Mental health advocate and author, Amira Sadiq Abdullahi, has called on Nigerians to give greater attention to their mental well-being, stressing that caring for one’s mental health is just as important as maintaining physical health.
Speaking in an interview with S24 Correspondent, Amira said many people often neglect their emotional and psychological well-being until they are overwhelmed by stress, anxiety or depression, a situation she believes can be prevented through awareness, education and timely support.
According to her, mental health affects every aspect of a person’s life, including relationships, productivity, decision-making and overall quality of life. She noted that maintaining good mental health enables individuals to cope with life’s challenges, build resilience and contribute meaningfully to society.
“Mental health matters because it influences how we think, feel and act. Everyone should take care of his or her mental health just as they would take care of their physical health. There is no shame in seeking help when it is needed,” she said.
Amira explained that despite increasing awareness globally, mental health rem ains surrounded by stigma in many communities, preventing many people from speaking openly about their struggles or seeking professional assistance.
She urged families, schools, religious institutions and workplaces to create supportive environments where people can discuss mental health issues without fear of discrimination or judgment.
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The mental health expert also highlighted practical ways individuals can protect their mental well-being, including maintaining healthy relationships, getting adequate sleep, engaging in regular physical activity, managing stress effectively, taking breaks from work, and seeking professional counselling whenever necessary.
Speaking on what inspired her to write and publish her book, Amira revealed that her motivation came from witnessing the silent emotional struggles experienced by many people around her.
She said the publication was born out of a desire to educate the public, break the stigma surrounding mental illness and provide practical guidance for individuals seeking to understand and improve their mental well-being.
According to her, many people suffer in silence because they fear being misunderstood or labelled, making public education on mental health more important than ever.
“My decision to author this book was driven by the need to create awareness and encourage conversations about mental health. I wanted people to understand that it is okay not to be okay and that help is available. The book is meant to educate, inspire hope and remind readers that they are not alone,” she explained.
She added that the publication also seeks to challenge common misconceptions surrounding mental illness while encouraging compassion, empathy and early intervention.
Amira stressed that conversations about mental health should become a normal part of everyday life rather than a taboo subject.
She noted that raising awareness would encourage more people to seek help early, reducing the burden of untreated mental health conditions and improving overall well-being within communities.
She further called on policymakers, healthcare providers and community leaders to invest more in mental health services, public awareness campaigns and accessible psychological support.
According to her, improving access to mental healthcare is essential for building healthier families and more productive societies.
The importance of mental health has received increasing global attention in recent years. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is a fundamental component of overall health and well-being, enabling people to cope with life’s stresses, realise their abilities, learn effectively, work productively and contribute to their communities.
Experts also warn that untreated mental health conditions can affect education, employment, family relationships and economic productivity, underscoring the need for early intervention and sustained public awareness.
Amira concluded by encouraging everyone to check on family members, friends and colleagues regularly, reminding them that simple acts of kindness, listening without judgment and offering support can make a significant difference in someone’s life.
“Mental health is everyone’s responsibility. Let us continue to create awareness, show empathy and encourage those who are struggling to seek help. Together, we can build a healthier and more compassionate society,” she said.
