Chapter 1: The Question of Care

"Do you not care about my mental health?" This question seems to be directed at various aspects of my life—my society, my environment, my financial situation, or perhaps even my family. However, whenever I voice this concern, it is often met with skepticism and murmurs of disbelief. "What sort of foreign nonsense is this?"

Reading The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi resonated deeply with me. I was particularly struck by the incident when Vivek was taken home from university due to concerns regarding his mental well-being. His aunt, believing she was being supportive, subjected him to a physical assault by a priest in a misguided attempt to expel supposed demons that plagued him.

In many cultures, mental health issues are often misconstrued as "demon possession." In households where discipline is enforced with harsh methods, this perspective seems to be as ingrained as our cultural practices. My mother would often question, "Why are you adopting the 'white man's disease'? Don't you pray?"

Indeed, I do pray, but even God recognized that solitude is not beneficial for humanity. The isolation in facing these struggles can be overwhelming.

How do I cope with the relentless thoughts that keep me awake at night? The profound sadness that remains unexplained? The anxiety stemming from uncertainty about the future? My mind isn't deceiving me; it is yearning for comprehension. Unfortunately, it is possible to feel utterly alone even when surrounded by loved ones.

I once attempted to articulate my experience—how it resembles quicksand; the more I struggle, the deeper I sink. Yet, I can anticipate the responses from family members who have faced their own hardships: "Young people today! Don't you see the food on your table? Why would you be sad? In our day, we walked miles and shared one shoe among ten siblings. What is this mental health talk?"

While I respect their experiences, including the trauma endured by our grandparents during civil conflicts, it doesn't diminish our own challenges.

And what of our peers? Everyone is grappling with unique issues. Lacking the proper resources to help someone who is mentally overwhelmed, we often resort to empty reassurances: "You'll be fine; you've got this." But in reality, I may not have it together, despite the good intentions behind those words.

Shouldn't there be greater awareness surrounding mental health? Shouldn't it be included in our educational systems? Shouldn't it be addressed within our religious institutions?

Referring to these struggles often feels like an excuse for my perceived inadequacies. In a world that expects us to secure a future worthy of pride, my mental health deteriorates. This isn’t merely a 'white man's disease'; it’s a collective burden that we must address.

Now, do I consider myself depressed? I don't believe so. Life presents relentless challenges, and at times I watch from a distance, wishing I could disengage. Perhaps I’m simply struggling financially! Yet, there are days when I long for someone who truly listens, rather than turning my pain into small talk.

It's not that I disregard my mental health; I simply lack the resources to prioritize it. Our culture emphasizes resilience—enduring hardships as they arise. This mentality is recognized even by our governments, which often test the limits of our endurance. Thus, I must brace myself and suppress my emotions, hoping my mind will follow suit—for all our sakes.

Maybe we all pretend to be okay because the world offers no alternative.

Chapter 2: The Search for Solutions

In the quest for understanding mental health, we can find valuable insights through various perspectives.

The first video, "5 Signs You're Not Taking Care of Your Mental Health," sheds light on common indicators that may suggest a need for greater self-care and awareness.

The second video, "How I Actually Take Care of My Mental Health as an Entrepreneur," offers a personal account of navigating mental health challenges while managing the demands of entrepreneurship.