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.

Studies show that children with diets high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains tend to have better academic performance and fewer behavioral issues compared to those consuming high-sugar, high-fat diets. For example, a 2019 study found that children with poor diets were more likely to exhibit hyperactivity and inattention, symptoms often associated with ADHD.

Your diet is a powerful tool for mental wellness. Small, intentional changes to what and how you eat can make a big difference in how you feel. Start today—your brain will thank you! 💪

Open communication and a supportive environment are key to helping teens navigate these challenges.

Mental health initiatives like ThriveNaija and HopeWorks deliver profound financial, social, and personal benefits by reducing healthcare and incarceration costs, fostering inclusive communities, and empowering individuals. These programs address Nigeria’s unique challenges with scalable, culturally relevant solutions. By prioritizing accessible services and sustained education, Nigeria can build a future where mental well-being drives stronger, healthier communities.

It’s about building momentum. A tough Monday doesn’t define your week, but how you approach it can set the tone for better mental health.

Emergencies, whether sudden-onset like earthquakes and bereavement or prolonged like refugee crises, create immense psychological stress. Survivors may face grief, fear, displacement, or loss of livelihoods, leading to or worsening conditions like anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or substance abuse. For example, studies following natural disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina in 2005 or the 2010 Haiti earthquake, showed PTSD rates as high as 30% in affected communities. In Nigeria, the ongoing conflict in the Northeast has led to significant mental health challenges, with a 2020 study by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reporting that 60% of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Borno State exhibited symptoms of depression or anxiety.

Mental health is often sidelined in emergency response, overshadowed by immediate physical needs like food, shelter, and medical care.

The policy is driven by evidence and public concern:

- Distraction: Phones disrupt learning, affecting 30% of students during lessons (source: Swedish Government).

- Academic Decline: PISA results link over-digitalization to weaker reading and math skills (source: OECD PISA Reports).

- Health Risks: Excessive screen time impacts attention and development, particularly in young students (source: Karolinska Institute).