Mental Health and Addiction Advocate & Speaker
Preventing Bullying, Addiction and Suicide starts wih a conversation
Mental Health and Addiction Advocate & Speaker
Preventing Bullying, Addiction and Suicide starts wih a conversation
Brescia Bianco-Badenhorst's Story
My Journey
My life has been a battleground, where each hardship was a fierce opponent, and every victory, a hard-won triumph. From profound personal tragedies to navigating the turbulent waters of addiction and mental health struggles, my journey has been a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
The shadows of personal tragedy loomed large from my earliest memories. Losing my grandmother to suicide, losing my grandfather to alcoholism, and my father's tragic suicide when I was just four years old cast a pall over my childhood. The anguish of my brother's repeated suicide attempts during my youth inflicted wounds that cut deep into my soul, leaving scars that would forever shape my understanding of loss and resilience. Each attempt felt like a dagger to the heart, as I grappled with the fear of losing him and the guilt of not being able to save him. Despite the heaviness of these burdens, I clung onto hope, praying for his recovery and the end of his suffering. However, as adulthood dawned, the inevitable became a harsh reality as I received the devastating news of my brother's suicidal death. His passing cast a long shadow over my life, intensifying the pain of loss and cementing the resolve to carry his memory forward with unwavering determination.
The tragedy of suicide struck my family once again when my uncle also took his own life, adding another layer of sorrow to our collective grief and reinforcing the importance of mental health awareness and support within our family unit.
As a preacher's daughter, I bore witness to the complexities of faith amidst the chaos of familial discord. My brother's battles with bipolar depression added another layer of challenge, highlighting the intersection of faith, mental health, and stigma. Bullied in school and judged harshly by society, I struggled to find my place amidst the relentless cycle of addiction and the pervasive impact of familial struggles.
Addiction became my constant companion, offering fleeting moments of escape from the pain of reality. From the initial allure of substances to the desperate descent into heroin addiction, my life became a blur of crime, homelessness, and estrangement from loved ones. Each day was a battle against the demons within and the world outside, as I fought to reclaim control of my life. Amidst the turmoil of loss and addiction, I reached a pivotal moment of reckoning, realising that the path I was on would only lead to further despair.
With the unwavering support of loved ones, I made the courageous decision to seek help and embark on the journey to recovery. Entering rehab was both a daunting and liberating experience, as I confronted the demons that had long held me captive. Through therapy, support groups, and a newfound sense of purpose, I began to untangle the web of addiction that had ensnared me for so long. Each day in rehab was a testament to my resilience and determination to reclaim my life from the clutches of substance abuse. It was a journey fraught with challenges, but with each passing day, I grew stronger in mind, body, and spirit, laying the foundation for a future free from the shackles of addiction. Despite the darkness that threatened to consume me, I clung onto a glimmer of hope, fuelled by unwavering faith and resolute determination. September 2023 marked a monumental milestone as I celebrated my 20th sobriety anniversary, a testament to the power of resilience and the transformative journey toward healing and purpose. Through sheer willpower and the support of loved ones and community, I emerged from the depths of despair, a living testament to the indomitable strength of the human spirit.
In the wake of recovery, I embraced the opportunity to rewrite the narrative of my life, one filled with hope, purpose, and love. As a wife and mother, I find solace in the warmth of family bonds, cherishing every moment spent with my loved ones. Parenthood became a beacon of light, guiding me through the darkest of days and filling my heart with an unparalleled sense of joy and fulfilment. Through the lens of motherhood, I discovered a strength I never knew I possessed, nurturing my children with unwavering love and instilling in them the values of resilience and compassion. My journey as a wife and mother has been one of growth and transformation, as I strive each day to create a home filled with love, laughter, and endless possibilities.
Today, I stand as a beacon of resilience and hope, having forged a path of redemption from the depths of despair to the pinnacle of success. As the proud owner of Semicolon Marketing and Events, I have transformed my passion for advocacy into a thriving business dedicated to creating awareness for the semicolon symbol. The semicolon represents the choice to continue one's story, despite facing challenges such as mental health struggles, suicide, and addiction. Through my advocacy work, I shine a light on the importance of mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and drug addiction awareness, aiming to destigmatize these often-taboo topics. As a sought-after speaker at schools, universities and churches, I boldly address "the things we don't talk about," fostering open dialogue and offering support to those in need.
My journey is a testament to the transformative power of resilience, faith, and unwavering determination in overcoming life's greatest obstacles. My journey is a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and the unwavering belief that no darkness is too great to overcome.
Though the scars of my past may never fully fade, they serve as a reminder of the strength forged in the crucible of adversity. As I look towards the future, I do so with hope and gratitude, knowing that every step forward is a victory won against the shadows of my past. One step at a time.
Brescia's Approach
The heart of Brescia's approach is to talk about the things we don't talk about. Stopping the silence and initiating conversations can save lives. Through inspiring talks, Brescia empowers individuals through her true life story as a recovering addict about growing up, challenges, peer pressure, choices, suicide, survival and God's Divine Mercy.
Brescia's Services
Whether you're in search of a keynote speaker to inspire your next event or seeking personalised mentoring sessions as well as private sessions, Brescia brings a wealth of life experience to provide invaluable support. From guiding children, parents, and individuals navigating active addiction to aiding friends and family members seeking to support their loved ones, Brescia offers tailored assistance to meet diverse needs and circumstances.
Urgently seeking support?
You're not alone. Moments of crisis require immediate attention and compassionate care. Whether you're grappling with overwhelming emotions, navigating addiction challenges, or supporting a loved one in crisis, SADAG is here to help. Reach out for confidential and empathetic assistance.