With South Africa persevering through these trying times, there are some, especially those suffering from addiction, who are going through additional hardship.
To lend a hand and help others an Edenvale resident is hoping to make life for others a little easier with the #justfortoday hashtag.
Richard Laskey, avid runner known to many for wearing a cow onesie to raise funds for Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa (CHOC) recently made and shared a video to help others.
Laskey (48) started running as a primary and high school learner and continued while in the SA National Defence Force.
With 20 Comrades marathons under his belt, Laskey is a face known by many in Edenvale and the running community.
In his video, Laskey appeals to those struggling with addiction to seek assistance and ask those around or even himself for help.
“What inspired the video was the fact that we are all cooped up for the lockdown.
“Businesses are struggling, people are being retrenched and the world at large is facing something never seen before.”
Laskey says with people spending time alone with no company or interaction they may feel they have nowhere to turn.
“I wanted people to know that they are not lost, they can speak out and I will be an ear to listen to them.”
With over 2 400 views Laskey said the response from the community has been incredible.
“So many have reached out who both need assistance as well as those who are offering to also assist with the project.
“I even had a message from New Zealand from someone who watched the video and reached out to me for some help.”
Laskey said he hopes the video will show people who feel lost and helpless that there is hope.
“There is a future, you aren’t alone, this too can be beaten.”
In a personal capacity, Laskey has dealt with his addiction for 30 years.
“I always tried to put up a façade and pretended that all is well,” said Laskey.
“To be blatantly honest, just lying to all and sundry had a massive negative impact on my family.”
Laskey said after he fell down a flight of stairs while under the influence of alcohol, he decided to seek help.
“I spent a month in the hospital and then when I came out, I booked into rehab.”
Offering advice to those suffering from addiction, he said the first step is asking for help.
“You cannot do this on your own, people will respect you and not judge you, so don’t be afraid. It takes more courage to own up to your behaviour than it does to keep pretending.”
“Addiction does not discriminate. It affects all ages, races, levels of education etc. There are people out there who want to help you.”
Speaking to the families of addicts Laskey encouraged them not to judge them.
“Use tough love, attend family meetings, try to understand from counsellors and ex-addicts how hard it is for them to kick the habit.
“Embrace the rehab, encourage and support them because they will struggle and they will to go back to using.”
Laskey highlighted that if loved ones are concerned a family member is becoming an addict they should look out for:
• A change in behaviour.
• New or different friends.
• Different behaviour.
• A change in eating habits.
• Lying, stealing and things going missing.
“Concerned family members should try to learn as much as possible and attempt going to counselling.”
