental health information and guidance.
5. Overcome Life's Challenges
Life is a complex journey full of ups and downs. We are bound to experience challenges either in our personal life or in our work that may throw us off our feet.
Examples of such challenges are loss of loved ones, economic hardships, relationship problems, marital struggles, work stress etc.
Any of these challenges can have a negative impact on our mental health and cause us to develop issues like depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, addiction etc.
However, when you are part of a mental health community, you receive resources, advice from seasoned professionals, shared stories that would help you understand your situation and overcome them.
Join Our Supportive Mental Health Community Today
At Mycarebuddy, your mental health and overall wellness is always our major priority.
We understand how important it is to have a safe and supportive space where you can connect with individuals with your experiences, express your feelings and emotions and receive thoughtful expert guidance and resources.
This is why we have created a one of a kind online mental health community where you can share and access resources related to mental health and general wellness.
Joining the Mycarebuddy community offers you a mix of valuable mental health resources like articles, videos, webinars and masterclasses, expert and professional advice etc.
Join us today and take the first step towards a more resilient and emotionally fulfilling life journey.
Conclusion
Having a mental health issue like depression, anxiety, addiction, burnout can be very difficult to manage especially without support/help.
However, joining a mental health community will be a very major step in managing and overcoming those issues. Choosing to join a mental health community is a sign that you are ready to prioritize your mental health
Our Mycarebuddy community is here to support and cheer for you in your mental health journey.
Click here today and be a part of our family.