OVERVIEW

Adolescence is a critical and formative period in which individuals begin their transition from childhood to adulthood. Transitioning for adolescents has to do with all facets of life including mental health and well-being. Holistic support for adolescents is critical for fostering this transition and laying the foundation for a healthy and productive adulthood. 

The Unicef reported that one in seven adolescents experience mental disorders. (This amounts to an estimated 166 million adolescents .89 million boys and 77 million girls) globally. Yet this remains largely unrecognised and untreated.

Adolescents are exposed to many factors that affects their mental health such as peer pressure, media influence,  Violence (especially sexual violence and bullying), harsh parenting and severe socioeconomic problems. Some adolescents are at greater risk of mental health conditions due to their living conditions, stigma, discrimination or exclusion, or lack of access to quality support and services

Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in older adolescents (15–19 years). Risk factors such as harmful use of alcohol, abuse in childhood, stigma against seeking help, barriers to accessing care and access to means of suicide contribute to the high rate of suicide in adolescents. 

Despite increased recognition globally of the importance of mental health, in Nigeria, there is still a lack of Mental health promotion and prevention interventions aimed at strengthening an adolescent's capacity to regulate emotions, enhance alternatives to risk-taking behaviours, build resilience for managing difficult situations and adversity, and to promote supportive social environments and social networks. 

Mental health problems in youth often go hand-in-hand with other health and behavioural risks like increased risk of drug use, experiencing violence, and higher risk sexual behaviours that can lead to HIV, STDs, and unintended pregnancy.

Because many health behaviours and habits that will be carried over into adult years are established in adolescence, it is very important to help adolescents and youths develop good mental health.

OUR SOLUTION

As a means of mental health promotion, self-harm, and suicide prevention, the Blaze Health Foundation is implementing a mental health promotion and prevention project; A mental health awareness campaign (MHAC) for schools in Lagos state. 

The project aims to promote positive mental health and reduce the impact of mental illnesses, self-harm and other health risk behaviours as well as provide a safe space for adolescents.

The MHAC project employs three key approaches to support students:

1. Teachers workshops: We conduct workshops for teachers, equipping them with essential knowledge and skills to recognize behavioural changes in adolescents and offer effective support. The primary aim of these workshops is to foster a positive and nurturing school environment where mental health is prioritized. So far, we have successfully organized workshops in five schools across Lagos, engaging a total of 101 teachers 

2. Mental health education sessions: The educational activities focus on breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health. Students are provided with clear insights while encouraging them to seek help without fear of judgment. This approach aims to establish open communication around mental health and foster acceptance of mental well-being.

3. Counselling Activities: During the counselling activities we use journaling, art, and music therapy as tools to provide students with a safe space for self-expression and healing. The activities provide a secure space for students to express themselves, fostering therapeutic experiences that guide them toward resilience and self-discovery.

So far, we have worked with five schools, reaching 101 teachers and 517 students.

Through these concerted efforts, we aim to reach at least 3000 adolescents in Lagos state. 

Beyond statistics, our focus is on the individual lives we touch, the transformations we catalyze, and the hope we instil.