Every 10th of October is World Mental Health Day. To some people, it is a regular day like every other one. But to a mental health advocate, to someone who is struggling, to someone who has watched a person they love struggle, it is not just any day. It is a day to be heard. A day to talk about the...

The Federal Government’s move to decriminalise attempted suicide is a necessary break with a punitive past. But removing the threat of prosecution is only the beginning. Nigeria must now build the crisis care, treatment, follow-up, financing and data systems that a person in suicidal distress actually needs.  On...

“I’m fine” doesn’t always mean “I’m okay.” When it comes to understanding teenage mental health, there can be a difference between what a teenager says and what they may actually be experiencing. A teenager may say “I’m fine” while withdrawing, becoming unusually quiet, losing...

A while back, I was speaking to my mum about how some people would not have to struggle with their mental health if only their environment could change for good. This is because the environment massively affects the interactions that influence an individual’s mood and feelings on a daily basis. Sometimes,...

A teacher’s words can affect a child’s mental health in ways we cannot begin to imagine. A teacher may think they are simply correcting a child. But correction that uses harsh words, judgmental comments and destructive criticism can hurt children’s emotions long after the punishment...