Understanding Self-Esteem

Self-esteem encompasses an individual’s sense of self-worth, including the belief that they are deserving of love, respect, and value. It influences how one perceives their thoughts, feelings, opinions, interests, and goals, and shapes how they allow others to treat them.

On June 18, 2025, Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation (CALMHAF), in collaboration with Rangers International Football Club Foundation (RIFC Foundation), conducted an impactful community-based intervention at National Grammar School, Nike, Enugu, Southeast Nigeria. This initiative, part of a deliberate effort to combat Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) using a sustainable, community-driven approach, aimed to raise awareness and foster solutions to address this pressing issue.

On June 26, 2025, the Enugu State Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization, Hon. Patrick Nwabueze Ubru, commended the Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation, officially adopting it as a key partner for delivering psychosocial support to farmers and ministry staff to enhance performance and productivity. The announcement was made during a partnership visit by Mrs. Uzoamaka Nwachukwu, Co-Founder of the Foundation, at the Commissioner’s office in Enugu.

Hon. Ubru praised the Foundation’s consistent efforts in mental health advocacy, education, and awareness, stating, “I have closely followed your impactful work and am confident in adopting Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation as a vital partner. Your initiatives will support ongoing psychosocial engagement to improve the mental well-being of our farmers and staff.” He expressed gratitude to Mrs. Nwachukwu for her significant visit.

In response, Mrs. Nwachukwu thanked the Commissioner for his warm reception and commended his proactive commitment to integrating mental health education within the ministry. She highlighted the importance of this partnership in fostering enhanced performance and productivity through improved mental well-being.

On June 27, 2025, Coach Ebere Amaraizu, Chairman of the Rangers International Football Club Foundation, emphasized the need for a comprehensive, society-wide approach to drive effective sports growth and development. Speaking during a sports development meeting with Mr. John Eli, Secretary of the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) Enugu State, he stressed that mobilizing all stakeholders is essential to maximize participation and impact.

Coach Amaraizu, a graduate of the National Institute for Sports (NIS) and a certified IOC/NOC sports administrator and manager, advocated for strategic partnerships and heightened awareness of sports education to attract stakeholder support. He highlighted the importance of securing assistance for facilities and sponsorship by delivering intentional, high-quality programs that consistently engage stakeholders. “Sports is a powerful tool for community cohesion, integration, and self-discovery,” he noted, affirming YSFON’s pivotal role in fostering stakeholder buy-in and participation to achieve its mandate.

In his remarks, Mr. John Eli commended Coach Amaraizu’s dedication to using sports as a problem-solving tool and pledged to strengthen collaboration with him to advance YSFON’s objectives. He expressed gratitude for Amaraizu’s significant contributions to sports development.

Representing the Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation, Executive Director Reverend Chukwudiebube Nwachukwu thanked Mr. Eli for engaging the Foundation’s Resource Centre. He underscored the critical need to prioritize athletes’ and coaches’ mental health, affirming the Foundation’s commitment to providing technical and professional support to YSFON to enhance mental health initiatives in sports.

June 19, 2025 | Enugu, Nigeria & London, UK

We are delighted to announce a transformative partnership between Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation (CALMHAF), a leading mental health NGO based in Enugu, Nigeria, and Questions Answered Problems Solved (QAPS), an innovative UK-based educational platform. This strategic collaboration unites CALMHAF’s mission to advance mental health advocacy, education, and community empowerment with QAPS’s AI-driven, learner-centric solutions, anchored by its Student Learning Anatomy framework, which addresses the Social, Emotional, Cognitive, Physical, Perceptual, Sensory, and Cultural dimensions of learners. Together, we aim to reduce mental health stigma, enhance educational outcomes, and build resilient communities across Nigeria, paving the way for a mentally healthier and educationally enriched future.

A Shared Vision for Holistic Impact

Founded in 2024 by Reverend Chukwudiebube Nwachukwu, who serves as the Founder and Executive Director of both CALMHAF and the COLI Mental Health Academy (coliacademy.org), CALMHAF has impacted over 10,563 individuals through free counseling, crisis helplines, awareness campaigns, multi-sport initiatives, women’s health programs, and skill acquisition. Operating in 11 Nigerian states, CALMHAF’s COLI Mental Health Academy, accredited by the International Association of Therapists, drives public awareness, teaching, coaching, skill development, and research to dismantle mental health barriers. In 2024, we reached flood victims, incarcerated individuals, students with disabilities, and faith communities, and in 2025, we’ve expanded to custodial centers and special education schools, delivering trainings, sports facilities like volleyball courts, and menstrual hygiene resources.

QAPS, founded by Ferdinand Agu Jnr, an Education Innovator and Sustainability & Climate Change Consultant at PwC UK, revolutionizes education through AI-driven learning, personalized feedback, and real-world experiential content. Holding dual Master’s degrees in Chemical Engineering and Climate Change Management & Finance from Imperial College London, Ferdinand brings a unique blend of technical expertise and social impact vision to QAPS. The platform’s Student Learning Anatomy framework aligns seamlessly with CALMHAF’s holistic well-being approach, enabling tailored educational interventions that enhance mental health and learning outcomes.

Voices of Leadership

Ferdinand Agu Jnr, Founder of QAPS, expressed his enthusiasm:

“I am massively excited for what’s to come. I am truly honoured to work with you to make the lives of all better through awareness, education, and capacity building.”

Reverend Chukwudiebube Nwachukwu, Founder and Executive Director of CALMHAF and COLI Mental Health Academy, shared his optimism:

“I look forward to this partnership for a better tomorrow.”

Their shared passion for innovation and social good underscores the transformative potential of this collaboration, uniting Nigeria’s mental health leadership with cutting-edge educational solutions.

What This Partnership Will Achieve

By integrating CALMHAF’s community-driven programs with QAPS’s learner-centric technology, this partnership will deliver impactful initiatives, including:

• Certified Mental Health Training

• National Awareness Campaign

• Skill Acquisition

• Community Outreach

• Research and Advocacy

Transforming Lives in Nigeria

This partnership addresses Nigeria’s mental health crisis—where one psychiatrist serves 500,000 people (per WHO)—and educational challenges by combining CALMHAF’s holistic approach with QAPS’s innovative framework. By tailoring interventions to the seven learner dimensions, we will create inclusive learning environments that foster mental well-being, reduce negative behaviors like substance abuse, and empower vulnerable groups. Ferdinand Agu’s expertise in sustainability and education innovation, paired with Reverend Nwachukwu’s leadership in mental health advocacy, ensures our programs are impactful and forward-thinking, building on CALMHAF’s 2024 achievements (e.g., 300+ counseling hours) and 2025 initiatives (e.g., special education programs).

Join Us in This Journey

We invite our communities, partners, and supporters to join this transformative mission led by Reverend Chukwudiebube Nwachukwu and Ferdinand Agu Jnr. Whether through volunteering, donating, or sharing our vision, your involvement can help make mental health and quality education accessible to all. Follow our progress on www.copeandlive.foundation, www.coliacademy.org, and www.qaps.org, and stay tuned for our pilot programs launching in 2025.

Together, CALMHAF and QAPS are committed to empowering minds and building a Nigeria where mental well-being and education are shared priorities. Let’s shape a healthier, brighter tomorrow.

For More Information, Contact:

• CALMHAF: Reverend Chukwudiebube Nwachukwu, info@copeandlive.foundation, +2348148318965

• QAPS: info@qaps.org

Posted by: CALMHAF Communications Team | June 19, 2025

Imagine your mind is like a big, colorful playground where your thoughts, feelings, and imagination play. Sometimes, the playground is super fun and everything works great. Other times, the swings might feel a bit wobbly, or the slide might seem too steep. When we talk about mental health, we’re talking about how your playground—your mind—is doing. It’s about how you feel, think, and act every day.

Now, there are two words we often hear: mental health conditions and mental illness. They might sound similar, but they’re not exactly the same. Let’s break them down in a way that’s easy to understand, like explaining the difference between a rainy day and a big storm.

What is a Mental Health Condition?

A mental health condition is like a rainy day in your playground. It means your mind is having a tough time for a little while, but it’s not always a big, long-lasting problem. It could be feeling super sad, worried, or stressed because of something like a fight with a friend, a big test, or a change like moving to a new house. These feelings might make it harder to play on your playground, but with some help—like talking to someone, resting, or doing fun activities—the rain usually clears up.

For example:

• If you feel nervous before a school play, that’s a mental health condition. It’s normal to feel that way sometimes.

• If you’re sad because your pet is sick, that’s also a mental health condition. It’s a tough moment, but it might not last forever.

Mental health conditions are often temporary and can happen to anyone. They’re like catching a cold—you might feel yucky for a bit, but you usually get better with care. Everyone has mental health, just like everyone has a body, and sometimes it needs a little extra attention.

What is a Mental Illness?

A mental illness is like a big storm that sticks around longer and makes the playground harder to use for a while. It’s when your thoughts, feelings, or behaviors get really mixed up and make everyday things—like going to school, playing with friends, or even sleeping—feel super tough. Mental illnesses are more serious than mental health conditions and often need special help, like talking to a doctor or therapist, or sometimes taking medicine.

For example:

• If someone feels so sad every day for weeks that they don’t want to play, eat, or talk, they might have a mental illness called depression.

• If someone is so worried all the time that they can’t stop thinking about scary things, they might have a mental illness called anxiety disorder.

Mental illnesses are like when the playground’s equipment gets broken and needs fixing. They’re not your fault, and they don’t mean you’re weak or bad. They’re just a health problem, like when your body gets a fever or a broken bone. With the right help, the playground can get fixed, and you can feel better.

Key Differences Made Simple

Let’s imagine your mind’s playground again to see how mental health conditions and mental illnesses are different:

• How Long They Last:

  • Mental Health Condition: Like a short rain shower. It might make you feel sad or worried for a day or two, but it usually goes away. For example, feeling nervous before a test.

  • Mental Illness: Like a storm that lasts weeks, months, or even longer. It doesn’t go away on its own and needs extra help, like depression that makes you sad every day.

• How Strong They Are:

  • Mental Health Condition: Feels like a small bump, like tripping on the playground. It might bother you, but you can still do most things, like play or do homework.

  • Mental Illness: Feels like a big block, like a slide that’s closed off. It can make it really hard to do everyday things, like getting out of bed or talking to friends.

• What Causes Them:

  • Mental Health Condition: Often happens because of something specific, like a bad day, a fight, or a big change. It’s a normal reaction to life’s ups and downs.

  • Mental Illness: Might not have one clear cause. It can happen because of things like how your brain works, your family history, or really tough experiences. It’s more complex.

• How You Fix Them:

  • Mental Health Condition: You might feel better by talking to a friend, playing, or resting. For example, taking deep breaths can help if you’re nervous.

  • Mental Illness: Needs more help, like seeing a therapist, doctor, or counselor. Sometimes medicine helps, too, just like you take medicine for a bad cough.

Examples to Make It Clear

Let’s use some stories to show the difference:

• Mental Health Condition: Nkechi feels super worried the night before her math test. Her stomach feels funny, and she can’t sleep well. The next day, she takes the test, feels better, and goes to play with her friends. Nkechi’s worry was a mental health condition—it was tough but went away quickly.

• Mental Illness: Sani feels sad every day for months. He doesn’t want to play soccer, which he usually loves, and he’s always tired. His mom takes him to a therapist, who helps him with depression, a mental illness. With help, Sani starts feeling better.

Both Nkechi and Sani are okay! They just needed different kinds of help for their playgrounds.

Why Does This Matter?

Understanding the difference helps us know when to ask for help. If your playground feels rainy, you might tell a parent or teacher, and they can help you feel better. If it feels like a big storm, it’s super important to tell an adult so they can get you to a doctor or therapist who knows how to fix the playground.

It’s also important because mental health conditions and mental illnesses are both okay to talk about. They don’t make you “weird” or “broken.” Just like you go to a doctor for a sore throat, you can get help for your mind, too. Everyone’s playground needs care sometimes!

Quotes from Experts

Experts help us understand these ideas better. Here’s what some say:

• Mental Health Conditions: “Mental health conditions can include temporary states of stress, anxiety, or sadness that arise in response to life events. They are part of the human experience and often resolve with support or time.”
  — National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Mental Health Conditions (nami.org).

• Mental Illness: “Mental illnesses are health conditions involving changes in emotion, thinking, or behavior (or a combination of these). Mental illnesses can be associated with distress and/or problems functioning in social, work, or family activities.”
  — American Psychiatric Association, What is Mental Illness? (psychiatry.org).

• The Difference: “While mental health conditions may be situational and transient, mental illnesses are diagnosable disorders that often require professional intervention to manage symptoms effectively.”
  — World Health Organization, Mental Health: Strengthening Our Response (who.int, 2022).

These quotes show that mental health conditions are like short-term challenges, while mental illnesses are more serious and need extra care.

A Kid-Friendly Analogy to Sum It Up

Think of your mind as a toy car:

• A mental health condition is like when the car’s wheel gets a little stuck in mud. You can push it out with some help, like talking to a friend or taking a nap, and it’ll roll again soon.

• A mental illness is like when the car’s engine needs a mechanic to fix it. It might take longer, and you might need a special helper (like a therapist) to get it running smoothly again.

Both cars are awesome—they just need different kinds of care to keep going!

Why It’s Okay to Get Help

Whether it’s a mental health condition or a mental illness, asking for help is brave. It’s like telling someone your toy car needs a tune-up. With the right information and training, parents, teachers, counselors, and doctors are like playground fixers—they know how to help your mind feel strong and happy again. And just like you don’t feel bad about going to the doctor for a scraped knee, you don’t need to feel shy about getting help for your feelings.

Bibliography

• American Psychiatric Association. (n.d.). What is Mental Illness? Retrieved from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/what-is-mental-illness

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). (n.d.). Mental Health Conditions. Retrieved from https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions

• World Health Organization. (2022). Mental Health: Strengthening Our Response. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response

On May 28, 2025, Menstrual Hygiene Day, the Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation (CALMHAF) partnered with the Rangers International Football Club Foundation to launch a transformative student-to-student initiative at Trans Ekulu Girls Secondary School in Enugu, Nigeria. This community outreach program was designed to tackle critical issues surrounding menstrual hygiene, its impact on mental health, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), self-awareness, and personal empowerment. By fostering open dialogue and equipping young women with knowledge and tools, the initiative aimed to create lasting change in the lives of participants and their communities.

A Focused and Measurable Approach at Trans Ekulu

The first phase of this outreach deliberately targeted a select group of 20 girls from Trans Ekulu Girls Secondary School, ensuring a manageable and impactful start. By keeping the cohort small, CALMHAF and RIFC Foundation could closely monitor progress, foster meaningful engagement, and tailor the intervention to the specific needs of the participants. The program was structured to empower these girls not only as beneficiaries but also as peer educators, capable of sharing their knowledge with others in their school and beyond. This student-to-student model is a cornerstone of CALMHAF’s strategy to ensure the sustainability and scalability of their interventions.

The initiative covered a range of interconnected topics:

• Menstrual Hygiene Education: Participants learned about proper menstrual hygiene practices, dispelling myths and addressing stigma. The program highlighted affordable and sustainable menstrual products, emphasizing their role in promoting dignity and confidence.

• Mental Health Awareness: Facilitators explored how poor menstrual hygiene, lack of access to sanitary products, and societal taboos can contribute to stress, anxiety, and low self-esteem. The girls were taught coping mechanisms and strategies to prioritize their mental well-being.

• SGBV Solutions: The outreach included discussions on recognizing and preventing sexual and gender-based violence, empowering the girls to advocate for themselves and others. Practical tools, such as how to seek help and report incidents, were shared.

• Self-Awareness and Empowerment: Through interactive workshops, participants were encouraged to build self-confidence, set personal goals, and embrace their potential as leaders in their communities.

A Collaborative Effort with Lasting Impact

Trans Ekulu Girls Secondary School was transformed into a safe and welcoming space for learning and dialogue. Trained facilitators from CALMHAF led the sessions, employing a mix of presentations, group discussions, and hands-on activities to ensure the content was engaging and accessible. The girls were encouraged to ask questions, share their experiences, and connect with one another, fostering a sense of sisterhood and mutual support.

Celebrating Achievement with CALMHAF Mental Health Academy

At the close of the outreach, each of the 20 participants received a certificate of participation from COLI Mental Health Academy, the educational arm of Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation. These certificates were more than just tokens of attendance—they represented the girls’ commitment to personal growth and their new roles as ambassadors of change. The academy, accredited by the International Association of Therapists UK, is recognized for its high-quality training programs in mental health and wellness. This accreditation underscores CALMHAF’s / COLI Academy’s credibility and dedication to delivering impactful, evidence-based interventions.

The certificate ceremony was a moment of pride and celebration at Trans Ekulu Girls Secondary School, attended by representatives from both CALMHAF and Rangers International, as well as school officials. The girls beamed with pride as they received their certificates, many expressing their eagerness to share what they had learned with their peers and families.

Looking Ahead: Building a Movement from Trans Ekulu

This Menstrual Hygiene Day initiative at Trans Ekulu Girls Secondary School marks the beginning of a broader vision for Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation. By equipping these 20 girls with knowledge and leadership skills, CALMHAF has planted the seeds for a ripple effect that will extend far beyond the school’s walls. The student-to-student model ensures that the lessons learned will continue to spread, creating a network of informed and empowered young women who can challenge stigma, advocate for better resources, and support one another.

Future phases of the program will aim to reach more girls and expand into additional communities, building on the success of this pilot at Trans Ekulu. CALMHAF also plans to engage boys and young men in similar initiatives, recognizing their role in dismantling gender-based stigma and fostering a more inclusive society. Partnerships with organizations like Rangers International will remain central to these efforts, combining resources and expertise to maximize impact.

A Call to Action

The success of this initiative at Trans Ekulu Girls Secondary School highlights the power of community-driven solutions to address pressing social issues. Menstrual hygiene, mental health, and gender-based violence are interconnected challenges that require bold, collaborative action. Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation invites individuals, organizations, and policymakers to join their mission by supporting programs that empower young women and promote holistic well-being.

To learn more about CALMHAF’s work or to get involved, visit their website at www.copeandlive.foundation or contact their team directly on +234814 831 8965. Together, we can create a world where every girl has the knowledge, resources, and confidence to thrive.

About Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation

Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation (CALMHAF) is a Nigerian-based nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental health, gender equality, and community empowerment. Through its accredited COLI Mental Health Academy, the foundation provides training and outreach programs that address critical issues such as menstrual hygiene, SGBV, and self-awareness. CALMHAF is committed to creating sustainable change by empowering individuals and communities to take charge of their well-being.

June is Men’s mental health awareness month. Global suicide rates show a significant gender disparity, with men dying by suicide at higher rates than women. Based on the most recent available data from the World Health Organization (WHO) for 2021, approximately 727,000 people died by suicide globally, equating to about 1,990 suicides per day.

Breakdown by Gender:

• Men: The global age-standardized suicide rate for men in 2021 was 12.3 per 100,000 population. With a global male population of approximately 3.97 billion (half of the estimated 7.94 billion world population in 2021), this translates to roughly 488,310 male suicides annually, or approximately 1,337 men per day.

• Women: The suicide rate for women was 5.9 per 100,000 population. With a global female population of approximately 3.97 billion, this translates to roughly 234,230 female suicides annually, or approximately 641 women per day.

Thus, globally, about 1,337 men die by suicide daily compared to 641 women, meaning men account for roughly 67% of daily suicide deaths. The male-to-female suicide ratio is approximately 2.1:1, though this varies by region, ranging from 1.4 in Southeast Asia to nearly 4.0 in the Americas.

Notes on Data:

• These figures are estimates based on age-standardized rates and global population data, as precise daily counts are not directly reported. Calculations assume an even distribution of suicides across the year (365 days).

• Suicide data is often underreported due to stigma, legal issues, or misclassification (e.g., as accidents or undetermined causes), particularly in low- and middle-income countries where 73% of suicides occur.

• The WHO’s Global Health Estimates (2021) provide the most comprehensive global data, but gaps in vital registration systems in some countries may affect accuracy.

The significantly higher suicide rates among men compared to women—approximately 1,337 men versus 641 women daily, based on 2021 WHO data—underscore an urgent need for targeted mental health interventions. In Nigeria, where the suicide rate is notably high at 17.3 per 100,000 (above the global average of 10.5), cultural stigma, limited mental health infrastructure, and gender-specific barriers exacerbate the crisis, particularly for men.

1. Promoting Gender-Sensitive Mental Health Programs

Men are less likely to seek mental health support due to cultural expectations of stoicism and stigma around vulnerability, particularly in Nigeria, where traditional masculinity norms discourage emotional expression. Gender-sensitive programs can address this by reframing help-seeking as a strength and tailoring interventions to male experiences.

Solutions:

• Men’s Support Groups: Establish community-based programs like Men’s Sheds, which provide safe spaces for men to connect through shared activities (e.g., woodworking, sports) while discussing mental health. In Nigeria, similar initiatives can be integrated into community centers or religious institutions, leveraging the influence of pastors or imams to normalize mental health conversations.

• Male-Targeted Counseling: Train counselors to address male-specific issues, such as unemployment or societal pressure to be a provider, which are linked to higher suicide risk. In Nigeria, mobile counseling units can reach rural areas, offering anonymity to reduce stigma.

• Public Campaigns: Launch media campaigns featuring male role models (e.g., Nigerian athletes or musicians) discussing mental health struggles. Campaigns like Australia’s RU OK? Day show success in encouraging men to talk by framing emotional openness as masculine.

Impact: A 2019 study found that peer support from trusted friends significantly reduces male suicide risk by fostering connection and reducing isolation. In Nigeria, where communal values are strong, peer-led initiatives could be particularly effective.

Cultural Considerations in Nigeria: Programs must address spiritual beliefs that attribute mental health issues to supernatural causes. Collaborating with traditional healers to refer men to professional care can bridge cultural gaps.

2. Enhancing Access to Mental Health Services

Globally, men are less likely to access mental health services—only 19.7% of men versus 35% of women seek professional help in the year before suicide. In Nigeria, with fewer than 0.1 psychiatrists per 100,000 people, access is a critical barrier. Expanding and destigmatizing services can reduce suicide rates.

Solutions:

• Telehealth Platforms: Scale up online counseling services like those offered by Nigeria’s Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation (CALMHAF), which provide both In-person and virtual counselling. These are ideal for men reluctant to visit clinics due to stigma.

• Subsidized Care: Governments and NGOs can fund low-cost mental health services in primary care settings. The Lagos State Mental Health Desk, launched in 2021, integrates mental health into general healthcare, a model that can be expanded nationwide.

• Workplace Interventions: In Nigeria, where economic pressures contribute to male suicide, workplaces can offer employee assistance programs (EAPs) with confidential counseling. Global examples, like Bechtel’s partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, show success in reducing suicides among male-dominated industries like construction.

Impact: WHO’s LIVE LIFE initiative highlights that accessible, evidence-based interventions can reduce suicides by up to 30% in high-risk groups. In Nigeria, telehealth has increased help-seeking by 20% among urban youth, a promising trend for men.

Cultural Considerations in Nigeria: Services offered in local languages (e.g., Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba) and promoted through trusted community channels, such as market associations or youth groups, help overcome mistrust.

3. Reducing Access to Lethal Means

Men’s higher suicide rates are partly due to their use of more lethal methods, such as firearms (55.36% of U.S. suicides in 2023) or pesticide poisoning (20% of global suicides, prevalent in Nigeria). Restricting access to these means can save lives.

Solutions:

• Pesticide Regulation: In Nigeria, phasing out highly hazardous pesticides, as recommended by WHO’s LIVE LIFE program, can reduce impulsive suicides. Community education on safe storage is also critical.

• Firearm Restrictions: In countries with high gun ownership, like the U.S., safe storage campaigns and temporary removal of firearms from at-risk individuals can lower rates. Nigeria, with lower firearm prevalence, can focus on regulating access during crises.

• Gatekeeper Training: Train community members (e.g., barbers, religious leaders) to identify suicide risk and intervene by removing access to means. Massachusetts and Maine have successfully implemented such training for middle-aged men.

Impact: Studies show that restricting access to lethal means reduces suicide rates by 10-20% in targeted populations. In Nigeria, pesticide bans in Sri Lanka-like models have cut rural suicide rates by 50%.

Cultural Considerations in Nigeria: Rural farmers, who rely on pesticides, need alternative pest control methods to ensure compliance. Community buy-in is essential to avoid resistance.

4. Addressing Socioeconomic and Situational Stressors

Economic downturns, unemployment, and relationship issues are major suicide risk factors for men, with a 1% increase in unemployment linked to a 0.79% rise in suicide rates 18-24 months later. In Nigeria, poverty and academic pressure amplify these risks for young men.

Solutions:

• Financial Support Programs: Temporary financial assistance, like Nigeria’s Conditional Cash Transfer program, can alleviate economic stress. Expanding these to target unemployed men can reduce despair.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT can help men manage stressors like job loss or academic failure. In Nigeria, Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation offers this service.

• Social Connection Initiatives: Community greening projects or peer-to-peer groups, like those in Louisiana for veterans, can combat isolation, a key risk factor for men. In Nigeria, youth clubs or sports programs can serve similar purposes.

Impact: A 2021 CDC analysis found that addressing situational stressors through support reduces male suicides by 25%, even without a diagnosed mental health condition.

Cultural Considerations in Nigeria: Interventions should involve family units, as men often face pressure to provide for extended families. Programs must also address academic stress by promoting realistic expectations.

5. Fostering Emotional Resilience and Help-Seeking in Youth

Young men, particularly those aged 15-29, are at high risk globally, with suicide being the third leading cause of death in this group. In Nigeria, academic stress, bullying, and social anxiety contribute significantly. Early intervention can build resilience and prevent escalation.

Solutions:

• School-Based Programs: Implement social-emotional learning (SEL) curricula, like those in Colorado and Tennessee, to teach coping skills and emotional regulation. In Nigeria, the NERDC can integrate SEL into secondary school curricula.

• Anti-Bullying Campaigns: Enforce anti-bullying policies and train students as “upstanders” to intervene, as piloted in Kaduna, which reduced bullying by 25%. These align with your book’s bullying strategies.

• Youth Helplines: Promote confidential helplines like Nigeria’s 112 or Cope and Live Mental health Foundation’s online chat for youth facing social anxiety or academic pressure. Global models like the 988 Lifeline show increased help-seeking among young men.

Impact: JED’s Campus program reduced suicidal ideation by 10% among college students through SEL and help-seeking promotion, a model adaptable to Nigerian universities.

Cultural Considerations in Nigeria: Youth programs must counter cultural norms that equate emotional expression with weakness. Using local role models and proverbs (e.g., “A man who asks for help builds a strong house”) can resonate with young men.

6. Leveraging Technology for Suicide Prevention

Innovative technologies can reach men who avoid traditional services, particularly in Nigeria, where mobile phone penetration is high (over 80% in urban areas).

Solutions:

• Stress-Detection Wearables: Develop wristbands that monitor stress hormones (e.g., cortisol) and connect to apps offering coping strategies. These can alert users to seek help during crises.

• AI Chatbots: Expand AI-driven mental health apps to provide 24/7 support and guide men to resources. These can be programmed in local languages for accessibility.

• Social Media Campaigns: Use platforms like Instagram and Twitter to share mental health resources, targeting young men with messages from influencers. Campaigns like #StopSuicide have increased awareness globally.

Impact: A 2023 study found that digital interventions increased help-seeking by 30% among young men in low-resource settings, making them a scalable solution for Nigeria.

Cultural Considerations in Nigeria: Apps must be low-data and offline-capable to reach rural men. Partnerships with telecom providers can subsidize access.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Reducing male suicide rates requires a comprehensive, culturally sensitive approach that addresses stigma, access barriers, and socioeconomic stressors. In Nigeria, integrating mental health into community structures, leveraging technology, and empowering youth through education can create a ripple effect. Globally, men’s higher suicide rates demand urgent action—through gender-sensitive programs, restricted access to lethal means, and early intervention. By fostering resilience and help-seeking, these solutions can save lives and build a future where men feel supported to thrive.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 30, 2025 – Yesterday, Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation, Enugu, Nigeria, sealed a transformative partnership with Mental Health Universe, Kampala, Uganda, to expand community-based mental health initiatives across both countries. This collaboration will significantly extend both organizations’ reach, fostering greater awareness, reducing stigma, and enhancing access to mental health support for individuals affected by mental illness and mental health conditions.

The partnership leverages the strengths of both organizations to deliver impactful benefits, including:

• Expanded Community Outreaches: Joint efforts will increase the frequency and scope of mental health awareness campaigns, reaching underserved rural and urban communities in Nigeria and Uganda with education and resources.  

• Enhanced Resource Sharing: By pooling expertise, training materials, and peer support networks, the partnership will improve the quality and accessibility of mental health services, ensuring more individuals receive timely support.  

• Strengthened Advocacy: Unified advocacy efforts will amplify calls for increased mental health funding and policy reforms, addressing Nigeria’s and Uganda’s critical resource gap, where less than 5% of the national health budget is allocated to mental health.  

• Reduced Stigma: Collaborative workshops and media campaigns will promote understanding and acceptance, empowering individuals to seek help without fear of discrimination, a persistent challenge in Nigerian and Ugandan societies.  

• Capacity Building: The partnership will facilitate training for community health workers and peer educators, equipping them to address mental health challenges effectively and sustainably.

“This partnership marks a pivotal step toward democratizing mental health support in Uganda,” said Reverend Chukwudiebube Nwachukwu, Founder and Executive Director of Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation. “By joining forces with Mental Health Universe, we are not only expanding our reach but also building a stronger, more inclusive framework for recovery and resilience.”

Mr Rukundo Benjamin, Founder of Mental Health Universe, added, “Together, we can break the silence surrounding mental health and provide hope to those struggling. This collaboration will create lasting change by empowering communities with the tools and knowledge to prioritize mental well-being.”

The partnership aligns with the global theme of Mental Health Awareness Month, “Recovery Is Real,” highlighting that with proper support, individuals with mental illnesses and mental health conditions can achieve meaningful recovery. Both organizations are committed to driving measurable impact, building on evidence that community-based interventions, like those supported by similar initiatives, have reached millions and improved mental health outcomes.

For more information about the partnership or to get involved, send an email to:

info@copeandlive.foundation or mentalhealthuniverseofficial@outlook.com 

About Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation

Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation (www.copeandlive.foundation) is a leading mental health NGO in Nigeria dedicated to promoting mental health education, advocacy, and support, empowering individuals to navigate mental health challenges with resilience and hope especially through their Mental health Academy - COLI academy (www.coliacademy.org)

About Mental Health Universe, Kampala, Uganda

Mental Health Universe is a leading Ugandan organization focused on raising mental health awareness, providing peer support, and advocating for accessible mental health services to foster community well-being.

#MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #RecoveryIsReal #MentalHealth #MentalIllness #UgandaMentalHealth

Emotional reasoning and jumping to conclusions are not only cognitive biases but also significant mental health concerns because they can exacerbate psychological distress, contribute to mental health disorders, and impair overall well-being. In the Nigerian context, where mental health resources are limited and stigma is prevalent, these biases can amplify emotional and social challenges, making them critical issues to address.

Defining Cognitive Bias

A cognitive bias is a systematic error in thinking that distorts how individuals perceive and interpret information, leading to irrational judgments or decisions. These biases arise from mental shortcuts (heuristics) that prioritize efficiency over accuracy, often influenced by emotions, culture, or context [1]. In Nigeria, where social pressures, economic stress, and cultural norms shape decision-making, cognitive biases can have profound effects, particularly on mental health.

Emotional Reasoning

Definition: Emotional reasoning is the cognitive bias where individuals assume their emotions reflect objective reality. For example, feeling worthless leads someone to conclude, “I am worthless,” despite evidence of their value [2]. This bias equates subjective feelings with factual truth, bypassing logical evaluation.

Why It’s a Mental Health Concern: Emotional reasoning is a mental health concern because it can intensify negative emotions, perpetuate cycles of distress, and contribute to disorders like depression, anxiety, or low self-esteem. By treating emotions as evidence, individuals reinforce negative thought patterns, which cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) identifies as a hallmark of mood disorders [3]. In Nigeria, where mental health stigma discourages help-seeking (only 20% of those with mental health issues seek professional care [14]), emotional reasoning can trap individuals in self-reinforcing despair. For instance, cultural expectations of emotional resilience may lead someone to internalize feelings of shame as truth, worsening their mental state. This bias also heightens emotional reactivity, making it harder to cope with stressors like financial strain or family obligations, common in Nigeria’s high-pressure environment.

Why It’s Wrong: Emotional reasoning is flawed because emotions are transient and influenced by external factors (e.g., stress, fatigue, or cultural norms) rather than objective reality. In Nigeria’s collectivist society, where emotional expressiveness is valued, this bias can lead to misinterpretations during social interactions, escalating conflicts or self-doubt. It distorts decision-making by prioritizing feelings over evidence, leading to impulsive or irrational choices that can worsen mental health outcomes [3].

Effects in the Nigerian Context:

• Relationships: Emotional reasoning strains Nigeria’s tight-knit family and community ties. For example, in a Lagos family meeting, a woman feels disrespected by her sister’s comment and concludes, “She hates me.” This assumption, rooted in emotion rather than evidence, sparks a feud, causing emotional distress and isolation, which can contribute to anxiety or depression in a culture where family support is a key mental health buffer.

• Productivity: In workplaces, emotional reasoning undermines performance and mental resilience. A banker in Abuja feels overwhelmed by a deadline and thinks, “I’m a failure,” leading to procrastination and heightened stress. This negative self-perception can spiral into burnout or imposter syndrome, prevalent in Nigeria’s competitive job market, where job loss fears amplify mental health risks.

• Life as a Whole: Emotional reasoning exacerbates Nigeria’s mental health crisis, where only 0.1 psychiatrists serve 100,000 people [14]. Someone feeling hopeless might conclude, “Life is pointless,” and avoid seeking help due to stigma, perpetuating depressive symptoms. In urban centers like Port Harcourt, economic pressures and traffic stress amplify negative emotions, making this bias a barrier to well-being.

Jumping to Conclusions

Definition: Jumping to conclusions is the bias of making hasty judgments without sufficient evidence, including mind reading (assuming others’ thoughts) and fortune telling (predicting negative outcomes) [4]. For example, assuming a colleague’s silence means disapproval is mind reading, while predicting a project’s failure is fortune telling.

Why It’s a Mental Health Concern: This bias is a mental health concern because it fosters paranoia, mistrust, and anticipatory anxiety, which are risk factors for anxiety disorders, social phobia, and interpersonal conflicts [5]. By assuming negative intentions or outcomes, individuals create self-fulfilling prophecies that heighten stress and erode self-confidence. In Nigeria, where social interactions are nuanced and mistrust can stem from ethnic or economic divides, jumping to conclusions amplifies interpersonal tension, leading to social withdrawal or chronic stress. The fast-paced, high-stakes environment of cities like Lagos or Kano exacerbates this bias, as rushed judgments under pressure increase anxiety and reduce coping capacity. This can also perpetuate mental health stigma, as individuals may misinterpret others’ behaviors as “madness” without evidence, further isolating those with mental health challenges.

Why It’s Wrong: Jumping to conclusions is problematic because it relies on unverified assumptions, ignoring alternative explanations and undermining trust [5]. In Nigeria’s context, where patience and dialogue are valued in communal settings, this bias clashes with cultural norms, leading to miscommunications that strain mental health. It also fuels irrational decisions, such as avoiding opportunities due to unfounded fears, which can worsen economic and emotional stress in a resource-scarce society.

Effects in the Nigerian Context:

• Relationships: In romantic or social relationships, jumping to conclusions creates conflict and emotional distress. A woman in Ibadan assumes her partner’s late reply means, “He’s cheating,” without asking about his workload. This accusation damages trust, causing relational stress and potential anxiety, especially in Nigeria’s patriarchal norms where women face heightened scrutiny.

• Productivity: In Nigeria’s entrepreneurial landscape, this bias stifles innovation and mental resilience. A tech founder in Enugu assumes an investor’s delay means rejection and abandons the pitch, missing funding. This premature judgment heightens stress and self-doubt, contributing to burnout in a high-pressure startup ecosystem.

• Life as a Whole: Jumping to conclusions fuels mistrust in Nigeria’s diverse society, worsening mental health outcomes. During interethnic interactions, someone might misinterpret a colleague’s curtness as tribal bias (e.g., “She’s rude because I’m Yoruba”), increasing social anxiety and division. This undermines social cohesion, critical for mental well-being in a country with over 250 ethnic groups.

Practical Examples of Impact on Mental Health

• Emotional Reasoning in a Family Context:

  • Scenario: A mother feels anxious about her son’s unemployment and concludes, “He’s a failure.” She discourages his tech course, believing it’s futile. Her emotional reasoning reinforces her anxiety and projects it onto her son, who internalizes her judgment, developing low self-esteem and depressive symptoms.

  • Mental Health Impact: The son’s confidence erodes, increasing his risk of depression in a society where mental health support is scarce. The mother’s chronic worry may also escalate into generalized anxiety, straining family dynamics and perpetuating a cycle of emotional distress.

• Jumping to Conclusions in a Workplace:

  • Scenario: A nurse assumes her supervisor’s lack of feedback means, “She thinks I’m incompetent.” She becomes defensive, avoiding teamwork, and her performance suffers. In reality, the supervisor is overwhelmed by hospital demands.

  • Mental Health Impact: The nurse’s paranoia fuels workplace anxiety, potentially leading to social phobia or burnout, common in Nigeria’s understaffed healthcare sector. Her strained relationship with her supervisor reduces social support, a key protective factor against mental health decline.

These examples highlight how these biases not only disrupt relationships and productivity but also directly contribute to mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and low self-worth, particularly in Nigeria’s high-stress, low-resource context.

Solutions to Avoid These Biases and Support Mental Health

To mitigate emotional reasoning and jumping to conclusions, Nigerians can adopt culturally relevant, memorable strategies that counteract these biases while promoting mental well-being. These “tacky” solutions are designed to be practical, engaging, and aligned with Nigerian contexts, using humor and local analogies to ensure adoption. Each solution now emphasizes its mental health benefits.

Solutions for Emotional Reasoning

• “Check Your Mood’s ID”:

  • What It Means: Like verifying ID at an Airport or Bank, pause to check if your emotion reflects reality. Ask, “Is this feeling the truth, or just a noisy guest?”

  • How to Do It: Write down the emotion (e.g., “I feel useless”) and list evidence for and against it (e.g., “I missed a deadline” vs. “I’ve met 10 others”). This CBT technique challenges distorted thoughts [7].

  • Mental Health Benefit: Reduces negative thought spirals, lowering anxiety and depression risk by grounding decisions in evidence, not fleeting emotions.

  • Example: A teacher may feel angry at a student’s silence, thinking, “He disrespects me.” Checking her mood’s ID, she lists evidence: the student is shy and grieving. She offers support, reducing her stress and fostering a positive connection, which boosts her emotional resilience.

• “Jollof vs. Egusi Test”:

  • What It Means: Emotions are like preferring jollof rice over egusi soup—valid but not factual. Don’t let feelings dictate truth.

  • How to Do It: Label the emotion as “my jollof talking” and seek objective input (e.g., ask a friend or check facts). This aligns with mindfulness practices [8].

  • Mental Health Benefit: Enhances emotional regulation, preventing mood disorders by separating feelings from reality, crucial in Nigeria’s high-stress settings.

  • Example: A trader feels anxious about slow sales, thinking, “My business is ruined.” Applying the jollof test, she checks records, sees a seasonal dip, and adjusts her strategy, reducing anxiety and improving her mental clarity.

• “Take a Suya Break”:

  • What It Means: Like stepping out for suya(beef kebab), take a 5-minute break to calm emotions before acting. Physical actions reduce emotional intensity [9].

  • How to Do It: Walk, drink water, or listen to your favorite track, then reassess your conclusion.

  • Mental Health Benefit: Lowers emotional reactivity, reducing stress and preventing impulsive decisions that could worsen mental health.

  • Example: During a family dispute, a man feels betrayed and wants to cut ties. He takes a suya break, calms down, and realizes his brother’s comment was a misunderstanding, preserving family support and reducing his emotional distress.

Solutions for Jumping to Conclusions

• “Ask Like a Market Woman”:

  • What It Means: Nigerian market women ask questions to get the best deal. Before assuming, ask clarifying questions like you’re pricing fish or plantain.

  • How to Do It: Use open-ended questions (e.g., “Why did you seem upset?”) to gather facts, reflecting active listening [10].

  • Mental Health Benefit: Reduces paranoia and social anxiety by clarifying intentions, fostering trust and social connection, vital for mental health in Nigeria’s communal culture.

  • Example: A student assumes her lecturer ignored her email because he dislikes her. She asks, “Did you receive my email?” and learns his inbox was full, easing her anxiety and improving communication.

• “Play a Detective”:

  • What It Means: Like a detective, gather evidence before concluding. Treat assumptions as hypotheses to test.

  • How to Do It: List three alternative explanations for a situation (e.g., “They’re busy, distracted, or unaware”). Choose the most evidence-based [11].

  • Mental Health Benefit: Decreases anticipatory anxiety and self-doubt by promoting rational thinking, enhancing mental clarity and confidence.

  • Example: A driver in Abuja thinks his boss is planning to fire him after a brief meeting. Acting like a detective, he considers: the boss was rushed, distracted, or unaware of his work. He seeks feedback, learns he’s valued, and reduces workplace stress.

• “Wait for the Full Nollywood Plot”:

  • What It Means: Nollywood films reveal twists at the end. Don’t judge until you see the full story, avoiding hasty conclusions.

  • How to Do It: Delay judgment for 24 hours or until more information emerges, a debiasing strategy [12].

  • Mental Health Benefit: Prevents stress from premature negative predictions, fostering emotional stability and resilience, especially under Nigeria’s economic pressures.

  • Example: A woman assumes her friend snubbed her at a wedding. Waiting for the full plot, she learns her friend was handling a family crisis, preserving their friendship and reducing social anxiety.

Why These Solutions Work for Mental Health

These solutions are effective because they:

• Target Cognitive Distortions: Evidence-based techniques like listing alternatives or checking emotions align with CBT, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression [7].

• Are Culturally Accessible: Nigerian analogies make them relatable, encouraging adoption in a society where mental health literacy is low.

• Enhance Emotional Regulation: Pausing or questioning assumptions lowers emotional arousal, preventing stress escalation [9].

• Build Social Support: Clarifying intentions (e.g., “Ask Like a Market Woman”) strengthens relationships, a key mental health protective factor in Nigeria’s collectivist culture [13].

Broader Mental Health Implications in Nigeria

In Nigeria, emotional reasoning and jumping to conclusions are critical mental health concerns due to the country’s unique challenges:

• Stigma and Resource Scarcity: With only 0.1 psychiatrists per 100,000 people and widespread stigma (70% of Nigerians view mental illness as shameful [14]), these biases exacerbate untreated distress, as individuals internalize negative emotions or misinterpret others’ behaviors as rejection.

• Economic and Social Stress: High unemployment (33% in 2023 [6]), traffic congestion, and communal expectations amplify emotional reactivity and hasty judgments, increasing risks of anxiety, depression, and social conflict.

• Cultural Dynamics: Collectivist norms prioritize group harmony, but these biases disrupt it by fostering misunderstandings, leading to isolation and reduced social support, a major mental health risk factor.

By addressing these biases with practical solutions, Nigerians can reduce psychological distress, improve coping skills, and foster resilience, contributing to better mental health outcomes in a resource-constrained society.

Conclusion

Emotional reasoning and jumping to conclusions are cognitive biases that distort reality and pose significant mental health concerns by intensifying negative emotions, fostering mistrust, and contributing to disorders like anxiety and depression. In Nigeria, these biases exacerbate distress in a high-stress, low-resource context, straining relationships, reducing productivity, and undermining well-being. Culturally tailored solutions like “Take a Suya Break” or “Ask Like a Market Woman” empower Nigerians to challenge these biases, improve emotional regulation, and enhance mental health. By integrating these strategies into daily life and community programs, the Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation creates awareness, educates, promotes resilience and reduce stigma, fostering a healthier society.