HIC Cameroon

We are thrilled to announce that our founder was invited by Sika to speak about mental health in honor of World Mental Health Day. We want to applaud Sika management through Audrey Entcheu for dedicating an entire day and investing resources to educate their staff on the importance of mental health and how to care for it. This commendable effort is a powerful step toward fostering well-being within their organization. The session was interactive and engaging, sparking a shift in the way participants view mental health. It was incredibly fulfilling to witness such a transformation, and we give all the glory to God for the opportunity to share experiences and knowledge on this vital topic. Mental health is an integral part of overall health, and as an organization, we will never tire of emphasizing its significance. It’s essential to prioritize mental well-being in every aspect of life and to integrate it into our systems, as it plays a crucial role in shaping who we are. Caring for our mental health not only strengthens our identities but also helps break cycles of generational trauma, paving the way for healthier communities. As Frederic Douglass wisely said, “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken adults.” This powerful quote highlights the importance of nurturing our inner selves to raise strong future generations. That is our very mission to promote healing, break harmful cycles, and empower individuals for a better tomorrow.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month ??is a crucial time to shed light not only on the physical effects of breast cancer but also on the often-overlooked emotional and psychological toll it takes on patients. For many women, being diagnosed with breast cancer is a traumatic experience, one that brings fear, anxiety, and uncertainty about the future. While medical treatment focuses on removing the cancer from the body, the mental scars caused by the diagnosis can linger long after treatment ends, manifesting in depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and body image issues. These emotional challenges are just as debilitating as the physical aspects of the disease, yet mental health care is not often integrated into the treatment process. In Cameroon, where breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among women, the situation is compounded by late diagnoses, limited access to healthcare, and cultural stigmas that prevent many from seeking early treatment or mental health support. Despite the growing awareness around breast cancer, there is still a gap in recognizing the importance of mental health care for those affected. Many patients face emotional distress in silence, as mental health services are underdeveloped, and societal support for psychological well-being is lacking. To truly support breast cancer patients, it is essential that we advocate for the integration of mental health care into the healthcare system, ensuring that emotional recovery is prioritized alongside physical treatment. As we observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let us extend our focus beyond physical survival and advocate for a holistic approach that addresses both the body and the mind, because the battle against breast cancer is not only physical but emotional as well. Addressing mental health will not only improve the quality of life for breast cancer patients but also contribute to their overall recovery and resilience. #screening #breastcancercancer #breastcancerawarenessmonth #mentalhealthawareness

On this #WorldSuicidePreventionDay, we embrace the 2024 theme: Changing the Narrative on Suicide. Mental health struggles don’t discriminate; we are all vulnerable to moments of despair. Those facing suicidal thoughts or attempts should not be judged, shamed, or dismissed. Instead, let us shift the conversation toward compassion, understanding, and support. Every person deserves access to mental health care, and we must work together to make these resources readily available, so no one feels alone in their pain. Let’s stand up for a world where reaching out is met with help, not stigma. #EndTheJudgment #MentalHealthForAll"

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. ??Nelson Mandela ? #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #backtoschool #transmission #mentalwellbeing

No one truly wants to end their life or abandon loved ones; it's the overwhelming pain and inner turmoil that drives someone to consider suicide. They're seeking to escape their suffering, not their life. Suicide is real, and it affects everyone, not just certain groups. There are no clear signs of a suicide attempt, and we are all vulnerable to reaching that mental state. This is why it's crucial not to dismiss anyone's feelings—what may seem small to you could deeply affect someone else. Words hold immense power. As the Bible says, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God." What we say to someone in a fragile state can either uplift them or push them further down. Let empathy guide your words, as their impact can be life-changing.

Dear Healers, As previously mentioned, the month of September marks the beginning of the campaign on suicide prevention. We were honored to participate in a transformative experience, collaborating with the Cameroonian Association for the Prevention and Fight Against Suicide. Over the course of a three-day campaign,our founder Karen naira Ngon and Responsible for events Marcelline Moukoko alongside the volonteers had the privilege of educating communities on the critical issue of suicide prevention, which remains highly underrated in our society. The campaign included a conference, a debate, and a sports walk to raise significant awareness in our local community. This is truly commendable work we are doing together. We are proud to support such initiatives and hope that suicide prevention campaigns will not be limited to specific periods but become a continuous effort. #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #suicidepreventionmonth #collective

After taking a step back to better structure and strengthen our mission for sustainability, HIC Cameroun is excited to reconnect with our community??. We’re back with renewed energy ????and a deeper commitment to raising awareness on mental health issues across communities. ?? We’re proud to relaunch with our Suicide Prevention campaign this month, in partnership with like-minded organizations, to shed light on this critical issue and provide the necessary support.???????

Hey June. Last Sunday, HIC Cameroun hosted a profound conversation on maternal mental health, bringing together parents and parents-to-be to discuss their well-being before and during parenthood and its impact on the upbringing of their children or future children. This event marked the closure of our mental health activities for the month of May. We hope these series of conversations is the beginning of increased awareness for all who participated in our campaigns. We aim for greater sensitization within their respective communities and a deeper empathy towards mental health conditions. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the panel of psychologists who supported us throughout our various campaign conversations, to the participants for not only attending but also for bravely sharing their experiences, and to the dedicated Healing Your Inner Child (HIC) Team. Most importantly, we are grateful to God Almighty for empowering us to carry out this vital work. For those interested in joining or supporting this project, please contact us at:https://wa.link/nsa96n We look forward to seeing you in our future campaigns. Stay informed and remember, we owe it to the world to give our best for the betterment of mankind. Karen naira Ngon Marcelline Moukoko Lydienne Jacky IDA LEA Jessica Ngon Angela Mbarga

On the occasion of Youth Mental Health week, we conducted a significant activity using the ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) method, a psychological study published in 1988 by Dr. Fertile, addressing various forms of childhood abuse. Last Friday , we had 50 children from Loverich School in Douala taking the test. As a result, these children are now better informed about mental health and no longer view it as a "madness." They have learned about empathy and kindly expressed to their peers that they are "amazing" and loved. These 50 children left with an understanding that they should not be responsible for the distress of their peers or even their siblings. Many of these children have experienced traumas that neither teachers nor relatives are aware of or fully comprehend the severity. The session was both moving and uplifting. However, discussing with these children provided a profound understanding of what it means to "heal your inner child. These children deserve to be heard, and mental health deserves to be acknowledged. Today's activity reached 50 children. Tomorrow, the hope is to support and listen to 5000 children. Marcelline Moukoko Karen naira Ngon #mentalhealth #youthmentalhealth #mentalawareness #mentalhealthawarenessmonth

Parental responsibility is often undervalued?? in our society because we fail to grasp the immense responsibility that comes with raising a child, a life that did not ask to be born. Our mental state, well-being, circumstances, and emotions significantly influence our children’s upbringing and shape the quality of individuals they become. ?? When things go wrong, the resulting trauma can be passed down through generations, creating a cycle of pain. We believe that preparation and information are key. Just as we rigorously prepare for careers and academic success, preparing for parenthood should be equally important. If you haven’t started, it’s never too late. ? Join us in our maternal mental health conversation to explore how prioritizing mental health in mindful motherhood can build stronger families. ??♂? Dear men, we hope this discussion offers you insights into why your relationships with your mother and siblings might have been challenging. ?? Dear young mothers who feel unprepared, we hope it help’s you better understand yourself and improve your motherhood journey. ??♀? Aspiring mothers we hope you find encouragement to focus less on societal and familial pressures and more on personal preparation. ??Join us on Sunday for an in-depth discussion with specialists and shared testimonies.