Download a copy of the Free E-Book 6 Quick Ways to Cultivate Mental Strength

We are so happy to share with you this new resource from Moses Ida Michaels and our founder Oyinda Fakeye 6 Quick Ways to Cultivate Mental Strength. The book touches on a variety of techniques aimed at promoting positive mental health and encouraging emotional wellbeing through tools and theories which cover mindfulness, mindset, behaviour and mood.

Six Way's Exercise Can Boost Your Mental Well-Being

The mental health promoting benefits of exercise in this month's copy of Lost in Lagos (page 26-27).

Read the full article here: Lost in Lagos 

Safe Place Mental Health Support Group Hits Abuja!

The maiden edition of #SafePlace Abuja holds this Sunday 21st May, 2017with guest facilitator Samira Sanusi

"providing the ladies in Abuja a place they can talk without shame or fear of stigma. They never have to walk alone." Hauwa Ojeifor (founder She Writes Woman)

The Lagos event will take place simultaneously and will feature as guest facilitator pfschiatrist Dr Naya Ndupu.

Sign up link for both locations (Lagos & Abuja) is: www.SheWritesWoman.org/safe-place

End note: Exact address will be delivered to your inbox after registration. If you would like to attend with with a guest the will need to also be registered. We value confidentiality, Safe Place is indeed SAFE. She Writes Woman

Simple Techniques to Leading a Positive Life Through Mindfulness

Studies have shown that most people are either thinking about past events or planning for the future and this thought process can account for up to 45% of all our day to day thoughts. How crazy is it that almost 50% of of our lives are spent outside of the moment. Maybe its why we have come to love the Snapchat and Instagrams' of the world, as we can revisit the moments we mentally weren't being present in?

A great way to cultivate an emotionally and mentally healthy lifestyle is through the practice of Mindfulness. Mindfulness is a state of active, open attention on the present. Involving the observation of ones' thoughts and feelings from a distance, without judging them good or bad. Living mindfully means to live in the moment, fully aware of the present experience.

Mindfulness does not require you to make a total life overhaul, we can all benefit from slowing down and truly being aware of our current experiences. Just small changes here and there can bring about greater positivity and peace of mind. Those of us (myself included) who are prone to anxiety, stress or depression about an uncertain future or a longing for the past can set ourselves the daily task of being more mindful and see the benefits begin to manifest.

If you are a complete beginner in the school of Mindfulness, Leo Babauta of  Zen Habits, has broken down 12 mindful techniques into practical applicable steps below:

1. Meditation. Meditation is where mindful living starts. And it’s not complicated: you can sit still for even just 1 minute a day to start with (work up to 3-5 minutes after a week), and turn your attention to your body and then your breath. Notice when your thoughts wander from your breath, and gently return to the breath. Repeat until the minute is up.

Sound Mind Africa World Mental Health Day Campaign 2014

World Mental Health Day is the annual global celebration of mental health education, awareness and advocacy, taking place on the 10^th October 2014.

In order to help spread the mental health message, Sound Mind Africa are staging an interdisciplinary campaign to engage the general public through a variety of interventions taking place online and within Lagos.  Founder Oyindamola Fakeye describes the basis of this initiative as “An opportunity to provide a synergistic delivery of this important issue.”

1. #uberlagosMHD
2. #BrainFoodMHD
3. #MotivatedMHD
4. #RetailtherapyMHD
5. #Eden MHD
6. #HealthyspacesMHD

7. #YogaPicnicMHD

#luvmeandmyMHD

#ifactoryngMHD
8. #DanceMHD

Depression and the Loss of Robin Williams

I was so sad to hear about the suicide and battle with depression and it moved me to action. Having battled with depression for many years I know what its like to face this terrible disease head on. I have been saddened by a lot of the negative reactions to his death as though I am against self harm and suicide but I also can empathise with those who feel " mentally lost". There are multiple treatment methods for depression and associated disorders and I hope to highlight some of them here especially in relation to modern practices in Africa.

 I think it's important to state that anyone can go through depression and there are people around us who suffer in silence, we must be able to provide an environment that offers up a safe place to express the vulnerability they feel in relation to their situation.  

If you or anyone you know are battling with mental health issues, encourage them to seek professional help. There is nothing wrong with seeing a qualified psychologist, psychiatrist and/or counsellor, I believe that even the most "well adjusted" of us can benefit at some time in our lives from seeking help.

If you are in need of further information contact: soundmindafrica@gmail.com

Please check in here regularly for updates.

 #riprobinwilliams