Weekend Wow Factor - When Things fall apart.

"The denial of racism is essential to the survival of racism"
- Dr Frances C Welsing -

The denial of racism also increases the risk of mental ill health of those who experience its impacts
-me-

Lately I've been thinking about the psychological impact life events can have on us.
From loneliness, to depression, anger, confusion, fear or anxiety.
Of course, life events can and often have positive impacts too.. bringing about feelings of joy, confidence, positive self image, sense of purpose.. and so on

However.. It was after having read an article in the Guardian about Ebola survivors being treated like 'outcasts' on thier return to thier home communities, and hearing the stories of families losing friends and loved ones, of communities not be able to bury thier dead, of dealing with poverty and lack of services..and so on; that I wanted to explore this further.

This thinking led me to discover this report today. A UNICEF guide entitled:
Psychological first aid during Ebola virus disease outbreaks

If we truly are what we think.. then what goes on in our minds is of very great importance.
It's just one of many reasons I recommend people stay away from seriously mind altering drugs.
The mind once lost.. and who knows....
That said, I guess it's also important to listen to others in need, and develop and maintain to the best of our ability, self awareness with regards to what we say, and to the way in which we treat others.

Anyway

I think about many things, but I also think about war alot.
Don't misunderstand me, I don't get off on it or anything.. it just fascinates me that even now.. war can be considered an effective answer to a problem.

I think there are times when it's easy to make the mistake of assuming that once a war ends.. it ends. Often once the physical act of warfare has ceased .. another one begins; the psychological.

Whether solider or civilian, I cant imagine anyone having lived through the brutal wars that took place in Liberia and Sierra Leone .. and even the wars taking place now, not being affected by it. Those pulling strings 'internationally' may have that luxury.. but for those living the experience, it can be no luxury at all.

Once the fight against Ebola ends, and is hopefully won, the suffering of the people will continue. They may question why, question thier government/s, feel immense anger, feel let down, feel betrayed..feel grateful to be alive..
They will also continue to grieve.. and continue to live in poverty, long after Ebola no longer makes our newspaper headlines.
They will be left alone.. with thier thoughts.







Ebola Orphans
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An on going crisis in Eastern DRC.
Two separate attacks in villages, and the people ask WHY?

[UN Google Picture source]

Fresh attacks leave a community devastated and confused as men woman and children are massacred in Eastern DRC [click for Aljazeera article]

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#Bringbackourgirls
Nigerian government officials state a ceasfire has been agreed with Boko Haram, and the kidnapped schoolgirls are to be released
#Politics. [click]

[google picture source]

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RFA Argus deployed to Sierra Leone






To be clear... this is not an off shore hospital. All state of the art on board equiptment is for military personnel alone should they become unwell.
[click for more info]

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A DIASPORA response and an Inspirational woman
Ebola: the story of the Sierra Leone diaspora response that no one is telling

For more on Memuna Janneh [click]

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Ebola checks at Heathrow optional?..


There are calls to calm the sense of panic around Ebola.
Which is beginning to impact on African football players... Africa Cup of Nations anyone?

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Ebola - A Poem for the living.
Gotta be the saddest cartoon I've seen in a while



Krio version



On a lighter note. My brother supports Tottenham 4-1?
Better luck next time :)