Living African

This is part two of our interview with Patience Abonge.

Let’s continue to listen to her story of struggles from mental health illnesses and the various steps she took that helped her through those troubling times. 

 

[00:01 – 18:58] Depression

• Patience talks about her fall back into depression in the year 2019
• We talk about a girl that has bipolar disorder and psychosis
• Stop victim-blaming

[18:59 – 29:57] Battling the Stigma

• I share some of my personal and our family’s struggles
• Abolishing the stigma around families that has members with disabilities
• What you can do to help and support people fighting against mental illnesses

[29:58 – 42:33] Healing

• Patience’s advice to other people suffering from mental illnesses
• Final words of encouragement
• Connect with Patience. Links available below.

 

Tweetable Quotes:

“People with mental illness are not attention seekers.” – Patience Abonge

 

You can reach out to Patience on Facebook or Instagram. Support the Free Minds Foundation, visit their Facebook page.

 

LEAVE A REVIEW and tell us what you think about the episode so we can continue putting out great content just for you!

You can connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, or send us an email at [email protected]. Check out our website www.livingafricanpodcast.com for more resources and to learn more.

You can connect with Anyoh on Facebook (@anyohf), Instagram (@anyohfombad), and Twitter (@anyohfombad).

In another addition to our Mental Health Awareness series, we are joined by Patience Abonge, and she is here to share her story. She has suffered from anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and psychosis. Today she encourages us not to be afraid to tell our story. We don’t have to suffer in silence. Together we are stronger, and together we can conquer the challenges along our journey.

 

[00:01 – 02:35] Opening Segment

• Introduction of guest and topic

[02:36 – 25:58] Patience’s Story

• Patience shares her story – from childhood to marriage.
• She talks about getting raped by one of their family members

• The trauma it caused and how it affected her life

• The worries she had for her son that had autism
• Fearing society’s judgeful nature

[25:56 – 43:40] Punishment

• Getting disowned by her own family
• Landing herself in a mental institution
• Going deeper and deeper into depression

Tweetable Quotes:

“I think I’ve been through all kinds of challenges, [but now] I have to challenge myself.” – Patience Abonge

“You have to be conscious of what you want to do.” – Patience Abonge

 

You can reach out to Patience on Facebook or Instagram. Support the Free Minds Foundation, visit their Facebook page.

 

LEAVE A REVIEW and tell us what you think about the episode so we can continue putting out great content just for you!

You can connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, or send us an email at [email protected]. Check out our website www.livingafricanpodcast.com for more resources and to learn more.

You can connect with Anyoh on Facebook (@anyohf), Instagram (@anyohfombad), and Twitter (@anyohfombad).

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we continue our discussions around mental health, and today, we welcome back Anne Alobwede. Anne is one of the many victims of domestic abuse. She has suffered immense violence from her partner, and because of this, her life took a turn for the worse. Her experiences resulted in a long-running trauma that, up until today, she continues to battle. In this episode, she joins us to talk about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

 

[00:01 – 06:54] Opening Segment

• I explain what PTSD is and the different ways it affects people
• I introduce our guest

[06:55 – 15:28] Domestic Abuse

• Anne talks about her experience with domestic abuse and how it took her life to a drastic turn for the worse

• The only time that she stood up for herself resulted in her incarceration

[15:29 – 30:38] PTSD

• How her trauma affected her day-to-day life

• Managing her PTSD while in prison

• Life after prison
• • Avoiding the things that reminded her of her previous life
• Conquering the fear of talking about her experiences

[30:39 – 36:00] Relationships

• Anne discusses how her PTSD has affected her ability to create relationships

[36:01 – 49:02] Let’s Heal Together

• Anne’s advice to the people suffering from PTSD and in their journey to healing

• Words of encouragement from a fellow African with PTSD

• Final thoughts
• Reach out to Anne. Links available below.

 

Tweetable Quotes:

“At the end of the day, mental health illnesses are not physical. Most of the times, when somebody doesn’t tell you that this is what they’re going through, you’ll never know.” – Anne Alobwede.

“It’s okay to be different.” – Anne Alobwede

 

Resources Mentioned:

• Scars to Stars by Anne Alobwede
• Till Abuse Do Us Part (Part 1) - Anne Alobwede
• Till Abuse Do Us Part (Part 2) - Anne Alobwede

 

Learn more about Anne Alobwede:

• Website: https://annealobwede.com/ 
• Instagram: @annealobwede
• Facebook: Anne Alobwede (/anne.alobwede.9)
• email: [email protected]

 

LEAVE A REVIEW and tell us what you think about the episode so we can continue putting out great content just for you!

You can connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, or send us an email at [email protected]. Check out our website www.livingafricanpodcast.com for more resources and to learn more.

 

You can connect with Anyoh on Facebook (@anyohf), Instagram (@anyohfombad), and Twitter (@anyohfombad).

This is part two of our conversations with Donald and Arnold Fosah.

In part one, we talk about the realities of Schizophrenia from the perspectives of a patient, family member, and healthcare professional. In this episode, we continue talking about Donald’s struggles with his illness and how his family is helping him through his journey.

We dig deeper into Schizophrenia - [00:01 – 10:46] 

• Donald and Arnold shares how Schizophrenia affects their daily lives

Let’s support each other - [10:47 – 22:01]

• The importance of having a good support system
• How you can support someone dealing with mental illnesses

What keeps you moving forward? - [22:02 – 28:56] 

• Donald talks about what keeps him going and fighting against his illness

Advice about Schizophrenia - [28:57 - 42:16] 

• Donald and Arnold shares facts about Schizophrenia and advice on how you can help someone suffering from it
• Get in touch with them. Links available below.

 

Tweetable Quotes: 

“Understanding yourself is very important. If you don’t understand yourself, you’ll not be able to forge ahead.” – Donald Fosah

 

You can contact the two of them through Arnold’s private practice at https://verdantbehavioralhealth.com/ or by sending him an email at [email protected] 

 

LEAVE A REVIEW and tell us what you think about the episode so we can continue putting out great content just for you!

You can connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, or send us an email at [email protected]. Check out our website www.livingafricanpodcast.com for more resources and to learn more.

 

You can connect with Anyoh on Facebook (@anyohf), Instagram (@anyohfombad), and Twitter (@anyohfombad).

In celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month, we continue talking about things that affect our mental health and raise awareness about them. Today we focus on Schizophrenia with Arnold and Donald Fosah.

Arnold and Donald's lives have been affected by Schizophrenia, and today they will help us see this illness through the perspectives of a patient, family, and healthcare professional.

 

How Schizophrenia affected Donald's life - [00:01 – 20:34]

• Donald shares his story as a patient with Schizophrenia.
• How it affected his personal and family's lives

Bringing their family together and strengthening their bond - [20:35 – 27:14] 

• Arnold shares his perspective as a healthcare professional and as Donald's older brother
• Arnold talks about his journey to becoming a healthcare professional

Stigma in the African community - [27:15 – 36:15]

• We talk about the stigma around mental health in the African community

 

Tweetable Quotes:

"The fortunate thing that I can say about Wally and also kind of seeing the perseverance of my family is that it brought us together around him." – Arnold Fosah 

 

You can contact the two of them through Arnold’s private practice at https://verdantbehavioralhealth.com/ or by sending him an email at [email protected]

 

LEAVE A REVIEW and tell us what you think about the episode so we can continue putting out great content just for you!

You can connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, or send us an email at [email protected]. Check out our website www.livingafricanpodcast.com for more resources and to learn more.

 

You can connect with Anyoh on Facebook (@anyohf), Instagram (@anyohfombad), and Twitter (@anyohfombad).

Today’s guest is Anyi Atabong. She joins us today to talk about anxiety, depression, and mental health. 

Anyi is one of the most knowledgeable psychiatric nurses that I’ve met, and she is a huge advocate for mental health. She has worked for over 15 years in the healthcare industry. She is currently a practitioner for Talkspace and the Co-Founder & CEO of the Capital Multi Health Group Inc.

 

[00:01 – 06:27] Opening Segment

• What is mental health?
• I give a brief background about our guest Anyi Atabong.

[06:28 – 17:40] Mental Health

• We discuss a story about a Cameroonian lady based in Dubai that committed suicide after she caught her husband being unfaithful.
• Mental health issues
• Debunking the myths and misconceptions about mental health

[17:41 – 28:28] Dealing with Mental Health

• Anyi talks about the situations of some of the patients
• • The biggest challenge when dealing with her patients

• Differences between different generations
• Anyi discusses “grieving” – it’s not just about a death of a loved one.

[28:29 – 39:02] Journey to Healing

• Anyi explains her “holistic approach” to mental health
• Different forms of therapy and its value.
• Anyi’s advice on how to spot the red flags and how to manage your mental health.
• Final words of advice and call to action

 

Tweetable Quotes:

“We definitely need to, as a community, as a sisterhood…to be able to open up and talk to people about our feelings.” – Anyi Atabong

“Your brain is your powerhouse. It is your absolute powerhouse. It is what controls your thinking. It controls your behaviors, your emotions.” – Anyi Atabong

 

Resources Mentioned:

• Talkspace
• www.psychologytoday.com
• NAMI – National Alliance on Mental Illness
• Mental Health Crisis (including suicidal ideation) - TEXT Home or Brave to 741741. Available 24/7 for free
• Domestic Abuse Hotline: 800 799 7233. Available 24/7 for free

 

You can reach out to Anyi by sending her an email at [email protected].

Get in touch with Capital Multi Health Group. Give them a call at 667 307 4173 or follow them on Instagram (@capitalmhg).

 

LEAVE A REVIEW and tell us what you think about the episode so we can continue putting out great content just for you!

You can connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, or send us an email at [email protected]. Check out our website www.livingafricanpodcast.com for more resources and to learn more.

 

You can connect with Anyoh on Facebook (@anyohf), Instagram (@anyohfombad), and Twitter (@anyohfombad).

Join us for today’s episode, where we continue our discussions with Manyi Anabor. 

In part two of this series, we had further conversations about the impact of her experiences with child sexual and physical abuse in her life. We also talk about how she sought help through the form of therapy. Although there are still misconceptions about therapy, such as people thinking that it’s fake, it doesn’t work, or it just shows weakness. For people who have undergone therapy, it was their way out of the dark place that has been haunting them.

[00:01 – 21:03] Overcoming PTSD

• Manyi discusses the value of seeking professional help and undergoing therapy

• How therapy helped her through overcoming her trauma

• Therapy isn’t just for the crazy, mad, or troubled people.
• Manyi talks about the other resources that helped her overcome her trauma
• • Having a good support system
• Manyi’s advice on how to approach the topic around rape and how to support rape victims.

[21:04 – 29:40] Dismantle Rape Culture

• It’s time to abolish rape culture
• Actionable steps on how to educate other people about the realities of rape culture
• Give victims a safe space to share and talk about their stories

[29:41 – 35:18] The System has to be Changed

• We talk about how the African Law Enforcement System needs to be improved
• Men can be rape victims too!
• Parents, you must be the first line of defense for your children.

[35:19 – 38:08] Closing Segment

 

• Connect with Manyi. Links available below.

 

• Final thoughts and call to action

 

Tweetable Quotes:

“I’m always searching for information and learning and reading self-help books and trying to figure things out. That’s naturally how I am. So that really, really helped me.” – Manyi Anabor

 

Resources Mentioned:

• Cactus in a Calabash by Manyi Anabor
•  Storm not Strong Enough by Manyi Anabor

 

You can connect with Manyi on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook. To learn more about her story, you can visit her website at www.manyianabor.com 

 

LEAVE A REVIEW and tell us what you think about the episode so we can continue putting out great content just for you!

You can connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, or send us an email at [email protected]. Check out our website www.livingafricanpodcast.com for more resources and to learn more.

 

You can connect with Anyoh on Facebook (@anyohf), Instagram (@anyohfombad), and Twitter (@anyohfombad).

One of many challenges that women face in society is the existence of Rape Culture, an environment where sexual violence is normalized and minimizes the seriousness of such acts. Some people even say that it’s the victim’s fault for getting raped. It’s time to take action against these social norms.Rape Culture is prevalent and must be stopped. Let’s end victim blaming and hold people accountable for their actions. And for the survivors, always remember that it’s never your fault.

In this episode, Manyi Anabor joins us to share her experiences with child sexual and physical abuse.

This is part one of a two-part episode. Tune in and look forward to part two.

[00:01 – 06:04] Opening Segment

• I introduce our guest, Manyi Anabor

[06:05 – 27:40] Sexual Abuse Victim

• Manyi talks about her experiences with child sexual and physical abuse

• Grew up in an extended household
• They hired a house helper that was actually a sexual predator

• Manyi shares how that experience has affected her day-to-day life
• • She struggled to express herself freely and to speak up
• Study shows that sexual abuse victims are more likely to become victims again later in their life.
• • She got abused again by her uncle, and later, a close friend after she moved to the UK
• She became distrustful of people – both men and women
• • Relationships with men became a nightmare for her
• We talk about the need for Sex Education in the African community

[27:41 – 32:32] PTSD

• With all the trauma from her experiences, Manyi shares how it has affected her outlook in life before and now
• Please look forward to part two. Thank you for listening!

 

Tweetable Quotes:

“As a teenager growing up, even to my early 20s, I would never speak up for myself at all. Even if I was in a situation in which something happened openly, and it was obvious, it was clear that it wasn’t my fault. It had nothing to do with me, and someone jumped up and said it was my fault. I would literally say nothing, and it was a very scary place to be in.” – Manyi Anabor

 

 

Resources Mentioned:

• Cactus in a Calabash by Manyi Anabor
• Storm not Strong Enough by Manyi Anabor

You can connect with Manyi on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook. To learn more about her, you can visit her website at www.manyianabor.com

LEAVE A REVIEW and tell us what you think about the episode so we can continue putting out great content just for you!

You can connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, or send us an email at [email protected]. Check out our website www.livingafricanpodcast.com for more resources and to learn more.

 

You can connect with Anyoh on Facebook (@anyohf), Instagram (@anyohfombad), and Twitter (@anyohfombad).

In this episode, we continue our conversations from part one of “Communication in the African Home.” 

As we continue discussing our lives living and growing up in an African household, we dive into our experiences and talk about the lessons and values that our parents instilled in us.

Be sure to check out part one of this series.

 

[00:01 – 20:21] Prepare Your Children for the Future

• Training the kids to become well-rounded individuals and preparing them for whatever challenge life throws at them

• Teach them life skills that would be necessary where ever they are

• Values that you should instill in your children
• We talk about the lessons we learned from our parents that prepared us for the outside world

[20:22 – 28:09] Be There for Your Children 

• Always be there for your children – we share why.
• We talk about how our parents were always there to support us through any situation.
• Annoying things that our parents do. Did your parents do the same?

[28:10 – 35:29] Closing Segment

• We play the “who’s most likely to?” game.
• Final words of wisdom from our parents

 

LEAVE A REVIEW and tell us what you think about the episode so we can continue putting out great content just for you!

You can connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, or send us an email at [email protected]. Check out our website www.livingafricanpodcast.com for more resources and to learn more.

 

You can connect with Anyoh on Facebook (@anyohf), Instagram (@anyohfombad), and Twitter (@anyohfombad).

In this episode of Living African, we discuss the need for communication in a household. In our case, an African household and my guests today are my lovely family to give you a perspective on the dynamics in an African home.

As we know, communication within the family is important so that we can enable everyone to express their thoughts, needs, wants, and concerns. Open and honest communication creates an environment where the family members can be vulnerable—giving each other the chance to understand one another and embrace their differences.

 

[00:01 – 06:22] Opening Segment

• My family introduces themselves
• The purpose of this episode

[06:23 – 24:47] Communication in the African Home

• We talk about what it’s like growing up in our home
• The importance of communication in the family

• Discussing the struggles of life – teaching the kids the necessary skills to survive and preparing them for the future.

• Instilling discipline the right way

[24:48 – 32:59] Discipline by Beating 

• Our parents share their thoughts on disciplining children by beating
• We share funny stories from our childhood

 

Tweetable Quotes:

“We believe that we have to make our kids be part of us. We have to make our kids know who we are.” – Grace Fombad

 

LEAVE A REVIEW and tell us what you think about the episode so we can continue putting out great content just for you!

You can connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, or send us an email at [email protected]. Check out our website www.livingafricanpodcast.com for more resources and to learn more.

 

You can connect with Anyoh on Facebook (@anyohf), Instagram (@anyohfombad), and Twitter (@anyohfombad).