World Mental Health Day: Say NO to Drugs — Your Future Is Too Precious
Today, 10 October, the world marks World Mental Health Day. The Cameroon Association for the Betterment of Youth (CABY) joins communities everywhere to send one clear message to every young person in Cameroon and beyond: your future is too precious to be lost to drugs.
We urge you to say NO to substance abuse, take care of your mental health, speak up when you are struggling, and seek help when you need it. Stay healthy, stay drug-free, and protect your future!
Why Mental Health and Drug Abuse Go Hand in Hand
Mental health is how we think, feel and cope with life. It shapes how we handle stress, relate to others and make choices. When young people face pressure from school, unemployment, family difficulties, loneliness or the effects of crisis and displacement, some turn to drugs and alcohol as a way to escape. What starts as a "quick fix" often becomes a trap.
Substances such as cannabis, tramadol, alcohol, codeine-based cough syrups and other drugs may seem to numb pain for a moment, but they make anxiety, depression and hopelessness worse over time. They damage the developing brain, weaken memory and concentration, disrupt sleep, and can lead to addiction, violence, school dropout and broken relationships. Drugs do not solve problems — they multiply them.
The Warning Signs to Watch For
Struggling with mental health or substance use is not a weakness, and it can happen to anyone. Pay attention, in yourself and in your friends, to signs such as:
- Withdrawing from friends, family and activities once enjoyed
- Sudden changes in mood, sleep or appetite
- Falling grades, missing school or work, or losing motivation
- Persistent sadness, worry, irritability or feelings of worthlessness
- Secretive behaviour, new friends who use drugs, or money and belongings going missing
- Using alcohol or drugs to cope, to sleep, or to "feel normal"
Five Things You Can Do Today
1. Say NO — and mean it. You have the right to refuse. A real friend will respect your decision. Practise simple responses like "No thanks, I'm good," and walk away from situations that put you at risk.
2. Take care of your mind. Sleep well, eat well, move your body, spend time outdoors and limit the time you spend scrolling. Small daily habits build strong mental health.
3. Speak up when you are struggling. Talk to someone you trust — a parent, teacher, mentor, religious leader, counsellor or friend. Saying "I'm not okay" is an act of courage, not weakness.
4. Seek help when needed. Health centres, school counsellors, community organisations and CABY are here for you. Recovery is possible, and the earlier you reach out, the easier the road back.
5. Look out for one another. If a friend seems to be struggling, check in on them. Listen without judging, encourage them to get support, and never leave them to face it alone.
"Your future is too precious to be lost to drugs. Choose life, choose health, choose your dreams." — CABY
A Message to Parents, Teachers and Community Leaders
Young people need safe spaces where they can talk openly without fear of shame or punishment. Ask them how they are really doing. Listen more than you lecture. Learn the signs of substance abuse and mental distress, and respond with patience and support. As we said at our recent Women's Dialogue on Youth Drug Abuse and Addiction, together we can protect, guide and empower our future leaders.
What CABY Is Doing
Through drug-awareness campaigns, school and community outreach, peer education, mentorship and dialogue forums, CABY is working every day to prevent substance abuse and promote the wellbeing of young Cameroonians. We believe every young person deserves the chance to grow up healthy, confident and free to pursue their dreams.
Stay Healthy. Stay Drug-Free. Protect Your Future.
This World Mental Health Day, make a promise to yourself: to care for your mind, to say NO to drugs, and to reach out when life gets heavy. You are not alone, and your story is far from over.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please don't wait — talk to someone you trust or contact CABY today. If someone is in immediate danger, go to the nearest hospital or health centre straight away.
