Planning is key in the festive season This time of year can be very challenging for people in recovery from substance addictions. Celebrations centered on alcohol and Christmas traditions can be very problematic and triggering for people in recovery from alcohol addiction, from substance addiction. Have a routine. Routine is […]
THE PROCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH RECOVERY
The most important thing to take into account when at the start of your journey to recovery from a mental illness or addiction, is that it takes time. Mental illnesses like depression, anxiety and substance abuse do not develop overnight and so it is natural to expect that the healing […]
UNDERSTANDING ADDICTION
What do I need to know about addiction? Addiction involves craving for something intensely, loss of control over its use, and continuing involvement with it despite adverse consequences. Addiction changes the brain, first by subverting the way it registers pleasure and then by corrupting other normal drives such as learning […]
OUR WOMEN`S MENTAL HEALTH. WHAT AFFECTS IT?
There are a number of factors affecting women’s mental health. Some consist of, Women are more likely to be the main care giver for their children than men, and may care for older or disabled relatives too. Women care givers are more likely to experience anxiety and depression than […]
I HAVE A MENTAL ILLNESS. HOW DO I COPE?
How to cope with a mental illness Living with mental illness is not easy. It’s a consistent problem without a clear solution. While treatments like medication and psychotherapy are incredibly helpful, sometimes people experiencing mental health conditions need to do more day-in and day-out to feel good or even just […]
WORLD`S SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY AWARENESS
World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), celebrated annually on 10 September, is organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO). The event represents a global commitment to focus attention on suicide prevention. With […]
HOW DO I KNOW IF I’M AN ADDICT?- REHABILITATION IN NAIROBI KENYA
Addiction is a compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance. It is accepted as a mental illness in the diagnostic nomenclature and results in substantial health, social and economic problems. In the diagnostic nomenclature, addiction was originally included in the personality disorders along with other behaviors considered deviant. […]
ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCE ON MENTAL HEALTH- REHABILITATION IN KENYA
It is well-documented that human mental health emerges from a complex interplay between genetic, psychological, lifestyle, and other factors. In addition, people are also exposed to numerous environments. These environmental exposures (e.g Green space, noise, air pollution, weather conditions, housing conditions) might trigger mental disorders or be protective factors, facilitating […]
DIFFICULTIES IN ESTABLISHING SUBSTANCE ABUSE REHABILITATION PROGRAMS IN KENYA
Some communities have trouble developing programs that prevent and treat substance use disorders (SUDs). These barriers may include: Stigma and confidentiality concerns. The historical classification of substance use as a crime has led to stigma surrounding substance misuse. Stigma is a barrier to recovery and affects whether individuals with SUD […]
UNDERSTANDING SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND ADDICTION IN WOMEN – REHABILITATION FOR WOMEN IN KENYA
While men historically have been more likely to develop a substance use disorder, women also suffer in great numbers. In recent years, the once large gap between the rates of overdose deaths for men, as compared to women, has been steadily closing. It is expected that the rates of overdose […]
