Beliefs such as “I’m unlikeable” or “People will reject me” lead to withdrawal from relationships. The resulting loneliness reinforces the original negative belief, creating a self-perpetuating cycle.

Quick summary checklist for parents:

• Talk openly and often

• Keep devices in family areas, especially at night

• Use parental controls + monitoring appropriate to age

• Teach “pause before posting” and “block + report”

• Promise no over-punishment for coming to you

Doing even 3–4 of these steps dramatically reduces risk and harm. Digital violence against children is common, but it is largely preventable with proactive education and reasonable boundaries.

People low in emotional repression tend to cry more easily, and repression is a known risk factor for anxiety, depression, and even physical health issues (high blood pressure, weakened immune response). Those who let the tears come during a film are practicing something therapists desperately try to teach in session: allowing emotion to move through the body instead of stuffing it down. They’re getting free emotional regulation training two hours at a time.

A life without failure is a life without growth, risk, or real joy. The people who seem mentally toughest aren’t the ones who never fall; they’re the ones who stopped believing that falling says anything bad about them.

So fail. Fail soon. Fail often. Fail creatively. Your mental health will thank you for it—because every time you get back up, you’re proving to the deepest part of your brain that you can handle being alive. And that, more than any unbroken winning streak, is what keeps people sane.

This outreach exemplifies the kind of evidence-based, school-focused prevention programme recommended by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and World Health Organization (WHO) International Standards on Drug Use Prevention. By reaching students in a rural Imo community, Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation is adding a Nigerian success story to the global evidence base, demonstrating that high-impact, low-cost prevention is possible even in resource-limited settings. The model is replicable across Africa and the Global South where youth substance abuse is rising rapidly.

This vulnerability to peer pressure, while common in adolescence, carries heightened risks for PWDs especially for students—making them more susceptible to manipulation, loss of personal values, and, in extreme cases, involvement in social misconduct or crime while still in school or after leaving school. That is why the outreach mattered so much.

Imagine someone hands you a gift—something thoughtful, wrapped with care—and your immediate response is to shove it back, insisting it's worthless or undeserved. That's essentially what happens when we deflect compliments.

Studies on Holocaust survivors and their children show epigenetic markers—chemical tags on DNA—that influence stress responses across generations. Your cells "remember" threat.

Self-kindness doesn’t make you soft—it makes you unbreakable. It turns wounds into wisdom, stress into strength, and loneliness into belonging.

Healing is possible with the right support. Seeking professional help, such as therapy or counseling, can guide you through processing trauma and rebuilding resilience. Modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), somatic therapy, or trauma-focused approaches can address both emotional and physical symptoms.

Overthinking triggers cortisol floods that:

- Constrict blood vessels → exploding headaches mid-training

- Disrupt sleep → fatigue & injury

- Fuel depression → performance collapse (remember Simone Biles’ brave withdrawal?)

- Weaken immunity → frequent illness despite peak fitness

If you’re ready to take the next step, I’m here. Message me on WhatsApp +2348148318965 or call 0800000COPE (08000002673) toll free and let’s work through this together. Whether you need a listening ear or actionable ways to move forward, we’ll find a path that feels right for you.

Healing is possible, and you’re worth it.

Mrs. Obileme, a highly qualified Mental Health/Psychiatric Nurse registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, brings a wealth of expertise to her new role. Holding a Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) and with extensive experience as a registered midwife, she has also contributed significantly to mental health initiatives through her work with the Nigeria American Institute for Mental Health. Her dedication and professional background make her an ideal leader to drive the Foundation’s mission in Imo State.

The Friday mood can be a powerful boost for mental health, offering relief from stress, fostering social connections, and providing a sense of accomplishment. However, its impact varies based on individual circumstances, work schedules, and cultural contexts. By understanding its psychological dynamics and using intentional strategies, you can make the most of this weekly milestone to enhance your well-being. How do you experience the Friday mood? Share your favorite weekend ritual in the comments or try one of our tips this Friday to lift your spirits!

These small, creative acts, paired with the truth of scripture, can be your anchor in the storm, helping you find peace and presence. Try one, or mix and match, and discover what lights up your calm!

Panic attacks don’t last forever. Remind yourself that the intensity will ease, and calm will return soon.

You’ve got the strength to navigate this. Save these steps for whenever you need a reminder, and know that you’re not alone.