About Self Help Survival

 

SELF HELP LOGO 6_2016 FinalSelf Help Survival is a detailed site with articles about Mental Health, Mental Illness, Self Help, Improvement Strategies, Addiction, Bipolar, Depression, Anxiety and General Health Topics.

Mark Choat, the owner and operator of ‘Self Help Survival’ and ‘Try Self Empowerment’, graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education (specialization – Special Education K-12).  He is currently attending Kaplan University to earn a Master’s Degree in Psychology, with an emphasis on Addiction Studies.  He has been a special education teacher for 14 years, and has an immense passion for helping youth grow academically / emotionally.

Mark has been a patient at two treatment centers in my life of addiction.  He stated that “In 2004, I was admitted into Hazelden / Betty Ford Treatment Center to face my addition to alcohol.  I remained sober for over a year, but after not working the plan they taught me, I relapsed, and was back to my alcoholism for 6 years.  In 2011, I surrendered to my addiction disorder, and voluntarily admitted myself into La Hacienda Treatment Center”.

He’s now been in active recovery for over 5 years, and have been treated for bipolar disorder for over 8 years.  Mark enjoys writing books about addiction, self help strategies, personal stories, and blog posts with similar content.

34 thoughts on “About Self Help Survival”

  2. You are very brave for sharing your story of addiction. It’s such a stigma and I’d argue that the ‘stigma’ associated with addiction has killed more than the addiction itself. The stigma has led people to stay hidden about their addictions instead of seeking help. I would not wish the disease of addiction on my worst enemy. Being an addict is like not having full control of your mind, thoughts which would then lead you to abuse drugs or alcohol. I have family members who are affected by alcohol, I wrote about it here: https://everdayvoices.wordpress.com/2015/06/18/addiction-its-an-emotional-disease-fueled-by-shame/

    And I found out that several of my cousins have grown up with alcoholic parents and the damage it’s done to them up until today. So I really applaud your efforts to stay sober yourself and to give awareness and hope to others. And thank you for following.

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  5. Pingback: Addiction Place | THOUGHTS OF A POET IN THE RAIN

  9. Hello, it is very nice to meet you. Your “About” page is an inspiration, and encouraging to fellow bloggers who battle addictions. God bless you, and I wish you the best in all your future endeavors! Thank you for following my blog. I will be exploring your writings in the very near future. The holidays has gotten me behind, but I wanted to give a shout out to you. 🙂

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  12. Thanks so much for taking the time to follow my blog. Looking forward to reading through your blog, and keeping up with your posts. Your transparency is admirable and I’m sure will bless many people.
    Blessings to you through your continued journey –

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  13. Right on and can I say how much I admire you for being able to speak out about your past without any shame? That is another level of self many don’t possess. I wish you wonderful things in life, and when they aren’t the strength to ride them out. Recovering addicts are the truly strongest of them all you know. Thanks for the follow and the insight into your world too. Keep going you are helping so many others.

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    • Thank you so much for your kind words. It took me several years to open up about my addiction and bipolar, but when I did, I felt rejuvenated. I agree that recovering addicts are the strongest people I know and people that really understand the meaning of life. Thanks for following my and I look forward to reading yours. Have a Blessed Day of Peace and Serenity!! 🙂 Mark

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  14. Love this photo… Makes looking out my window right now a lot easier! Looking forward to reading your blog! Thank you for stopping in and following mine 🙂 We have a lot in common… Ok, that sounded entirely weird but whatever. Teaching, coaching, heck, just living… Ok, I’m done. Lol. Thanks for writing. 🙂

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  15. Thank you for following “A Way With Words.” My joy in writing is made more complete when people read what I’ve written and even more as they respond.

    I write mainly about faith and mental illness, though I am known to address other subjects (including addiction — I have over 20 years in recovery), stories, and even the occasional poem. If you have any requests, please contact me.

    I appreciate what you are doing here with your blog and pray you are blessed as you bless others.

    Gratefully,
    Tony Roberts

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    • Thank you for your appreciation and I find your blog very inspiring, motivational and it’s one that creates a higher level of thinking in my mind. You have a true talent in writing and I appreciate you sharing your gift with the world as well. Thanks for following Addiction Place and have a Blessed Day. Mark

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    • You you have a tremendous blog and your articles are very interesting. Thanks for your support and I look forward to continuing to read your blogs. Have a Wonderful Day. Mark C

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    • I really like your blog and I am thankful to have found it! Thanks for liking my site as well. Have a Tremendous Day Full of Happiness and Serenity!

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