Bosede Oyelakin: Mental health! We all need to talk about it
My journey into the world of mental health is a deeply personal one, filled with experiences that have shaped my passion for helping others navigate the complexities of their own mind.
In 2017, just six months after giving birth to my first child, I found myself plunged into the depths of postpartum depression. It was a bewildering and challenging time in my life, It was hard to love my child. I even contemplated suicide, I knew I needed help. Seeking help during this ordeal was a turning point in my life and it set me on this adventurous path. This experience made me realize the universality of mental health conditions and challenges. Anyone, regardless of their background or knowledge, can find themselves struggling with their mental wellbeing.
I struggled as an adolescent, being bullied in school and battling with identity crises. I had dreams of being an accountant but by an unexpected turn, I ended up in the Faculty of Education at the university. Guidance and Counselling were not in my plans but here I was, and soon enough I realized the course I was studying resonated with my childhood experiences. Having to learn about things like adolescent development, child growth and development, etc. made me begin to think about other people who may be struggling like I did.
Soon after graduating, I started working as a school counsellor. I had an encounter with a child with a mental health condition. This was the time to channel what I had been through and learnt to help this situation, but I couldn't help. This moment left a lasting impact on me and sparked a renewed dedication to mental health.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in four people faces mental health challenges, highlighting the pervasive nature of these issues. I didn't see my inability to help the child as a failure, it was just a crucial learning experience for me, reminding me of the need to upgrade my skills and knowledge in the field. It was a wake-up call.
From here, my journey began. I chose to focus on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in my journey into mental health therapy. CBT focuses on the role of thoughts in influencing decisions and life outcomes. This resonated deeply with me. I was particularly drawn to helping people cope with trauma stemming from adverse childhood experiences. I took courses, networked with professionals in the field, and kept myself updated with research to be equipped with the knowledge and skills required to truly make a difference in people's lives.
Bringing it to the family, the knowledge of parents towards their children's mental health in Nigeria is evolving, albeit slowly. Older generations have been influenced by traditional parenting methods where they believe and hope things will take shape in a child's life all by themselves. A child's well-being is mostly at the mercy of neighbors, peers, school teachers, etc. While some aspects of this method are lauded and beneficial, but it has its flaws. Today, however, there is growing awareness and a gradual shift towards recognizing the importance of children's mental health. Yet, there is still much work to be done in raising awareness and providing the necessary support for children's mental well-being.
As much as parents are crucial in this, teachers need to learn how to help children with their feelings and mental health. The school’s ethics and the people who own the schools also matter. Teachers must be trained to know when a child might be having a hard time, and how to help. When a child feels good in their mind, they do better in school.
In many ways, I have remained committed to educating people and advocating for mental health. I've seen the positive impact it can have, not just on individuals, but also on communities.
