Causes and Risk Factors

The brain flags the situation as a threat to self-worth or social standing. Contributors include:

• Past negative experiences (criticism, failure, embarrassment)

• Personality traits (perfectionism, high sensitivity, low self-esteem)

• External pressures (family/peers expectations, high personal standards)

• Biological factors (genetics, sensitive stress response)

• Poor preparation or high uncertainty

Importantly, it is not a sign of weakness or lack of skill—talented, successful people deal with it regularly.

Depression is far more than just “feeling down” or having a bad day. In medicine and psychology, the main clinical form is Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) — a serious mental health condition that deeply affects your mood, thoughts, energy levels, and ability to function in everyday life. It can drain your joy, motivation, and hope, making even simple tasks feel overwhelming.

Previous outreaches at the school have included psychosocial support, play therapy, sports equipment and games donations, art therapy sessions, self-esteem and career guidance sessions, women’s health and menstrual hygiene education and donation of sanitary pads, chess and recreational activities, one-on-one counselling, teacher appreciation events (supported by MTN), and grooming/hygiene kits distribution.

These cumulative efforts demonstrate long-term dedication rather than one-off visits.

As an accredited training provider by the IAOTH (UK), COLI Academy offers globally recognized, practical courses designed to create lasting change:

• Certificate in Stress Management

• The Complete Mental Health and Wellness Diploma

• Diploma in Emotional Intelligence

• Certificate in Anger Management & Conflict Resolution

…and several others tailored for educators, parents, families, and organizations.

Approximately 200 students (about 120 girls and 80 boys) gathered for an engaging session focused on menstrual health, emotional wellbeing, and breaking taboos. We intentionally included the boys to promote understanding, support, and inclusion – because healthy conversations benefit everyone.

We know that reaching out for help can feel difficult, especially when you're struggling. That’s why we continue to make support completely free and accessible for anyone who needs it.

Our Toll-Free Suicide Prevention Helpline is open and ready to support you: 0800 000 2673 (TOLL-FREE)

By integrating mental health and psychosocial support into established peacebuilding frameworks, the partnership will address the critical role of trauma healing, emotional resilience, and psychological well-being in fostering sustainable peace.

At Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation, we believe menstrual hygiene is more than just a pad — it’s about knowledge, dignity, confidence, and breaking stigma.

People of real value—whether innovators, caregivers, or community anchors—know that unaddressed mental health erodes everything else. High self-awareness is the bridge: it turns awareness of your own struggles into proactive care. Self-awareness is the launching pad for understanding ourselves and our relationships better, taking better care of our mental health and wellbeing, and living a life that feels fulfilling and expansive.

Those who value mental health aren’t fragile; they’re strategic, resilient, and profoundly human.

She also highlighted the dangers of lacking emotional intelligence, such as poor emotion regulation, uncontrolled anger, impulsive behaviour, difficulty forming healthy relationships, increased risk of anxiety, depression, and involvement in violent or risky actions.

In a society where many young males lack proper guidance, targeted interventions like this serve as a powerful preventive mechanism against social breakdown, substance abuse, cultism, and gender-based violence.

We are deeply grateful for this timely and impactful collaboration with the Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation. Our youth volunteers play critical roles in disaster response and humanitarian service, often facing high-stress situations. Equipping them with mental health knowledge, emotional intelligence, and practical coping strategies is not just beneficial — it is essential for their resilience and effectiveness in the field.

At the core of our mission is the belief that a mentally healthy and value-driven child today produces a stable, productive, and peaceful society tomorrow. By focusing on boys at this formative age (Basic 3–5), we are intentionally investing in the emotional intelligence, discipline, and leadership capacity of the next generation of men.

These widows urgently need more than sympathy. Without swift psychosocial support and economic intervention, their mental health and ability to rebuild their lives will be severely compromised.

We call on concerned individuals and organizations, the Plateau State Government, Federal Government agencies, humanitarian partners, faith-based organisations, donors, and the general public to support comprehensive recovery efforts for these survivors.

This partnership represents a significant milestone in our shared commitment to community-driven development. It will create new opportunities for impactful interventions through joint training programmes, community outreaches, awareness campaigns, and responsive psychosocial support initiatives.

Nigeria faces a mental health crisis of staggering proportions. With an estimated 40–50 million people grappling with mental health challenges, 75–85% receive no treatment. This gap stems from deep stigma, limited access, and a severe shortage of professionals—only about 200–300 psychiatrists serve the entire nation.

True endurance is not superhuman toughness or endless powering through. It is resilient excellence paired with deliberate care for the human cost. It means achieving greatly while refusing to let the price destroy what was built.

In just one year of consistent volunteering, Samuel has achieved remarkable growth:

• Awarded Best Volunteer of the Year 2025.

• Completed the Basic Stress Management Course and received a certificate accredited by the International Association of Therapists (IAOTH) through our COLI Mental Health Academy.

• Completed the Basic Emotional Intelligence Course and earned certification.

• Actively participated in numerous community outreach programs.

• Built valuable networks by meeting influential personalities and mentors.

• Experienced significant improvement in self-awareness, soft skills, emotional regulation, and overall well-being — a transformation noticed and celebrated by many around him.

Elevated screen use correlates with both internalizing problems (anxiety, withdrawal, low self-esteem) and externalizing ones (aggression, hyperactivity, irritability). A vicious cycle may develop, where emotional difficulties prompt more screen use for coping, potentially exacerbating symptoms.

Focus on problem-solving: identify early signs, implement targeted actions, monitor progress, and adjust as needed. The goal is not just symptom relief but restoring balance, protecting your well-being, and sustaining your ability to help others effectively.