Mental health is an aspect of health that can not be overlooked. The hustle and bustle of daily life, pressures from work, and societal expectations have a direct impact on mental health and to continue to strive, one needs to take care of their mental health. Recently, being a Nigerian living in Nigeria has been more difficult than usual, the cost of living and the struggle to make ends meet have intensified, and all these are taking a toll on the mental health. Without proper care, one might reach a stage of breakdown and this will have a direct impact on one’s life, family and loved ones — everyone will be affected. 

To prevent this from happening, here are three (3) effective strategies to promote mental health in your community.

1. Normalize Mental Health Conversations:

The first step in promoting mental health is to break the stigma surrounding it. Talk about mental health and encourage open discussions about mental health in any community you find yourself in, make it a comfortable topic for everyone to talk about. You can share personal experiences and struggles, and be a bit vulnerable, vulnerability often inspires others to do the same. When you normalize conversations about mental health, you create a supportive space for people (including you) to open up about their struggles and seek help and support without feeling judged. This sense of community helps in promoting positive mental health. 

2. Encourage Regular Physical Activity:

Physical activity has a profound impact on mental health. Engaging in regular exercise not only improves mood and reduces stress but also releases endorphins, which act as natural mood lifters.  You can encourage your family and friends to participate in physical activities such as walking, jogging, dancing, or playing sports together. Picture a vibrant park where friends and neighbours gather for a friendly game of football or take a leisurely walk together, sounds fun and relaxing right? It would be best if you gave it a try. 

3. Practice Mindfulness and Stress Reduction Techniques: 

With the different stressors, one faces every day, there is a need to dedicate some moments in one’s life to breathe… You can engage and organize mindfulness practices such as meditation and deep breathing exercises in your community. These techniques will help your community members manage stress effectively and enhance their overall mental well-being. There are many resources online including apps that you can explore to guide you on how to practice meditation and deep breathing. You can also consider partnering with mental health professionals to guide your community through mindfulness practices. 

Improving mental health in a community is a collective effort that requires compassion, understanding, and support from everyone. Remember, promoting mental health is not just about solving problems; it's about building a caring and empathetic environment where everyone feels valued and supported.

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This article is for educational purposes and not intended to be used as an alternative for treatment. If you have mental health issues that bother you, kindly talk to a mental health professional as soon as possible.