Ayomide is a 45-year-old man living in Nigeria who was recently diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The symptoms began when he was kidnapped for two days while travelling in a public transport vehicle. The time he spent in captivity was some of the most devastating hours of his life. He has become hypervigilant and is now scared of public transportation. The anxiety and PTSD has significantly negatively impacted his quality of life and he struggles to interact with strangers.
Emeka is a 45-year-old man living in the United Kingdom who has been living with PTSD for a year now. His symptoms started after experiencing a knife fight during a break-in at his house. He was injured and was bedridden for some days. He no longer feels safe and is constantly watching over his shoulder. He feels miserable and has lost his natural joy for life, as well as trust in human beings.
Ebelechukwu and Adaora are in different countries but they both slept late last night after doomscrolling to relieve the stress of the day. The rising costs of living has made work stressful and the few minutes at home are often spent seeking pleasure to take their minds off the work stress.
Khaleed and Caleb are of different religions, but they share the similar experience of climate anxiety as climate change worsens. As temperature rises in Nigeria, heat has become a major problem alongside water scarcity. In other countries, there are fluctuating temperatures, blizzards and heat waves. All these has worsened the quality of life of people in Nigeria and across the globe.
Discussion
According to the World Health Organization, mental illnesses are one of the leading causes of global health burden and disability. Suicide has remained a poignant and persistently negative outcome of mental health challenges – especially depression. WHO reports that the achievement of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of a one-third reduction in suicide rates by 2030 still extremely falls short.Depression and anxiety, the most common forms of mental illnesses, cost the global economy an estimated US$ 1 trillion each year.
Wars, forced migration, and communal violence, unemployment, precarious work, rising living costs, excessive social media use, natural disasters and displacement have increased the rates of mental health challenges. With these alarming challenges globally, individuals still bear the burden of these challenges. Their realities must not be ignored, and it is important to spotlight lived experiences and Individual realities in conversations around mental health.
Despite the extremely high burden of mental health challenges in Nigeria and the world at large, policy solutions, community-based interventions, and individual strategies can address this challenge. Asido Foundation’s 3rd International Mental Health Conference and 6th Jemila Abubakar Memorial Essay Competition Award Ceremony seeks to sustain efforts in this regard.
Collaboration, Inclusion, and Community: The Solutions to Mental Health Challenges in Nigeria and Globally
Asido Foundation’s 3rd International Mental Health Conference and 6th Jemila Abubakar Memorial Essay Competition Award Ceremony started on Wednesday, 25th February, 2026, and continues on Thursday, 26th February.
The opening ceremony had key stakeholders and dignitaries like the Commissioner for Health, Oyo State, Dr Oluwaserimi Adewumi Ajetumobi; Dr. Olatunji Muideen, Executive Secretary, Oyo State Primary Health Care Board; Miss Olamide Tejuoso, Communication Officer, SADI Nigeria Representing Hon. Seyi Adisa; Alh. Mohammed Sani Abubakar; Ms. Tutu Abubakar; Dr Victor Makanjuola, Consultant Psychiatrist and Patron, Asido Foundation; Prof. Eme Owoaje, Patron, Asido Foundation, and many others.
Investiture ceremony of key individuals who have constantly contributed to mental health and sustainable development as ambassadors was also done. These prestigious individuals include Alhaji Akinola Tukur, Deputy General Manager LASAA; Mrs Catherine Motunrayo Ige, Head of School, Ibadan International School; Dr. Azim Kunle Ashimi, Former Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Ogun State Branch; and Dr. Helen Chatburn-Ojehomon, Deputy Head, Ibadan International School.
On Thursday, 26th February 2026, Prof Eion Killackey from Orygen Australia, a leading mental health organisation in Australia will be leading the plenary session on “Designing Youth-Centred, Function-Focused Care”.
This gathering of key stakeholders, professionals, students, and the general public also includes visual arts exhibitions, poster and oral presentations from young researchers. This conference has spotlighted diverse individual realities and experiences of mental health.
Conclusion
In a fragmented world like ours, we must remember that mental health is the thread that determines whether we unravel or rebuild together. It is crucial that we choose to build collectively and emphasize collective healing. We all have a role to play. It is not a task for mental health professionals alone to shoulder. NO. Everyone, yes, even you, has a role to play. We must push back against shame and stigma, display empathy and encourage help seeking behaviours. We need to support organizations such as the Asido Foundation in promoting positive mental health awareness in our society. YES, WE CAN
