REBECCA BLAMO
Mental Health Awareness and Well-being C.I.C.
Welcome to
Rebecca Blamo
The topic of mental health issues within Black households and communities, particularly in Liberia, West Africa, is often considered a taboo subject, leaving many to suffer in silence.
At Rebecca Blamo, our goal is to make conversations about mental health issues more commonplace by spreading the message that "having a mental health disorder does not define you," "you are not your illness," and "let's talk about mental health disorders and help remove the stigmas that are attached." We believe that everyone has the basic human right to access adequate mental health awareness and treatment facilities.
Our Story
Rebecca Blamo's Mental Health Awareness and Well-being C.I.C. was founded with a desire to help individuals who have limited or no access to adequate mental health resources. Growing up in African homes, many of us were not allowed to talk about our emotions. If we were feeling low or stressed, we had to get on with life and be grateful for the basics like food and shelter. In Liberia, West Africa, many households have experienced traumatic events, but there is often little awareness of the long-term consequences. Mental health issues were not commonly discussed because of a lack of understanding and knowledge. Those who suffered from chronic depression or any form of mental health disorder were often told that they were possessed by demons or that it was witchcraft. This continues to be the case today, and individuals with mental health issues often feel isolated and fearful due to the attached stigmas. At Rebecca Blamo, we aim to raise awareness through training workshops, educational campaigns, leaflets, flyers, videos, radio segments, social media, and other means, with the hope of reaching those with limited or no access due to various barriers such as language, traditions, culture, social status, education, and poverty.
We Want Everyone to Understand the Relationship between Trauma and Mental Health Issues
Get Involved: Liberia
Our Heart for Liberia
"Our heart for Liberia and Liberians in the diaspora is to raise awareness, normalise mental health issues, and reduce stigmas. The majority of Liberians have had to survive living with trauma following a fourteen-year civil war that lasted from 1989 to 2003, as well as an Ebola epidemic from 2014 to 2015, which resulted in many lost lives and destroyed families. Currently, in Liberia, access to adequate mental health facilities is limited, and many people are struggling through life in isolation, anguish, and fear."
Trauma-Associated Mental Health Issues
It has been observed that a significant number of people in Liberia are suffering from mental health issues and are unable to receive proper treatment due to limited facilities and lack of awareness. To make matters worse, the existing stigma surrounding mental health problems discourages people from seeking help. We aim to raise awareness about this issue and promote the normalization of seeking help, so that people can receive the support they need.
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is the most common mental health disorder in Africa due to the frequent wars that occur across the continent. In 2008, Johnson et al. conducted a study that found high rates of PTSD in Liberia, with the highest prevalence among female civilians and male soldiers, before the Ebola pandemic.
Depression
Depression is a common mental health issue that affects people worldwide. Unfortunately, many people with depression go undiagnosed and untreated, particularly in Africa, where there is limited awareness about mental health.
According to the World Health Organization, about 85% of individuals with depression in Africa lack access to adequate treatment due to factors such as economic difficulties, societal stigmas, and limited access to healthcare services. These challenges contribute to the high prevalence of depression in Africa.
Acute stress disorder (ASD) is a severe mental health condition that can occur within the first month of experiencing a traumatic event. It has similar symptoms to PTSD, but it must last more than one month to be classified as PTSD. Unfortunately, many people remain unaware of the lasting effects of a traumatic event and go untreated.
While recreational drug and alcohol use may be common, it's important to understand that excessive substance abuse/dependence can have negative consequences for both the individual and society. Seeking help and support is key in addressing these issues.
