5kbirdwalkforrecovery

May is Mental Health Month

Fri, 09 May 2025 04:09:11 GMT

May is Mental Health Month and what better time to address African American Men’s Mental Health.

Let’s start a dialogue about Black Men’s Mental health to communicate the importance of seeking help for depression and anxiety a factor crucial to improving mental health outcomes for African American men.

Unfortunately, the device used to mitigate the depression and anxiety is alcohol and other drugs. There is this chicken and egg dilemma when it comes to mental health and substance use. Which comes first, mental illness or substance use? Does mental health cause the substance use? or does substance use cause mental illness. You be the judge.

Bob’s Story

I worked primarily with men at an RCO (recovery community organization). A peer we’ll call him Bob, Bob was smart, he had professional training, he was polished, and before he left the program, he had a promising career with a great company waiting for him. Unfortunately, his success was short lived and in six months he was back in treatment. This cycle would repeat itself no less than 3 times.

Bob (not his real name) and I talked. I mentioned to him that he could benefit from talking with a mental health counselor or therapist. I pointed out that he knew how to ‘get clean’ “because you’ve done it several times before so abstaining from drugs was not the problem but something is getting in the way of your long-term recovery.” I think talking with someone might help.”

I could see the weight being lifted off his shoulders. He wanted to know how he could find a counselor/therapist and I referred him to a licensed counselor/therapist.

Bob is doing great, hasn’t’ had any ‘setbacks’ he’s doing well in his career and has found his soul mate.

Bob's journey is a powerful example of how seeking help from a counselor or therapist can make a significant difference in one's recovery and overall well-being. It's inspiring to hear that Bob is now doing well in his career and personal life but it’s not just Bob’s story it could be your story too.

For more information on mental health services in the black community see:

https://wellbeingtrust.org/news/prioritizing-black-mental-health-a-guide-to-resources-and-support/

https://www.nami.org/your-journey/identity-and-cultural-dimensions/black-african-american/

https://www.onlinemswprograms.com/resources/mental-health-resources-racial-ethnic-groups/

https://oppf.org/byomm/

Mental Health Month is a crucial time to address the mental health challenges faced by African American men. The stigma surrounding mental health in the black community often prevents individuals from seeking help, leading to reliance on substances like alcohol and drugs to cope with depression and anxiety.

I want to share Bob’s (not his real name) story.

As a certified peer recovery support specialist highlights the importance of professional mental health support. Bob's journey is a powerful example of how seeking help from a counselor or therapist can make a significant difference in one's recovery and overall well-being. It's inspiring to hear that Bob is now doing well in his career and personal life.

Starting a dialogue about Black Men's mental health is essential to break the stigma and encourage more individuals to seek the help they need. By sharing stories like Bob's, we can emphasize the importance of mental health support and create a more supportive environment for African American men.

Mother's Day

Tue, 06 May 2025 05:22:21 GMT

As we approach Mother’s Day remember to take care of yourself. Use this day to recharge your batteries. We’re not that ‘Energizer Bunny’ and we need to be recharged from time to time. Metaphorically speaking mothers really are batteries. Here’s a thought, let’s use batteries as a metaphor for mothers. Batteries, have life, stores energy and converts energy. And just like everything else batteries have a life.

“Battery life” is the amount of time it runs before it needs to be recharged, and the “Battery lifespan” is the amount of time a battery lasts until it needs to be replaced. The most important aspect is that use affects battery life and lifespan. If or when you feel your battery running low on energy here is a list to help you re-charge.

How to recharge your battery:

Know the importance of self-care
Recognize what affects you
Think about your support network
Be patient and kind to yourself

Movember

heytumara@gmail.com (Tumara Jackson) — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 07:50:13 GMT

Men have Hi- Jacked the Month of November!

Movember encourages men to join the movement by growing a mustache for the 30-days of November. Mo Bros start the month clean-shaven, then grow and groom their Mo (slang for mustache). With their new mustaches, these Mo Bros bring much needed awareness to men’s health issues by prompting conversations wherever they go.

We've taken on three of the biggest health issues affecting men: mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. As a result, men are living healthier, longer lives.

Week 1:

8 Life-Saving Facts Every Brother Should Know About Prostate Cancer.
https://blackdoctor.org/8-life-saving-facts-every-brother-should-know-about-prostate-cancer

Week 2:

How to reduce your risk for Cancer.
https://blackdoctor.org/fight-back-essential-tips-for-black-men-to-prevent-cancer

Week 3:
Anxiety and Depression
https://www.nimhd.nih.gov/programs/edu-training/byomm

Week 4:
You don’t have to become another number in those statistics!
https://blackdoctor.org/black-men-need-better-prostate-health-this-checklist-can-help

International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD)

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 09:38:28 GMT

International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD), held every year on August 31st, is the world's largest annual campaign to end incidents of overdose, remember without stigma those who died, and acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind.

For people who use drugs, those who don’t, and for heartbroken friends and family of lost ones, this day of remembrance and action is for all of us because overdose can affect everyone.

For activists who fight for policy form, for healthcare and harm reduction work, and for advocates, the theme for 2024 is ‘Together We Can,” and will make a difference in the fight against overdose.

Preventing an overdose.

Naloxone is a medication designed to reverse an opioid overdose during an emergency situation. It is a critical tool for individuals, families, first responders, and communities to help reduce opioid overdose deaths.

If an overdose is suspected, naloxone (Narcan) can act as a bridge between the call to 911 and when help arrives to keep the person breathing.

Naloxone (Narcan) is available without a prescription in all states. It can be found throughout Indiana.

For information on how and where in your community to obtain Naloxone, Fentanyl, and Xylazine Test Strips, please click on the link below;

https://www.overdoselifeline.org/naloxone-indiana-distribution/

Sylvia Gibbs

Thank you!

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 09:34:48 GMT

What “Experience, Strength and Hope” really means in a recovery setting can be broken down into a three-part message. The person who is speaking will give their experience in recovery, and then they will share what gives them strength in their recovery, followed by sharing some hope in recovery. Our summit was well received by attendees. Panelist’s talked about a time where they never thought they would find sobriety, how it made them feel and what they did to get sober. Our Panelists Iisha Wesley shared her Experience with recovery and the gains she’s made. Iisha is executive Director of MRCI (Minority Recovery Collective, Inc.)pronounced Mercy. Samantha Lawson shared how she found Strength in a treatment program, she now works in the field of Mental Health and Addiction and helps other women find their strength to recover. Dr. Hollie Campbell’s discussion centered around Hope. Hope is defined as a feeling of trust. Reaching out to someone to make sure they are ok. If you notice something take the time reach out, ask questions, let them know that they can trust you. If they are experiencing a mental health challenge such as suicide call 9-8-8 the Suicide Hotline as soon as possible, someone will come on the phone to speak with them.

Recovery is real and it happens everyday and you can help. If you or a loved one is seeking help with addiction or facing a mental health challenge please contact:

988 the Suicide Hotline

Indiana Mental Health and Addiction Hotline 800-662-HELP (4357). If you or someone you know needs assistance immediately, dial 2-1-1 to be connected to available providers. The addiction treatment data is updated every business day.

Words Matter: When Talking About Addiction

Sat, 14 Jan 2023 09:50:21 GMT

Addiction is a chronic but treatable medical condition. Many people still talk about addiction in ways that are stigmatizing—meaning they use words that can portray someone with a substance use disorder (SUD) in a shameful or negative way and may prevent them from seeking treatment

Simple changes in language can reduce and avoid the harmful stigma and negativity.

What is stigma? Glad you asked!

Stigma is discrimination against an identifiable group of people, a place, or a nation. Stigma about people with substance use disorders might include thoughts like they are dangerous, incapable of managing treatment, or at fault for their condition.

The stigma around addiction may come from old and inaccurate ideas or information. Today, we know that addiction is a chronic, treatable medical condition. We also know that people can recover and continue to lead healthy lives.

Feeling stigmatized can make people with SUD less willing to seek treatment. Negative stereotypes about people with SUD can make others feel pity, fear, and even anger. It also negatively impacts the families of those with SUD.

How can I/we remember to use words that aren’t stigmatizing?

Use person-first language, which focuses on the person—not their illness. For example, “person with a substance use disorder” has a neutral tone and separates the person from his or her disorder.

Here are some terms to use, terms to avoid, and why.

When talking about yourself or others with Substance Use Disorder

Use...

A person with a substance use disorder
A person with an opioid use disorder (OUD) or a person with opioid addiction

Instead of...

Addict
User
Substance or drug abuser
Junkie

Because…

Using person-first language shows that SUD is an illness.
Using the correct words shows that a person with a SUD “has” a problem/illness rather than “is” the problem.
Using the correct terms helps to avoid eliciting negative associations, punitive attitudes, and individual blame.

I hope you will put these new terms into practice. I will be back with more examples soon.

Excerpts from Nora’s Blog; Addressing the Stigma that Surrounds Addiction (April 2020).

Sylvia Gibbs

Sober October

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 09:54:27 GMT

What is Sober October?

Sober October is an annual challenge where participants voluntarily abstain from alcohol for the entire month of October.

No, you don’t have to be an alcoholic, or even feel like you struggle with dependency, to participate.

Here are the Core Sober October Rules:

No Alcohol for 31 Days: This is the primary rule of Sober October. From the 1st to the 31st of October, participants commit to not consuming any alcoholic beverages.
No Consuming Other Intoxicating Substances (Optional): While the main focus is on alcohol, some choose to also abstain from other substances, such as recreational drugs like marijuana.
Avoid Temptation: The most difficult part about Sober October is the temptation. It’s a surprise to many that it’s not avoiding alcohol that’s the difficult part, it’s avoiding the situations that alcohol is present.
Reflect Regularly: Think about your typical drinking habits, how you feel without alcohol, and any changes you might want to implement after October ends.

Why do people participate in Sober October?

Health Benefits: A month without alcohol can lead to improved sleep, better digestion, clearer skin, and even weight loss for some.
Mental Clarity: Many participants feel, more alert, and more present during their sober month.
Emotional Reset: Taking a break from alcohol can offer a chance to reflect on one’s relationship with drinking.
Financial Savings: Cutting out those regular trips to the liquor store can lead to significant savings.
Challenge and Personal Growth: For some, Sober October is a test of willpoers and self-discipline. Offering an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery.
Supporting a Cause: Some participants raise money for charity during Sober October, turning their personal challenge into a broader philanthropic endeavor.

Regardless of the reasons, Sober October presents an opportunity to pause, reflect, and make conscious choices about our habits, making it a rewarding experience for many who take the plunge.

5K Bird Walk 2022

Fri, 30 Sep 2022 09:55:55 GMT

Thank you for a successful 2022 5K Bird Walk for Recovery!

We are grateful to the City of Hammond, our sponsors, volunteers, walkers, donors, and vendors for supporting the 6th Annual 5K Bird Walk for Recovery held on Saturday, September 3, 2022. You made it possible for 12 children to attend Camp Mariposa. Additionally, your support will provide recovery support groups for individual families and contribute to the Heart Rock Justus Family Recovery Center in the name of Seneca Gibbs.

For 2023, our goal is to further our reach and support for The Birdwalk by enhancing our digital presence, exceeding our previous contributions, and identifying new populations to help end the stigma associated with substance use and mental health challenges. Any feedback you have will be greatly appreciated as we are always looking for additional ways to positively impact society - Email BirdWalk4Recovery@gmail.com.

Brandee Cartwright-Crawford