Oftentimes, society places significant emphasis on owning or running charitable organizations. This focus has drawn considerable attention to the importance and essence of charity. However, society comprises people from diverse backgrounds and circumstances, requiring deliberate and compassionate actions to make life meaningful for all. Ensuring a worthwhile existence involves providing help, support, and giving—particularly to those facing difficulties or in need—with the sole aim of alleviating their challenges. This brings us to the discussion of charity and compassion.

Charity

Charity can be described as the act of giving, which may include material aid or financial support, primarily to those in need. It is a vital expression of compassion, though studies suggest that many charitable acts lack a deep emotional connection. While charity is undeniably important, it often provides short-term relief and may not address the root causes of systemic issues—such as poverty or hardship—that perpetuate suffering.

Compassion

True charity must be driven by a deep emotional connection, empathy, and motivation—this is compassion in action. Compassion is the driving force behind meaningful charity. Giving should not be motivated by a desire to gain social or political recognition but by genuine concern for others. Compassion is a profound emotional state that inspires various forms of assistance, including charity, rooted in empathy and a strong desire to alleviate suffering. It involves a broader understanding of others’ pain, challenges, or difficulties.

Misapplication of Charity

Research indicates that many charitable acts are not driven by empathy or a desire to relieve suffering but rather by motives to gain social or political favor or to be recognized as a philanthropist. Charity should stem from deep compassion, not from a desire for personal gain or recognition. It must be directed toward those who are downtrodden and in genuine need. Scripture emphasizes that giving without compassion lacks true charity (1 John 3:16-17). Charity should reflect genuine concern, recognizing all individuals as divine images of God, which enables us to acknowledge suffering, understand its universality, tolerate uncomfortable emotions, and act to alleviate it.

Society’s Loss of Compassion

Compassion is an emotion-driven response rooted in empathy and a desire to relieve others’ suffering. However, in today’s society, human pain is often exploited for personal gain. Suffering is mocked, used as social media content, or leveraged to boost popularity and ego. Some individuals derive satisfaction from others’ agony, as evidenced by the lack of assistance at accident scenes or moments of crisis, where victims become subjects of online spectacle rather than recipients of help. This reflects a societal disconnect from the true essence of life, existence, and compassion.

A Compassionate Society for Positive Mental Health Outcomes

A compassionate society is one where individuals feel deep empathy for one another, recognizing the divine image of God in each person, as all are created in His likeness. Such a society seeks to identify and support vulnerable individuals who feel isolated or excluded. It promotes kindness, encourages sincere apologies for mistakes, and fosters active listening without judgment. A compassionate society shows sympathy and concern for others’ suffering, rather than exploiting it for personal gain. It accepts people for who they are and embraces forgiveness.

Moreover, a compassionate society provides resources and support systems to help individuals cope with stress and adversity. Judgment, where compassion is expected, can harm mental well-being. A compassionate society fosters harmonious understanding, community cohesion, social inclusion, and integration, all of which contribute to improved mental health and sustainable development. Beyond understanding charity, it actively seeks to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. When individuals feel connected and supported, they are better equipped to recover from challenges.

Attaining a Compassionate Society

Building a compassionate society is essential for sustainable development and must begin now. Parents play a critical role by instilling family and societal values that promote compassion, morals, and discipline. Compassion and kindness are not merely taught but modeled through practice. Parents should demonstrate sincere kindness and empathy, encouraging children to see the divine image in every person, regardless of their circumstances. Children must learn that charity is not for social media or personal gain but for alleviating suffering with empathy.

Governments, faith-based organizations, and non-governmental organizations must also rise to the occasion, promoting a compassionate society and supporting those in challenging situations. We must teach our children and ourselves that life’s value lies not in material accumulation but in the legacy we leave in hearts, deeds, and wisdom. Titles, possessions, and wealth will not accompany us in the end—only our legacy and the love we shared will matter.

Let us live with intention: be compassionate, give generously, speak kindly, forgive freely, and walk humbly. When our final moment comes, we leave with nothing but our name and the love we gave.

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

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.

Sources:

• World Health Organization (2025). Suicide: Key Facts. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/suicide[](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/suicide)

• World Health Organization (2024). Global Health Estimates 2021: Deaths by Cause, Age, Sex, by Country and by Region, 2000-2021. Geneva: WHO.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2025). Suicide Data and Statistics. https://www.cdc.gov/suicide[](https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/data.html)

• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (2024). Suicide Statistics. https://afsp.org[](https://afsp.org/suicide-statistics/)

• Headsupguys (2021). Men’s Suicide Stats: Understanding Higher Rates Among Men. https://headsupguys.org[](https://headsupguys.org/suicide-in-men/suicide-stats-men/)

• Verywell Mind (2024). Understanding Suicide Among Men. https://www.verywellmind.com[](https://www.verywellmind.com/men-and-suicide-2328492)

• Healthline (2023). Men’s Higher Suicide Rate: Understanding and Addressing It. https://www.healthline.com[](https://www.healthline.com/health/mens-health/mens-suicide-rate)

• BBC (2019). Why More Men Than Women Die by Suicide. https://www.bbc.com[](https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20190313-why-more-men-kill-themselves-than-women)

• The Jed Foundation (2022). Mental Health and Suicide Statistics. https://jedfoundation.org[](https://jedfoundation.org/mental-health-and-suicide-statistics/)

• National Center for Health Statistics (2023). Data Brief 464: Suicide Rates by Race and Hispanic Origin, 2020-2021. https://www.cdc.gov[](https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db464.htm)

• American Institute for Boys and Men (2023). Male Suicide: Patterns and Recent Trends. https://aibm.org[](https://aibm.org/research/male-suicide/)

• Medical News Today (2020). Men’s Mental Health: What Affects It and How to Improve Support. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com[](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/mens-mental-health-man-up-is-not-the-answer)

• Exploring New Scientific Innovations in Combating Suicide (2021). Stress Detection Wristband. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov[](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11889416/)

• World Health Organization (2024). Global Health Estimates 2021: Deaths by Cause, Age, Sex, by Country and by Region, 2000-2021. Geneva: WHO.

• World Health Organization (2025). Suicide: Key Facts. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/suicide[](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/suicide)

• Our World in Data (2024). Male-to-female ratio of suicide rate. Data adapted from WHO Global Health Estimates. https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/male-female-ratio-suicides-rates[](https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/male-female-ratio-suicides-rates)

• Wikipedia (2024). List of countries by suicide rate. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_suicide_rate[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_suicide_rate)

Coach Ebere Amaraizu, Chairman of Rangers International Football Club Foundation (RIFC Enugu), has reaffirmed the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to partnering with stakeholders to promote public advocacy, awareness, and education on Menstrual Hygiene (MH), Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH), and proactive measures to address sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), sextortion, sexual assault, and related issues. He made these remarks during an event co-hosted by the Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation (CALMHAF), Enugu, held on May 28, 2025, at Trans-Ekulu Girls Secondary School, Enugu, Nigeria, in commemoration of Menstrual Hygiene Day. The event focused on community-driven solutions to these critical issues.

Collaborative Efforts for Sustainable Impact

Reverend Chukwudiebube Nwachukwu, Executive Director of Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation, expressed gratitude to Reverend Father Hilary Mgbodile, Chairman of the Post-Primary School Management Board, for facilitating the engagement with the students. He emphasized the importance of equipping young girls with tools to manage menstrual health and hygiene, as well as strategies to prevent sextortion, SGBV, and sexual assault. Reverend Nwachukwu highlighted that Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation, in collaboration with its Coli Mental Health Academy, RIFC Foundation, and other partners, has developed a structured, sustainable engagement program. This initiative focuses on psychosocial education to empower girls to navigate pressures that contribute to sextortion, sexual assault, and SGBV, while providing guidance on seeking help.

Empowering Girls Through Counseling

Mrs. Uzoamaka Nwachukwu, a child psychologist and counselor with Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation, advised the students to embrace menstrual hygiene practices without shame and to prioritize their health. She cautioned against sharing nude images and underscored the importance of keeping private matters confidential, reinforcing that personal boundaries must be respected.

Highlights

A key highlight of the event was the training of selected participants as pioneer members of the Student-to-Student Initiative (S2Si). This program aims to sustain awareness efforts among students, fostering greater impact within the school community.

Summary

The Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation, Rangers International Football Club Foundation, alongside other partners, remain dedicated to empowering young girls through education, advocacy, and sustainable initiatives to promote their health, safety, and dignity.

On May 16, 2025, the world celebrated the International Day of the Boy Child under the theme "Building Self-Esteem in Boys," with rallying messages such as "Stand Up, Be Heard, Be Seen." This global observance highlights the critical importance of boys’ well-being, acknowledges the unique challenges they face, and celebrates their positive contributions to families and communities. At the Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation, we recognize that fostering self-esteem and holistic wellness in boys is essential for their development and the health of society. This article explores the challenges of low self-esteem in boys, its far-reaching consequences, and the urgent need for parents, guardians, and stakeholders to act.

Who Is the Boy Child?

A boy child is a male in the childhood or adolescent stage, typically under the age of adulthood. Beyond academic definitions, the boy child represents potential—a future leader, partner, and contributor to society. However, this potential can be undermined by challenges that erode self-esteem, defined as confidence in one’s worth and abilities, and well-being, the state of being healthy, comfortable, and happy. For boys to embody the call to "Stand Up, Be Heard, Be Seen," their self-esteem and mental health must be prioritized.

The Challenges Facing the Boy Child

Research underscores that boys face significant socio-economic and emotional challenges that, if unaddressed, threaten societal stability. Boys constitute a large proportion of out-of-school children globally, exposing them to risky behaviors such as substance abuse, gang involvement, and recruitment into organized criminal groups. Unlike their female counterparts, boys often receive less emotional and social support, leaving them to navigate survival with minimal guidance. This neglect fosters low self-esteem, manifesting as indecision, lack of confidence, and vulnerability to negative influences.

Low self-esteem in boys has profound mental and emotional impacts. It hinders their ability to make choices, take responsibility, or lead effectively, often persisting into adulthood. For instance, boys struggling with self-worth may join groups seeking validation, increasing their risk of criminal behavior. The societal expectation for boys to "tough it out" exacerbates these issues, leaving them unsupported and ill-equipped to handle challenges, which can lead to marital difficulties, domestic violence, and other social ills later in life.

Why the Boy Child Must Be Supported

The boy child is a future adult whose mental and emotional health will shape society’s fabric. Boys with low self-esteem risk becoming misfits, unable to fulfill roles as responsible partners, parents, or leaders. Conversely, boys equipped with resilience, social skills, and confidence contribute to stable families and communities. Teaching boys survival skills—such as cooking or financial literacy—without gender stereotypes fosters independence and self-worth. Moreover, encouraging open inquiry, where boys feel safe to ask questions without fear of judgment, builds critical thinking, confidence, and trust, aligning with our mission to nurture curiosity and lifelong learning.

Parental and Societal Responsibilities

Parents, guardians, and caregivers play a pivotal role in building boys’ self-esteem. They must avoid comparisons and unhealthy rivalries that diminish a boy’s sense of worth. Instead, they should provide mentorship in leadership, decision-making, and human relations, allowing boys to learn from mistakes and grow into champions. An African proverb reminds us that the home is a child’s first environment, making parental involvement critical. Parents should guide boys in making choices, from small decisions to significant life steps, rather than imposing decisions, such as career or marital paths, which can stifle autonomy.

Fostering open dialogue is equally vital. By creating spaces where boys’ questions are welcomed with patience, parents empower them to explore, reason, and develop resilience. This approach not only enhances self-esteem but also addresses root causes of issues like sexual and gender-based violence, which often stem from unaddressed emotional struggles in boys. Governments and stakeholders must complement these efforts by investing in mental health programs, school-based support, and community initiatives that identify and address boys’ struggles early.

The Path Forward

The time to act is now. A society’s strength depends on the mental and emotional well-being of its boys. By prioritizing their self-esteem and holistic wellness, we can prevent the dangers of low self-esteem, including crime, family breakdown, and societal instability. At Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation, we are committed to this cause through our counseling, multi-sport initiatives, and COLI Academy’s accredited training programs, which reached over 10,000 individuals in 2024. We call on parents, educators, and policymakers to join us in ensuring boys are heard, seen, and supported to stand tall.

Let us build a future where every boy child is empowered to thrive. Contact us to learn how you can contribute to this vital mission.

About the Author

Coach Ebere Amaraizu is a trained Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Coach, a PREVENT Serious and Organized Crime (SOC) Policing Expert/Trainer, a United States International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP) alumnus, and a child care/development expert. His work focuses on empowering youth and communities through mental health advocacy and resilience-building.

On May 12, 2025, Coli Mental Health Academy officially launched its Basic Mental Health Course for students who previously applied for the program. The initiative, offered by the Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation, attracted participants from across Nigeria and the diaspora.

During the virtual inauguration, Reverend Chukwudiebube Nwachukwu, Executive Director of the Foundation, expressed gratitude to the participants for choosing COLI Mental Health Academy. He encouraged them to engage fully with the course, emphasizing that the foundational knowledge gained will prepare them for intermediate and advanced mental health courses. Reverend Nwachukwu highlighted the program’s accreditation by the International Association of Therapists (IAOTH) in the United Kingdom, which recognizes the Academy as an accredited mental health training provider.

The Basic Mental Health Course combines theoretical and practical, scenario-based training to address mental health challenges and effective intervention strategies. The course is designed to be completed within one month.

Coli Mental Health Academy, an academy owned by the Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation, is dedicated to advancing mental health education and awareness.

Courses:

All courses are divided into three modules:

The Basic module, the Intermediate module and the Advanced module. At the basic level, we outline the course syllabus, including its duration, learning objectives, instructors, relevance, definitions of terms, introduction and overview, fundamental principles, selected course content, and final assessment.

The intermediate level is designed for individuals who possess a strong passion and interest in personal and organizational development. Building upon the foundational knowledge gained in the Basic course, this Intermediate level program delves into specific areas of interest, fostering a deeper understanding and expertise.

At the advanced (final) level, we focus on solutions, remedies, and interventions. This advanced module complete the course content and learning cycle and equips the individual, educator, corporate worker, or parent with the effective strategies, knowledge, and skills needed to achieve mastery and is only designed for individuals seeking to acquire comprehensive knowledge and develop practical solutions to mental health challenges, both for personal well-being and for the well-being of others.

Who Can Enroll?

We offer mental health training for Personal development, for Schools and Educators, for NGO’s, Organizations and corporate workplaces and for the family.

Courses include:

The Complete Mental Health and Wellness Course

Psychology of Addiction and Recovery

Anti-Bullying Workshop - For Educators and Parents

Stress Management

Anger Management & Conflict Resolution

Improving Child and Adolescent Mental Health

Workplace & Staff Mental Health - Increasing Staff Happiness for greater productivity.

Human Relations & Leadership Development Training - Promoting Teamwork, Resilience and Emotional Intelligence

Personality Disorders in the General Population

Community cohesion and Resilience

Sports for mental and general well being

Emotional Intelligence Diploma

Critical thinking for a compassionate society

Conflict Resolution counselling for couples

Supporting the Mental Health of the Aging, Retired and Disabled

Suicide Prevention for the Elderly, Child and Adolescent

The term "depression" is frequently misused in everyday language, applied to a variety of emotions, situations, or states that differ significantly from clinical depression, a serious mental health condition. This misuse can trivialize major depressive disorder (MDD), contribute to stigma, and hinder recognition of those needing professional help. Beyond the well-known confusion with sadness and disappointment, people often misapply "depression" to describe temporary moods, stress, boredom, fatigue, minor setbacks, personality traits, or external conditions. This article outlines these misuses, provides illustrative examples, and emphasizes the importance of accurate terminology, supported by credible sources.

Common Misuses of "Depression"

• Describing Temporary Low Mood or Feeling "Down"
  People often say they are "depressed" when experiencing a brief low mood or a bad day, which contrasts with clinical depression’s persistent nature. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) requires depressive symptoms, such as low mood and loss of interest, to persist for at least two weeks for an MDD diagnosis (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Temporary low moods are normal and typically resolve without intervention.
  Example 1: Tunde says, “I’m so depressed; my team lost the match.” His mood lifts by the next day after watching another game, indicating a fleeting emotional dip, not depression.
  Example 2: Aisha feels “depressed” after a friend cancels plans. She enjoys a family dinner later that evening, showing her low mood was short-lived and event-specific.

• Referring to General Stress or Overwhelm
  The term "depression" is sometimes used to describe stress, anxiety, or feeling overwhelmed by responsibilities like work or family. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) notes that stress involves pressure or tension and is distinct from depression’s pervasive hopelessness, though chronic stress can contribute to depression (NIMH, 2023).
  Example 1: Ada says, “I’m depressed about all these deadlines.” She’s stressed but manages her tasks, unlike someone with depression who may struggle to function.
  Example 2: Obi says, “Planning this wedding is so depressing.” He’s overwhelmed by logistics, but his mood improves after delegating tasks, indicating stress, not depression.

• Expressing Boredom or Lack of Motivation
  People may misuse "depression" to describe boredom or situational lack of motivation, especially in unengaging contexts. The American Psychological Association (APA) clarifies that depression involves anhedonia—a profound loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities—not just temporary disinterest (APA, 2020). Boredom is alleviated by new stimuli, unlike depression’s persistent lack of engagement.
  Example 1: Emeka says, “I’m depressed; there’s nothing to do today.” He feels energized after finding a movie to watch, unlike the sustained disinterest in depression.
  Example 2: Fatima says, “This lecture is so depressing.” She’s bored but engages enthusiastically in a group discussion afterward, showing her mood was context-dependent.

• Describing Physical Fatigue or Low Energy
  Some use "depression" to describe physical tiredness or low energy, mistaking it for a mental health condition. While fatigue is a symptom of depression, The Lancet emphasizes that clinical depression includes emotional, cognitive, and physical symptoms, not just tiredness, which may stem from poor sleep or overexertion (Malhi & Mann, 2018).
  Example 1: Ngozi says, “I’m so depressed; I’m exhausted from work.” After resting, she feels energized, indicating fatigue rather than depression.
  Example 2: Kemi says, “I’m depressed after that long trip.” She feels refreshed after a good night’s sleep, unlike the chronic fatigue associated with depression.

• Using "Depression" as Hyperbole for Minor Setbacks
  The term is often exaggerated to describe minor inconveniences, such as bad weather or small failures. The World Health Organization (WHO) underscores that depression is a serious condition affecting over 280 million people globally, not a casual descriptor for frustrations (WHO, 2023). This misuse diminishes the disorder’s perceived severity.
  Example 1: Chike says, “This rain is so depressing.” He’s annoyed about canceled plans but remains upbeat otherwise, unlike depression’s pervasive low mood.
  Example 2: Uche says, “I’m depressed; my phone battery died.” He’s frustrated but continues his day normally after charging it, showing a minor setback, not depression.

• Equating Depression with Personality Traits or Attitudes
  Some misuse "depression" to describe pessimistic outlooks or negative personality traits, implying it’s a choice or flaw. The NIMH clarifies that depression is a medical condition involving biological, psychological, and environmental factors, not a voluntary state or inherent trait (NIMH, 2023).
  Example 1: Amara says, “He’s always depressed; he’s just negative.” The person’s pessimism reflects their outlook, not a clinical diagnosis of depression.
  Example 2: Ifeanyi says, “She’s so depressing to be around.” He’s describing a colleague’s critical attitude, not a mental health condition.

• Applying "Depression" to Economic or Social Conditions
  The term is sometimes used to describe external situations, like economic downturns or societal issues (e.g., “the economy is depressing”). While such conditions can impact mental health, the APA notes that depression refers to an individual’s mental state, not external circumstances (APA, 2020). This misuse confuses personal health with systemic issues.
  Example 1: A news headline reads, “The recession is depressing.” This describes an economic state, not a clinical condition affecting individuals.
  Example 2: Musa says, “This city’s traffic is so depressing.” He’s frustrated with external conditions, but his mood remains stable, unlike clinical depression.

Why These Misuses Are Problematic

Misusing "depression" in these ways has significant consequences:

• Trivialization: Casual use downplays the severity of clinical depression, a leading cause of disability worldwide (WHO, 2023).

• Stigma: Equating depression with normal states or choices reinforces misconceptions that it’s not a legitimate medical condition, discouraging help-seeking.

• Delayed Treatment: Mislabeling other states as depression may delay recognition of true depressive symptoms, hindering access to treatments like therapy or medication (NIMH, 2023).

• Miscommunication: Inaccurate use in conversations can lead to misunderstandings about mental health needs.

In Nigeria, where mental health stigma is prevalent, misusing "depression" can exacerbate challenges for those seeking help. For instance, if someone describes a bad day as “depressing,” it may make it harder for a person with clinical depression to disclose their condition, fearing dismissal. Institutions like the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu, stress the need for accurate terminology to promote understanding and access to care.

Correct Usage and Next Steps

To use "depression" accurately, reserve it for a clinical condition characterized by persistent low mood, anhedonia, and other symptoms outlined in the DSM-5 (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). For other states, use specific terms like “stressed,” “bored,” “tired,” “frustrated,” or “upset.”

If depression is suspected, the APA recommends consulting a mental health professional for assessment, possibly using tools like the PHQ-9 questionnaire (APA, 2020). In Nigeria, facilities such as the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu, offer specialized care for depression.

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Washington, DC: APA.

• American Psychological Association. (2020). APA Dictionary of Psychology. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/depression

• Malhi, G. S., & Mann, J. J. (2018). Depression. The Lancet, 392(10161), 2299–2312. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(18)31948-2

• National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Depression. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression

• World Health Organization. (2023). Depressive Disorder (Depression). Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression

The effects of stress on the body and mind can often be hidden, especially in the early stages, as they may not manifest as obvious physical symptoms. Stress can silently impact various systems, leading to issues like elevated cortisol levels, weakened immune function, digestive problems, or cardiovascular strain without immediate, noticeable signs. Over time, these hidden effects may contribute to conditions such as hypertension, anxiety, depression, or chronic fatigue. Once symptoms begin, there is no single "cure," but the effects can often be managed or reversed with targeted interventions, depending on the severity and duration of stress. Effective strategies include:

• Lifestyle Changes: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep can reduce cortisol levels and improve resilience to stress.

• Mind-Body Techniques: Practices like mindfulness through prayer, meditating on the words of scripture or deep breathing can lower stress responses and promote relaxation.

• Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or other forms of counseling can help address underlying causes and develop coping mechanisms.

• Medical Intervention: If stress has led to conditions like anxiety or heart disease, medications or medical treatments may be necessary, guided by a healthcare provider.

• Social Support: Building strong social connections can buffer the effects of stress.

Early intervention is key, as chronic stress can lead to more severe, harder-to-reverse damage.

Stress and The Mind

Stress can significantly affect the mind. It can disrupt cognitive functions, emotional well-being, and mental health in both subtle and overt ways. Here’s how:

• Cognitive Impact: Chronic stress can impair memory, concentration, and decision-making by elevating cortisol levels, which affect the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex—brain areas critical for learning and executive function.

• Emotional Effects: Stress often leads to irritability, anxiety, mood swings, or feelings of overwhelm. It can exacerbate or trigger mental health conditions like depression or anxiety disorders.

• Behavioral Changes: Stress may cause insomnia, reduced motivation, or unhealthy coping behaviors like overeating or substance use.

• Neurological Strain: Prolonged stress can alter brain structure and function, potentially reducing resilience to future stressors and increasing vulnerability to mental health issues.

Management and Recovery:

While there’s no instant cure, the mental effects of stress can often be mitigated or reversed with:

• Mindfulness practices (e.g., prayer, meditating on the words of scripture, deep breathing).

• Therapy (e.g., CBT to reframe negative thought patterns).

• Physical activity to boost endorphins and reduce cortisol.

• Social support to alleviate emotional burden.

• In severe cases, medication prescribed by a professional.

Early action is crucial to prevent long-term mental health challenges. If symptoms like persistent anxiety or depression emerge, consult a mental health professional for personalized care.

Prolonged Stress

Prolonged stress elevates glucocorticoids like cortisol, which are critical in the stress response but harmful when chronically elevated. Below, I outline cortisol’s role, the negative effects of excess glucocorticoids (including reproductive dysfunction), what levels are considered chronic, other adverse effects, simple ways to reduce cortisol, and a conclusion, with cited sources.

Cortisol’s Role in Stress Response

Cortisol, a glucocorticoid hormone from the adrenal glands, is released via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis during stress. It mobilizes energy by increasing blood glucose through glycogenolysis and lipolysis, suppresses non-essential functions (e.g., immune and reproductive systems), and enhances brain alertness to manage acute threats. Charmandari et al. (2005) note cortisol’s adaptive role in prioritizing survival (Physiol Rev, 85(1):77-123). Chronic activation, however, disrupts homeostasis.

Negative Effects of Excess Glucocorticoids

Chronic cortisol elevation causes widespread harm:

• Immune Suppression: Inhibits immune cell activity, increasing infection risk and slowing healing. Sapolsky et al. (2000) describe suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (Endocr Rev, 21(1):55-89).

• Metabolic Dysfunction: Promotes gluconeogenesis and fat redistribution, leading to weight gain, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes risk. Björntorp (2001) links hypercortisolemia to visceral obesity (Obes Rev, 2(3):157-166).

• Cognitive Impairment: Damages the hippocampus, impairing memory and learning. McEwen (2007) notes dendritic atrophy in the brain (Annu Rev Neurosci, 30:153-188).

• Cardiovascular Issues: Elevates blood pressure and promotes atherosclerosis, increasing heart disease risk. Whitworth et al. (2005) highlight hypertension (J Hypertens, 23(2):263-268).

• Reproductive Dysfunction: Disrupts reproductive hormones, causing irregular menstrual cycles, reduced fertility, and decreased libido. Kalantaridou et al. (2004) explain cortisol’s suppression of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), inhibiting ovulation and spermatogenesis (J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 89(7):3187-3194).

Other Adverse Effects

Chronic cortisol elevation also causes:

• Mental Health Disorders: Linked to anxiety, depression, and mood dysregulation due to HPA axis dysfunction (Holsboer, 2000; Neuropsychopharmacology, 23(5):477-501).

• Bone Loss: Inhibits osteoblast activity, increasing osteoporosis risk (J Bone Miner Res, 2006; 21(10):1527-1536).

• Muscle Wasting: Promotes protein catabolism, causing muscle breakdown (Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab, 2002; 283(4):E766-E773).

• Sleep Disruption: Disrupts circadian rhythms, leading to insomnia (Sleep Med Rev, 2007; 11(6):405-420).

What Levels of Cortisol Are Considered Chronic?

Cortisol levels vary diurnally, peaking in the morning and declining at night. Normal ranges depend on the testing method (e.g., blood, saliva, urine). For blood, morning cortisol typically ranges from 5-25 µg/dL (138-690 nmol/L), per Mayo Clinic Labs. Chronic elevation, or hypercortisolemia, is not defined by a single threshold but by persistent elevation above normal ranges or disrupted diurnal rhythms (e.g., high nighttime levels). Miller et al. (2007) suggest chronic stress-related hypercortisolemia is often indicated by:

• Salivary cortisol: Consistently >0.5 µg/dL (13.8 nmol/L) in late evening (normal <0.1-0.2 µg/dL).

• 24-hour urinary free cortisol: >100 µg/day (276 nmol/day) over extended periods.

• Flattened diurnal slope: Loss of the normal cortisol decline from morning to evening (Psychoneuroendocrinology, 32(1):1-13).

• These patterns, seen in chronic stress or conditions like Cushing’s syndrome, correlate with adverse health outcomes. Diagnosis requires medical evaluation, as levels vary by individual and context.

Simple Ways to Reduce Cortisol

Evidence-based strategies to lower cortisol include:

• Exercise: Moderate aerobic exercise (e.g., 30-minute brisk walk) reduces cortisol. Hill et al. (2008) found it decreases cortisol and improves mood (Psychoneuroendocrinology, 33(7):857-865). Avoid overtraining.

• Mindfulness and Meditation: Mindfulness-based stress reduction calms the HPA axis. Matousek et al. (2010) report cortisol reductions (Ann N Y Acad Sci, 1172:34-39). Practice 10-15 minutes daily.

• Sleep Hygiene: 7-9 hours of quality sleep regulates cortisol rhythms. Leproult & Van Cauter (2010) show sleep deprivation spikes cortisol (Sleep Med Rev, 14(3):163-173). Maintain consistent sleep schedules.

• Social Connection: Positive interactions buffer stress. Heinrichs et al. (2003) found social support lowers cortisol (Biol Psychiatry, 54(3):138-147). Connect with loved ones.

• Nutrition: A balanced diet with omega-3s and low glycemic index foods regulates cortisol. Epel et al. (2001) note poor diet worsens cortisol responses (Psychoneuroendocrinology, 26(1):37-49). Include fish, nuts, and whole grains.

Conclusion

Cortisol is essential for acute stress but harmful when chronically elevated, with persistent levels above normal ranges or disrupted diurnal patterns causing immune, metabolic, cognitive, cardiovascular, reproductive, and other dysfunctions. Exercise, mindfulness, sleep, social support, and nutrition can reduce cortisol. Seek medical advice for cortisol testing. Stressed yet still think you’re living your best life? Think again.

The Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation (CLIMHAF) is pleased to unveil its program of activities to commemorate World Mental Health Awareness Month and the Foundation’s first anniversary. Speaking on May 1, 2025, in Enugu, Executive Director Reverend Chukwudiebube Nwachukwu outlined the planned initiatives, emphasizing the Foundation’s commitment to community service, impactful outreach, and sustainable development.

Throughout May 2025, CLIMHAF will mark both World Mental Health Awareness Month and its first year of operation with a series of targeted activities. Reverend Nwachukwu announced that the Foundation will offer free counseling services across the month, dedicated to supporting diverse communities, including:

• Widows, Widowers, and the Elderly (65+): Support for grief, loneliness, and life transitions.

• Survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV): Tailored counseling for resilience, recovery, and empowerment.

• Persons with Impairments: Specialized mental health support to promote inclusion and well-being.

• Women Experiencing Antenatal/Postpartum Depression: Compassionate maternal mental healthcare.

• Athletes and Coaches: Counseling to enhance performance, productivity, and mental resilience.

These services will be accessible in all 12 states where CLIMHAF operates. Individuals and communities are encouraged to contact the Foundation at +2348148318965 to access these free counseling services.

Reverend Nwachukwu called on community members and stakeholders to join CLIMHAF in its ongoing efforts to promote mental wellness and empower lives through compassion and sustainable initiatives. This dual celebration underscores the Foundation’s dedication to fostering mental health awareness and creating lasting positive change across Nigeria.

The critical need to enhance mental health awareness, education, and support to combat stigma and address mental health challenges underscores the importance of this partnership between Rapha Technologies Limited (Raphatech) and Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation (Cope and Live). This collaboration aims to integrate innovative digital healthcare solutions with mental health advocacy to create sustainable, impactful outcomes for communities in Enugu, Nigeria, and beyond.

About Rapha Technologies Limited

Rapha Technologies Limited, a private limited liability company based in Enugu, Southeast Nigeria, specializes in digital healthcare solutions, including telemedicine services and micro-life insurance products. Raphatech’s mission is to deliver accessible healthcare to all societal segments, leveraging technology to bridge gaps in healthcare delivery.

About Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation

Cope and Live is a non-governmental organization dedicated to transforming lives through mental health awareness, advocacy, support, and education. The foundation focuses on vulnerable populations, including inmates, flood survivors, and individuals with impairments, providing psychosocial support and educational initiatives.

Purpose of the Partnership

Recognizing the complementary nature of their missions, Raphatech and Cope and Live have forged a strategic partnership to amplify their impact. Raphatech’s expertise in telemedicine and digital health solutions aligns with Cope and Live’s focus on mental health education and psychosocial support. This collaboration leverages the strengths of both organizations to deliver integrated healthcare and mental health solutions, particularly for underserved populations such as inmates, crisis-affected communities, schools, and sports organizations.

The partnership aims to:

• Integrate telemedicine into mental health programs to enhance access to remote consultations for underserved groups, including flood survivors and custodial center inmates.

• Provide mental health education to Raphatech’s clients, including corporate partners, business owners, and private residences, as a value-added service.

• Develop a mental health module to support Cope and Live’s COLI Mental Health Academy, enabling digital training for diverse groups such as educators, sports coaches, athletes, and healthcare providers.

Key Collaborative Initiatives

• Telemedicine Integration: Raphatech will provide a telemedicine platform, including services like E-Term and Alat-Health Connect, to support Cope and Live’s mental health outreach programs. This will enable remote mental health consultations for individuals in underserved or crisis-affected areas.

• Mental Health Education: Cope and Live will deliver mental health education and psychosocial support to Raphatech’s clients, enhancing the value of Raphatech’s digital health offerings.

• COLI Mental Health Academy Support: Raphatech will offer technical expertise to develop digital training modules for the COLI Mental Health Academy, strengthening its capacity to train individuals and organizations on holistic well-being.

• Joint Community Programs: The partnership will facilitate access to custodial centers, schools, and communities for collaborative initiatives, ensuring broader reach and impact.

Mutual Benefits

• Expanded Reach: Cope and Live gains access to Raphatech’s telemedicine technology, extending its mental health programs to remote and underserved populations.

• Enhanced Service Offerings: Raphatech strengthens its digital health portfolio with mental health education and psychosocial support services.

• Community Impact: Both organizations achieve synergistic impact through resource sharing, innovation, and holistic support, fostering sustainable community development.

• Increased Credibility: The partnership enhances the credibility of both organizations through collaborative, high-impact initiatives.

Responsibilities

Rapha Technologies Limited:

• Provide access to its telemedicine platform, including toll-free call services, for Cope and Live’s mental health programs (upon establishment of Rapha Health).

• Offer technical support for developing digital training modules for the COLI Mental Health Academy.

• Collaborate on joint marketing efforts to promote partnership initiatives to clients and partners.

Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation:

• Deliver mental health education and psychosocial support to Raphatech’s clients and target populations.

• Facilitate access to custodial centers, schools, and communities for joint programs.

• Provide feedback on the effectiveness of telemedicine services in supporting mental health initiatives.

Conclusion

This partnership between Rapha Technologies Limited and Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation represents a transformative step toward integrating digital healthcare and mental health advocacy. By combining their respective strengths, both organizations are poised to deliver innovative, accessible, and sustainable solutions that address the pressing mental health needs of communities in Nigeria and beyond.

Mental health is a cornerstone of human well-being, influencing physical, emotional, and social functioning. For individuals within custodial environments—both correctional officers and inmates—maintaining mental, psychological, and emotional stability is critical to fostering a safe, rehabilitative, and productive system. Correctional officers bear the weight of significant responsibilities, managing complex and often high-stress environments that demand resilience, emotional intelligence, and professional acumen. Prolonged exposure to stressors such as environmental challenges, societal expectations, family pressures, and the emotional toll of their duties can undermine their mental health, potentially impacting their ability to perform effectively and uphold the principles of rehabilitation.

For inmates, the custodial setting can exacerbate pre-existing mental health challenges or trigger new ones. Factors such as isolation, stigma, loss of autonomy, and limited access to mental health resources often lead to negative coping mechanisms, including substance abuse, self-harm, or withdrawal. These behaviors not only hinder personal growth but also obstruct the rehabilitative goals of the correctional system. The need for psychosocial interventions in custodial centers is thus twofold: to empower correctional officers with tools to manage stress, transform anxieties into constructive action, and enhance their capacity to support inmates; and to promote mental, emotional, and social well-being among inmates, equipping them with skills to overcome negative self-talk, rebuild hope, and adopt healthier lifestyles.

Recognizing these needs, the Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation, in partnership with the Carmelite Prisoners’ Interest Organization Nigeria (CAPIO), initiated a comprehensive psychosocial engagement program targeting three custodial centers in Enugu State. This initiative aimed to foster mental health awareness, provide education, and implement practical strategies to enhance the well-being of both correctional staff and inmates, ultimately contributing to a more effective and humane correctional system.

Introduction

The psychosocial engagement program, conducted between January 21, 2025, and April 3, 2025, targeted three custodial centers in Enugu State: Nsukka Custodial Centre, Oji River Custodial Centre, and Enugu Maximum Custodial Centre. This collaborative effort between the Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation and CAPIO was designed to address critical mental health challenges within the custodial system through targeted interventions. The program was anchored on three key objectives:

• Supporting Correctional Officers’ Mental Health and Professional Capacity: Correctional officers operate in high-pressure environments characterized by environmental stressors, societal scrutiny, and emotional demands. These factors can compromise their mental health, leading to burnout, reduced empathy, or impaired decision-making, all of which affect inmate well-being and the correctional process. The intervention provided officers with mental health education, equipping them with strategies to maintain psychological, emotional, and social resilience. Officers were trained to recognize and manage various emotions—both their own and those of inmates—using professional approaches such as patience, empathy, and stress management techniques. This training aimed to enhance their productivity, strengthen their role in rehabilitation, and foster a supportive environment for inmates.

• Addressing Inmates’ Mental Health and Coping Mechanisms: Many inmates face mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, often as a means of escaping the harsh realities of incarceration. The intervention offered psychosocial support to help inmates address these issues, promoting healthier coping mechanisms and fostering mental and emotional resilience. Through workshops and counseling, inmates were encouraged to reframe negative emotions, build hope, and develop skills to navigate their challenges without resorting to harmful behaviors.

• Enhancing the Correctional System Through Rehabilitation: A robust correctional system prioritizes rehabilitation over mere containment, preparing inmates to reintegrate into society as reformed and responsible citizens. The psychosocial engagement equipped correctional officers with knowledge and techniques to facilitate effective rehabilitation, ensuring that inmates’ time in custody leads to meaningful change. By fostering a culture of mental health awareness, the program aimed to reduce recidivism and support inmates’ successful reintegration into society.

Program Implementation

The engagement program employed a multifaceted approach, including workshops, group discussions, one-on-one counseling sessions, and mental health awareness campaigns tailored to the unique needs of each custodial center. Topics covered included stress management, emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and the importance of self-care for correctional officers, as well as coping strategies, substance abuse prevention, and goal-setting for inmates. The program also facilitated open dialogues between officers and inmates to build trust and mutual understanding, creating a more collaborative and rehabilitative environment.

Conclusion

The psychosocial engagement program spearheaded by the Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation in partnership with the Carmelite Prisoners’ Interest Organization Nigeria (CAPIO) marks a transformative milestone in addressing the mental health needs of correctional officers and inmates across Enugu State’s custodial centers. By equipping officers with the knowledge and tools to navigate stress, foster emotional resilience, and approach their roles with empathy and professionalism, the initiative has fortified their capacity to drive meaningful rehabilitation. For inmates, the program has been a lifeline, offering critical support to overcome mental health challenges, replace destructive coping mechanisms with constructive strategies, and rekindle hope for a brighter future.

The ripple effects of this initiative extend far beyond the walls of Nsukka, Oji River, and Enugu Maximum Custodial Centres. By cultivating a culture of mental health awareness and education, the program has laid the foundation for a more humane, effective, and sustainable correctional system—one that prioritizes rehabilitation over punishment and empowers inmates to reintegrate into society as reformed, responsible citizens. This holistic approach not only reduces the risk of recidivism but also fosters safer communities, demonstrating that mental health is a cornerstone of social progress.

The success of this program serves as a powerful call to action. It underscores the urgent need for ongoing investment in mental health initiatives within custodial systems and highlights the transformative potential of collaborative partnerships. By championing the psychological and emotional well-being of all stakeholders, we can redefine the purpose of incarceration, turning custodial centers into spaces of healing, growth, and second chances. This initiative is a beacon of hope, illuminating a path toward a more just, compassionate, and inclusive society where every individual is empowered to thrive.

The CEOWORLD magazine article, published on January 13, 2025, ranks 197 countries based on stress levels across four categories: work-related stress, money-related stress, social and family-related stress, and health and safety-related stress.

• Nigeria’s Ranking: According to the 2025 CEOWORLD magazine survey, Nigeria ranks 180 out of 197 countries for stress levels. Countries reporting higher stress levels include Sierra Leone, Liberia, Somalia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Niger, Mozambique, Eritrea, Sudan, North Korea, Madagascar, Central African Republic, Yemen, Malawi, Syria, Afghanistan, South Sudan, and Burundi, with Burundi identified as the most stressed nation. In addition, related sources, such as a Statista report from 2023, indicate Nigeria is among the most stressed nations, with around 62% of respondents reporting stress the previous day.

Reasons for Nigeria’s High Depression and Stress Rates

Based on the CEOWORLD article, related sources, and general knowledge about Nigeria’s mental health landscape, the following factors contribute to Nigeria’s high depression and stress rates:

• Economic Instability and Poverty:

  • Nigeria faces significant economic challenges, with over 40% of the population living below the poverty line and a GDP per capita of approximately $2,000–$2,400.

  • High unemployment rates, especially among youth (over 50% in some regions), and rising inflation exacerbate financial stress, leading to feelings of hopelessness and depression.

  • The CEOWORLD article highlights money-related stress as a key factor in developing countries, directly applicable to Nigeria.

• Limited Mental Health Infrastructure:

  • Nigeria has a severe shortage of mental health professionals, with only about 250 psychiatrists for a population exceeding 200 million.

  • Mental health facilities are scarce, particularly in rural areas, and funding for mental health services is minimal (less than 1% of the health budget).

  • This lack of access prevents timely diagnosis and treatment of depression, worsening outcomes.

• Cultural Stigma and Misconceptions:

  • Mental health issues, including depression, are often stigmatized in Nigeria. Many attribute mental illness to spiritual or supernatural causes, discouraging individuals from seeking professional help.

  • The Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation addresses this stigma.

• Social and Family-Related Stress:

  • The CEOWORLD article notes social and family-related stress as a key metric. In Nigeria, societal pressures, such as expectations to provide financially for extended families, contribute to stress and depression.

  • Gender-based violence, child marriage, and other social issues disproportionately affect women and youth, increasing mental health risks.

• Health and Safety Concerns:

  • Nigeria faces security challenges, including insurgencies (e.g., Boko Haram), communal violence, and kidnapping, which create a pervasive sense of insecurity.

  • The CEOWORLD article links health and safety-related stress to developing countries, and Nigeria’s high crime rates and political instability amplify this.

  • Poor healthcare access and high disease burden (e.g., malaria, HIV/AIDS) further compound mental health challenges.

• Historical and Political Instability:

  • Decades of political instability, corruption, and weak governance have eroded trust in institutions, contributing to collective stress and despair.

  • The CEOWORLD article mentions political instability as a stressor in countries like Burundi, and Nigeria shares similar challenges.

• Urbanization and Lifestyle Pressures:

  • Rapid urbanization in cities like Lagos leads to overcrowded living conditions, long commutes, and work-life imbalance, contributing to stress.

  • The CEOWORLD article’s focus on work-related stress is relevant, as Nigeria’s informal economy often involves long hours with low pay.

Proposed Solutions

With an emphasis on improving holistic wellbeing, the Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation, using evidence-based mental health interventions, proposes the following solutions to address Nigeria’s high depression and stress rates. Solutions like Education, Awareness, Reducing stigma, Support, Community based Interventions, especially focusing on Youth and vulnerable populations have formed the bulk of our work and interventions since inception:

• Enhance Mental Health Infrastructure:

  • Increase Funding: Allocate a higher percentage of the national health budget (e.g., 5–10%) to mental health services, as recommended by the WHO.

  • Train Professionals: Expand training programs for psychiatrists, psychologists, and community health workers to address the shortage of mental health professionals.

  • Decentralize Services: Establish mental health clinics in rural and underserved areas to improve access.

• Reduce Stigma Through Education:

  • Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch nationwide campaigns, like those likely run by Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation, using media, schools, and religious institutions to educate about depression as a medical condition.

  • Community Engagement: Organize workshops and support groups to foster open discussions about mental health, reducing shame and encouraging help-seeking.

• Address Economic Stressors:

  • Job and Skill Creation: Implement youth employment programs and vocational training to reduce unemployment, a key driver of financial stress highlighted in the CEOWORLD article. The Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation skill acquisition centre champions this solution through its mushroom farming training among others.

  • Social Safety Nets: Expand microfinance programs and cash transfer schemes to alleviate poverty and provide financial stability for vulnerable populations.

  • Price Stabilization: Government policies to control inflation and stabilize food prices can reduce money-related stress.

• Improve Access to Mental Health Support:

  • Helplines and Telehealth: Scale up mental health helplines and telemedicine platforms, as offered by Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation and others, to provide remote counseling, especially in areas with no physical clinics.

  • Subsidized Care: Offer free or low-cost mental health services, including therapy and medications, to make treatment affordable.

  • Integration with Primary Care: Train primary healthcare workers to screen for and manage depression, integrating mental health into existing health systems.

• Promote Community-Based Interventions:

  • Support Groups: Establish peer-led support groups in communities to provide safe spaces for sharing experiences and coping strategies.

  • Psychoeducation: Educate families and caregivers about recognizing and supporting loved ones with depression, reducing social stigma and isolation.

• Address Safety and Security:

  • Strengthen Security: Improve policing and conflict resolution mechanisms to reduce violence and insecurity, addressing health and safety-related stress noted in the CEOWORLD article.

  • Trauma-Informed Care: Train mental health providers to offer trauma-focused therapies for individuals affected by violence or displacement.

• Leverage Technology and Innovation:

  • Mobile Apps: Develop mental health apps offering self-help tools, mindfulness exercises, and connections to counselors, tailored to Nigeria’s high mobile penetration rate.

  • Data-Driven Advocacy: Use data, like the CEOWORLD stress rankings, to advocate for policy changes and attract international funding for mental health programs.

• Policy and Advocacy:

  • Mental Health Legislation: The Mental Health Act 2021 which updated Nigeria’s outdated Lunacy Act of 1958 should be implemented and concerns raised addressed to protect rights and ensure care.

  • Partnerships: Collaborate with international organizations and local NGO’s to scale up interventions and share best practices.

• Focus on Youth and Vulnerable Groups:

  • School-Based Programs: Introduce mental health education in schools to teach coping skills and resilience to youth, who are at high risk for stress and depression.

  • Gender-Sensitive Interventions: Provide targeted support for women and girls facing gender-based violence or societal pressures, addressing social and family-related stress.

• Promote Work-Life Balance:

  • Workplace Policies: Encourage employers to adopt flexible hours or mental health days, reducing work-related stress as highlighted in the CEOWORLD article.

  • Stress Management Training: Offer workshops on mindfulness, time management, and stress reduction techniques in workplaces and communities. Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation offers this through our mental health academy - www.coliacademy.org

The Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation is a non-profit organization in Nigeria dedicated to:

• Raising awareness about mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and other disorders.

• Reducing stigma through education and community engagement.

• Providing support services, such as counseling, helplines, and psychological first aid.

• Advocating for improved mental health infrastructure and policies in Nigeria.

The foundation emphasizes Nigeria’s high depression rates, aligning with reports from organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), which estimate that over 7 million Nigerians suffer from depression. Since inception, the foundation’s mission involves addressing systemic barriers to mental health care and promoting accessible solutions.

The Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation, through her school - Coli Mental Health Academy, is pleased to announce the SPARK & HEAL Art Therapy BootCamp for Kids and Children. This transformative event, designed for about 30 children (male and female) aged 6–12, will take place from April 24 to April 26, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM daily at the Conference Room of the Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation Resource Centre.

The SPARK & HEAL Art Therapy BootCamp aims to foster innovation, emotional resilience, and self-reliance among participants. According to Reverend Chukwudiebube Nwachukwu, Executive Director of the Foundation, the program is carefully structured to enhance children’s emotional regulation, problem-solving abilities, and creative thinking while boosting their confidence and self-esteem. “This initiative will equip children with essential skills such as teamwork, strategic thinking, and decision-making, which are critical for their cognitive, affective, and psychomotor development,” Reverend Nwachukwu noted. “By addressing stress and anxiety, the program also seeks to mitigate negative peer influences and promote a spirit of independence.”

The three-day BootCamp is organized with our partners - Rangers International Football Club Foundation, Campus Technology Life Initiative (CTLI), and CAPIONG, within a time-efficient framework to maximize impact:

• Day 1: Explore and Express – Introduction to art therapy and painting emotions, helping children identify, understand, and manage various emotions.

• Day 2: Create and Connect – Group projects, storytelling, and artistic expression to foster collaboration and communication.

• Day 3: Reflect and Celebrate – Creation of personal masterpieces and a mini art show for parents to showcase the children’s achievements.

Reverend Nwachukwu emphasized that the program, expertly designed by the Coli Mental Health Academy team, is tailored to promote child mental health, brain health, and emotional well-being for optimal performance. All preparations are in place to ensure a seamless and impactful experience for participants.

For further inquiries or to register, please contact us or click the link: https://www.copeandlive.foundation/holiday-art-bootcamp#april

Coach Tar Akombo, Chief Coach of Lobi Stars Football Club, Makurdi, has commended the Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation and Coli Mental Health Academy for their successful psychosocial engagement with the club’s coaches, athletes, and support staff. The event, held at the conference room of Top Rank Galaxy Hotel, Independence Layout, Enugu, was described as highly impactful.

Coach Akombo emphasized the importance of regular psychosocial engagement to enhance the psychological, mental, emotional, and physical well-being of athletes and coaches, noting that technical and tactical training alone is insufficient. He expressed gratitude to the Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation and its partners for their support, insightful sessions, and commitment to promoting mental health awareness. He affirmed that the knowledge gained would significantly benefit all participants, including coaches, athletes, and backroom staff.

The engagement featured sessions led by Cope and Live psychotherapists, including "Self-Awareness" by Mrs. Uzoamaka Nwachukwu, "Anger Management" by Reverend Chukwudiebube Nwachukwu, and "Brain Health and Behaviors" by Coach Ebere Amaraizu.

Organized by the Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation in collaboration with the Rangers International Football Club Foundation, the initiative aimed to strengthen the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor abilities of participants, fostering improved performance and overall well-being.Suicide Prevention for the Elderly, Child and Adolescent.

Coach Ebere Amaraizu, Chairman of Rangers International Football Club Foundation, has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Coach Christian Chukwu, MFR, a revered legend of Rangers International Football Club of Enugu. Describing his death as a significant loss, Coach Amaraizu highlighted Chukwu’s exceptional qualities as a player, coach, and manager, which served as an inspiration for younger generations, players, and coaches alike.

Speaking in Enugu, Coach Amaraizu noted that while Chukwu’s time on earth has ended, his enduring values of discipline, integrity, and innovation will continue to inspire. “His remarkable standards, morals, and discipline unlocked his potential and established him as a transformative figure in football,” Amaraizu stated. “These qualities will remain a cornerstone of our efforts to motivate young minds.”

Through the Foundation’s InspireMe program, Chukwu’s legacy is already being shared with the next generation. During a recent initiative at Antelope House, children learned about his character, contributions, and transformative impact on the club. Moving forward, the Foundation is committed to perpetuating Chukwu’s values of hard work, dedication, and resilience through ongoing programs and partnerships with relevant stakeholders.

Coach Amaraizu emphasized that sustaining Chukwu’s legacy requires intentional efforts to reflect his principles in transformative initiatives. The Foundation pledges to honor his contributions by working with relevant partners like Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation and fostering these ideals for the benefit of future generations.

Coach Victor Okoh, Chairman of the Nigeria Football Coaches Association in Enugu State, has advocated for consistent psychosocial engagement to enhance the performance and well-being of coaches and athletes. Speaking at a recent event hosted at the Enugu State Football Association boardroom, Coach Okoh praised the free psychosocial training organized by Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation, COLI Mental Health Academy, and Rangers International Football Club Foundation. He emphasized the demanding nature of coaching, which requires strong psychological, mental, and emotional resilience, and expressed hope for regular sessions to support coaches’ well-being and productivity.

In his opening remarks, Reverend Chukwudiebube Nwachukwu, Executive Director of Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation, highlighted the complexities of coaching, including managing athletes and navigating organizational dynamics. He stressed that mental health knowledge equips coaches to address psychological and emotional challenges effectively, benefiting both themselves and their athletes.

Coach Ebere Amaraizu, Lead Consultant at Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation and Chairman of Rangers International Football Club Foundation, focused on brain health during his session. He noted that coaches face significant stressors—performance pressures, organizational challenges, and personal difficulties—that can impact mental well-being. Prioritizing brain health, he argued, is essential for overall wellness and effective talent development.

Mrs. Uzoamaka Nwachukwu, a psychotherapist and counselor with the Foundation, guided coaches through principles of self-awareness and techniques for managing their emotions and those of their athletes. The session included interactive group tasks and exercises to deepen coaches’ understanding of mental health and emotional regulation, fostering skills for optimal performance.

This collaborative initiative underscores the critical role of psychosocial support in empowering football coaches and athletes to achieve excellence.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a complex and often misunderstood mental health condition characterized by intense emotions, unstable self-image, impulsive behaviors, and a profound fear of abandonment. Individuals with BPD may experience emotions more intensely and for longer durations, making daily life feel overwhelming.

What BPD Feels Like

Living with BPD can involve:

• Rapid, intense mood swings that feel unpredictable.

• Black-and-white thinking, where people or situations are seen as all good or all bad.

• Impulsive actions, such as overspending, substance use, or self-harm, often followed by regret.

• Persistent feelings of emptiness or uncertainty about one’s identity.

• Turbulent relationships driven by emotional highs and lows.

These experiences can lead to shame and guilt, as many with BPD are aware of how their behaviors affect others. Unfortunately, stigma often labels them as “toxic” or “manipulative,” discouraging them from seeking help.

Breaking the Stigma

BPD is not a life sentence. With evidence-based treatments like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), individuals can learn to regulate emotions, build healthier relationships, and lead fulfilling lives. Recovery is achievable with the right support.

How to Support Someone with BPD

• Educate Yourself: Understanding BPD reduces judgment and fear.

• Show Compassion: Recognize that individuals are not defined by their symptoms.

• Encourage Treatment: Professional therapy and support can transform lives.

• Set Healthy Boundaries: Offer support while maintaining mutual respect and well-being.

BPD is a serious but manageable condition. If you or a loved one is struggling, seek professional help without hesitation. With care, commitment, and resources, individuals with BPD can thrive.

In recent years, mental health has gained significant attention, particularly among youth navigating the complexities of adolescence and early adulthood. These critical life stages, marked by identity exploration, emotional challenges, and uncertainty, expose young people to pressures such as academic demands, peer influence, and economic constraints. Left unaddressed, these stressors can compromise mental well-being and contribute to harmful behaviors, including substance abuse.

To tackle this pressing issue, a holistic, multi-faceted approach is essential. By integrating mental health education, accessible support systems, and innovative sports-based interventions, stakeholders can foster resilience and promote emotional well-being among youth.

The Connection Between Mental Health and Substance Abuse

Mental health and substance abuse are deeply intertwined. Young people facing emotional distress, trauma, anxiety, or depression may turn to drugs or alcohol as a temporary escape. However, this coping mechanism often worsens underlying symptoms, perpetuating a cycle of dependency and declining mental health. Effective prevention and recovery strategies must address both issues concurrently to achieve meaningful outcomes.

Building a Foundation for Prevention

1. Education and Awareness
   Equipping youth with age-appropriate knowledge about mental health is a cornerstone of prevention. Educational programs in schools and communities empower young people to recognize early signs of distress, understand the dangers of substance use, and seek help without fear of stigma.

2. Fostering Resilience
   Resilience-building initiatives teach youth to manage stress, regulate emotions, and develop problem-solving skills. Incorporating life skills training, emotional intelligence, and relationship-building into youth programs creates protective barriers against substance abuse.

3. Creating Supportive Environments
   Youth thrive in settings where they feel valued and understood. Parents, educators, community leaders, and mentors play a vital role in encouraging open dialogue and reducing stigma around mental health. Approachable support systems increase the likelihood that youth will seek assistance rather than turn to harmful substances.

The Power of Sports in Prevention and Recovery

Sports and physical activity are underutilized yet highly effective tools for addressing mental health challenges and preventing substance abuse. Structured sports programs provide a constructive outlet for stress, foster positive peer relationships, and instill discipline.

Key Benefits of Sports-Based Interventions:

• Enhanced Mood: Physical activity triggers endorphin release, naturally alleviating anxiety and depression.

• Positive Social Connections: Team sports promote collaboration, trust, and a sense of belonging.

• Structure and Purpose: Sports establish routines, goal-setting, and time management, reducing the risk of engaging in harmful behaviors.

• Healthy Identity Development: Participation in sports builds self-esteem, confidence, and a sense of accomplishment.

Community organizations, schools, and health institutions should prioritize inclusive sports programs as part of broader youth empowerment and wellness initiatives.

Early Intervention and Integrated Support

Timely intervention is critical to preventing and addressing substance abuse. Schools and youth centers must be equipped to identify signs of mental health challenges and substance use, with clear, accessible referral pathways to youth-friendly services. Peer education, mental health ambassadors, and mentorship programs can further encourage early help-seeking by normalizing conversations about mental well-being.

Holistic Recovery for Lasting Change

For youth struggling with substance addiction, recovery extends beyond detoxification. A whole-person approach addresses the emotional, psychological, and social factors driving substance use.

1. Therapeutic Interventions
   Evidence-based therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), help youth identify and modify harmful thought patterns and behaviors.

2. Robust Support Networks
   Family involvement, peer support groups, and professional counseling create a strong foundation for sustained recovery.

3. Complementary Healing Practices
   Incorporating yoga, mindfulness, nutritional guidance, and ongoing sports participation supports emotional regulation and long-term mental wellness.

Conclusion: A Unified Call to Action

Mental health and substance abuse among youth are urgent challenges requiring immediate, sustained action. By investing in mental health education, community-driven support systems, and innovative sports-based programs, we can engage young people in meaningful ways that promote resilience and well-being. Breaking the stigma around mental health, ensuring equitable access to resources, and fostering safe spaces for growth will empower youth and strengthen our communities.

At Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation, we are committed to supporting youth through free services, including mental health awareness campaigns, counseling, resilience-building workshops, and sports programs that encourage positive friendships and peer learning. For more information about our initiatives, please contact us.

Sincerely,

Abubakar Magaji Yabo (AMNIM)

Sarkin Yamman Yabo

Zonal Program Director, Northwest

Sokoto State Coordinator

Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation

Psychosocial training refers to the interplay between cognitive processes and an individual’s physical and social environment, fundamentally shaping the effectiveness of skill acquisition and application. Skill acquisition involves developing new abilities—traditional or unconventional—for personal or professional purposes. While everyone acquires skills throughout life, the critical question remains: does mastering a skill inherently lead to greatness?

In today’s world, many pursue multiple skills yet fail to achieve impactful outcomes, highlighting that a skill’s potential to foster greatness depends more on the individual than the skill itself. While skills provide a foundation, true excellence emerges from how one engages with them mentally, emotionally, and socially—making psychosocial training indispensable.

To understand this dynamic, three key elements warrant consideration: attitude, self-awareness, and personal development.

1. Attitude as a Driver of Success

An individual’s mindset profoundly influences their success across any skill. A diligent fashion designer, for instance, would likely excel as a CEO, while an undisciplined leader would falter regardless of their role—whether as a president or a bead maker. Consider a novice graphic designer missing deadlines; without a shift in approach, this challenge persists even at a senior level. Success hinges not on the skill, but on the attitude applied to it.

2. Self-Awareness as a Catalyst for Growth

Personal weaknesses often hinder a skill’s potential, underscoring the importance of self-awareness. Defined by Mrs. Uzoamaka Nwachukwu, Co-founder of Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation, self-awareness encompasses the 4 A’s:

• Awareness: Recognizing strengths and weaknesses.

• Acknowledgment: Identifying areas for improvement.

• Acceptance: Embracing flaws without self-criticism.

• Action: Taking deliberate steps to enhance strengths and address shortcomings.
  Without this introspective capacity, even highly skilled individuals may fall short of greatness.

3. Personal Development as a Refinement Process

Addressing weaknesses through personal development is essential for skill mastery. Like refining gold, this process removes impurities and elevates ability. A commitment to continuous growth ensures individuals thrive in any skill they pursue.

Conclusion

Psychosocial training is pivotal to skill acquisition, fostering self-awareness, personal development, and persistence—attributes critical to achieving greatness. Ultimately, greatness stems not merely from acquiring skills, but from how individuals engage with themselves and their environment throughout the journey. The focus shifts from which skill leads to success to how one chooses to grow with it.

Blessing Ifeoma Enendu is a Resource Centre manager and mental health advocate at Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation and COLI Academy. An alumni of University of Nigeria Nsukka, where she obtained B.Sc (Social Work). A seasoned graphic designer and CEO of DesignBie.

The Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation, in collaboration with Coli Mental Health Academy, launched a 6-week intensive mushroom farming training program for selected candidates on March 18, 2025, in Enugu. The program began with a 2-day psychosocial engagement and training session, designed to enhance participants' self-awareness, goal-setting, and decision-making skills, while introducing them to mushroom farming.

CURRICULUM

The training curriculum includes: Week 1 (2 days) - Mushroom Business and Psychosocial Awareness; Week 2 (2 days) - hands-on substrate formulation, pasteurization, and inoculation; Weeks 3-5 - follow-up activities; and Week 6 (1 day) - fruiting room experience and trainee evaluation. Starter packs will be provided to participants to kickstart their mushroom farming ventures, fostering economic empowerment and sustainable livelihoods.

AIM

Reverend Chukwudiebube Nwachukwu, Executive Director of Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation and COLI Mental Health Academy, emphasized that the initiative aims to empower vulnerable individuals, offering financial independence and positive pathways to become societal assets. The program targets at least 20 participants, both male and female, through a hybrid physical and virtual format.

FOCUS

Skill Acquisition Centre Manager Michael Osiagor highlighted the program's focus on redirecting vulnerable individuals from crime and disorder, integrating psychosocial engagement to unlock participants' potential and address past challenges through cognitive behavioral training.