The Opposite of Addiction is Connection

Two 

Two things I've come to understand about addiction are the desire to not be present in ones life either due to circumstance (environment/ past experience) or not having enough meaningful connections.

You see happiness does comes from within but also comes from outside, experiences and relationships, therefore it is not always enough to push the self love message when dealing with avoidance behaviour. When helping addicts, its important to encourage positive relationships as part of the healing process and utilise compassion as a route to recovery.

If you are looking for a therapist in your area check out Better Help for more information:
https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/therapy/how-do-i-find-a-therapist-near-me/

The Information Age and the Stress Epidemic

Over time we have become increasingly exposed to more and more sources of information dissemination and at 1000/second we have access to billions of pages of resources. We are forced to deal with a barrage of often times unnecessary information for our minds to process.  It is no wonder there are more and more retreats popping up where cell phones and other computerised devices are banned.

We asked Seye Kuyinu a Web /Software Developer, writer and mindfulness advocate if we could share some of his tips for coping under the barrage of information.

What works for me(and should work for you)?

1. The Zero email policy. This is the zen of my computer life! First, I check my emails at intervals that are set in my calendar. I make sure my inbox count is 0 at the end of each interval. The 4 D’s for achieving inbox zero are:

• Delete when you’ve read it and doesn’t need any action

• Delegate if it would take you more than two minutes to attend to and there’s someone you can delegate to.

• Do-it if it would take less than 2 minutes.

Common Anti-Depressant Drugs

      

      The below information is an introduction to some of the commonly prescribed antidepressants (not by brand name).When treating mental illness such as clinical depression there may be a need for prescribed medication, for further information about specific medication please speak to your doctor or health provider.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are one of the most common used antidepressants on the market. Serotonin levels are believed to effect mood, by reducing the reuptake of serotonin by neurotransmitters in the brain, SSRIs work to facilitate an increased serotonin level. It is believed that by maintaining the increased levels of serotonin in the brain SSRIs can lead users to experience an elevation in their mood and therefore a reduction in their symptoms.

Cultivating Confidence for Creatives

Date: Friday 2nd March 2018
Time: 1pm
Location: Landmark Centre, Water Corporation, Lagos

Research studies have revealed that creative professions are prone to depression and various other mental conditions at a higher rate than the general population. The purpose of this talk is share how to deal with the highs and lows of being a creative professional and how to cultivate confidence in your career and work. 

Eating for a Healthy Mind: The Role of B Vitamins on Your Mental Health

Vitamin Bis a name given to a complex range of compounds, some of which have similar functions and work together within the body. Unlike other vitamins, B vitamins vary in such a way that they are individually named and listed in foods. The majourity of B vitamins are water soluable so only limited amounts are stored in the body.

The diet plays an important role in the health of not only your body but also your mind. We will focus this article on the specific benefits of the B vitamins to mental wellbeing and over all health, featuring a list of B vitamins with their roles and functions and associated cognitive disorders

Happy New Year Chase Your Dreams

Happy New Year to all our readers, we are so happy to have seen in 2018 and having started a gratitude practice early last year, will be spending the first few days focussed on all the wonderful things that happened in 2017.We have also found time to work on our 2018 goals and will be focussed on growing our in-house resources to better serve our users and readers much better.

We do hope you have been able to get clear on your goals for the year and set some long term goals in order to lead your life with intent. If you feel that you will need a little help in realising or creating some specific, measurable, attainable and time sensitive goals then do sign up for a our free e-course, which focusses on building purpose and self esteem in to the realisation of goals.

In "Dream Chaser... The Power of Purpose of Self Esteem" you will receive a daily email over the course of seven days which will require less on average 15 minutes to complete, which will feature a short text exploring the daily topic, affirmations and daily exercise.

To register for free sign up here: Dream Chaser Sign Up

Wishing you an intentional purpose filled 2018

Love

Sound Mind Africa 💙

A Recap on the Art as Therapy Discussion Held in Lagos by the Organisation 16/16

16/16 hosted a panel discussion between artists and mental health and wellbeing professionals in the quest to discern the positive mental health benefits of art therapy. These are some highlights. This was the first event in a series of workshops, exhibitions and creative interactions that will revolve around the issue of mental health, with a strong focus on the Nigerian situation. Panelists: Stacey Okparavero- visual, spoken word and performance artist whose works focus on release of emotions and feelings Aàdesokan- abstract artist whose works deal with how the mind is constantly evading itself Dr. Ulrike Schmueser- a highly experienced psychologist currently residing in Lagos, Nigeria Oyinda Fakeye- Founder, Sound Mind Africa, an organisation concerned with the distribution of information and advice relating to mental and emotional wellbeing in Nigeria. Gina Amama- host of ARISE 360 and the mediator of the panel A live painting session by both participating artists followed the panel discussion.