Sound Mind Africa'There is Hope There is Help' message for Suicide Prevention Day 2016

I was saddened to hear of two suicides in the same day here in Lagos. Both men, both dealing with a sense of hopelessness both determined to end their lives. Unfortunately countless women and men are turning to suicide as an answer to their problems.

I do not know these men nor do I know how long they battled with their decision to give up on life, but I do understand that we are going through a season of troubled times and for some, life's burdens can seem unbearable.

The truth is that nothing lasts forever. Situations change, feelings evolve and often with time comes the answer to our troubles. My hope is to do what is in my power to steer anyone in a similar situation towards help. As such feel free to share the details of organisations ( I can vouch for)and help me to build up a more comprehensive guide by emailing me at soundmindafrica@gmail.com

Self Help Resources:

1. Shadow's in The Mirror by Dr Vivian Ikem
Online Purchase:
Konga

Retailers:
Quintessence Park View Lagos Nigeria

OBGLR D16 Eko Court, Kofo Abayomi, Lagos Nigeria

2. Dream Chaser... The power of Purpose and Self esteem
E-course: CourseCraft

3. Depression Test
Free online Test: Do I have Depression?

Helpline:

She Writes Woman Helpline: +234 8174913329

Mental health Professionals:

1. Dr Ayomide Adebayo
docayomide.com

2. Dr Maymuna Kadiri
Pinnacle Medical Services
08099731259; 08033043863
5, Gbangbala Street Off Oba Elegushi Street, Ikate, Lekki Pennisula, Lagos Nigeria


I will endeavor to update this list regularly:

If you or anyone you know have any other recommendations please do email me at soundmindafrica@gmail.com and I will update the list upon confirming the merit of each organisation.

FREE Dreamchaser Course

Our mission as an organisation is to build and encourage others and we've designed a free Dream Chaser E-Course to help do just that.

Each section is emailed out to you daily, combining a daily focus, affirmation and call to action. You are free to work at your own pace and we are available if you have any questions or need someone to talk over your goals with.

For more info or to sign up click here: Dream Chaser E-Course

Free Meditation Class as part of the Find Your Lagos Festival

4 Steps to Happiness by Brian Tracy

When unexpected problems and circumstances arise, what matters most is how you react to them.

Here's four things you can do to assure that your attitude is the very best it can be, under all circumstances.

Focus On the Future

First, whatever challenges you face, focus on the future rather than on the past. Instead of worrying about who did what and who's to blame, focus on where you want to be and what you want to do.

Get a clear mental image of your ideal successful future, and then take whatever action you can to begin moving in that direction. Get your mind, your thoughts, and your mental images on the future.

Think About the Solution

Second, whenever you're faced with a difficulty, focus on the solution rather than on the problem. Think and talk about the ideal solution to the obstacle or setback, rather than wasting time rehashing the problem. Solutions are inherently positive, whereas problems are inherently negative. The instant that you begin thinking in terms of solutions, you become positive and immediately take action on resolving the issue.

Look For the Good

The perfect breakfast for people with depression

Culled from:  http://qz.com/734307/the-perfect-breakfast-for-people-with-depression/

Antidepressants and therapy, while both effective, are not the only means available to combat depression. Exercise has been described as a “wonder drug” for reducing symptoms, walking in nature reduces negative thoughts, and meditation can have a powerful positive effect.

But there’s another, often overlooked, way to help reduce depression: Food.

Our brain relies on nutrients to work effectively and studies have found that Omega-3, amino acids, B vitamins, Vitamin D, and minerals like zinc, magnesium and iron help create strong mental health. The Mediterranean diet, with its abundance of olive oil and leafy vegetables, contains many of these nutrients. One study of more than 15,000 people over 10 years found that those who followed the Mediterranean diet had a lower risk of depression.

Growing Like a Chinese Bamboo Tree

This year like last, I chose to have a word define my year; that word was 'Growth'. 

Very much inspired by the story of the Chinese Bamboo Tree, when ever I find myself getting off path I like to re-read the story. I constantly remind myself that even when it looks like nothing is happening I am growing and one day I will wake up and things will have changed.

Oyindamola Fakeye

Founder Sound Mind Africa

How Does A Chinese Bamboo Tree Grow?

Free Mid Year Motivation Resources

We are just about to hit our 6 month mark as June comes to an end, so what better time to review how you are progressing and reevaluate some of the goals you set for yourself  at the beginning of the year?

If you are feeling slightly underwhelmed by your progress and need a little bit of a push in the right direction, or  if like some of us life has taken you on a different path than you had imagined, then take this opportunity to sign up for our FREE Dream Chaser course.

The course is emailed to you daily and you are free to work at your own pace. You can work with your already defined goals or use this time to introduce new goals, using simple exercises and affirmations to direct you.

Feeling like one has lost control/ direction of one's life has often been linked to mental health issues such as Stress, Anxiety, Depression, OCD and Eating Disorders. We first ran this course last year and had a really good response which led to to the re-release. Lets make the second half of the year much more intentional and regain control over our lives.

More information and sign up form here: Dream Chaser