By Ayo Onikoyi

In a society where mental health struggles are often hidden behind closed doors or brushed aside due to stigma, one woman is making it her mission to break the silence and raise awareness about the importance of mental health in Nigeria.

Osaye Igbinigie, a passionate mental health advocate, has taken on the responsibility of speaking out and educating the public about the realities of mental health challenges, especially depression.

Through her personal journey and her advocacy work, she is helping people realize that mental health is just as important as physical health and that speaking out can be a step towards recovery.

Osaye’s passion for mental health advocacy is not just based on statistics or research; it’s born from personal experience. In a heartfelt conversation during a recent interview, Osaye shared how she personally battled depression in silence. She vividly recalls the overwhelming loneliness that accompanied her struggle, not knowing that others around her were going through similar challenges. “I realized that people are not talking about this enough,” she explains. “I thought I was alone, and I didn’t know that there were others in my space who were experiencing the same thing. The awareness that you are not alone goes a long way in recovery.”

Her journey through depression was long and painful, lasting four years before she was able to regain her confidence and mental strength. But what made it even more challenging was the lack of understanding and support she faced. Her attempts to talk to others were often met with dismissiveness. “As young as you are, you’re not supposed to be feeling this way,” she recalls hearing. It wasn’t until she sought professional help that Osaye began to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Osaye’s advocacy work is not just about sharing her story but also about changing the narrative around mental health in Nigeria. She points out the stigma that surrounds mental health issues, which often prevents people from seeking help. In Nigeria, mental health struggles are still misunderstood, with many people equating mental health issues to personal weakness. “If you have someone with a broken bone, people acknowledge that the person is sick, but if someone is struggling with a mental issue, the response is often dismissive,” Osaye explains. “They say, ‘It’s all in your head,’ or, ‘You’ll be fine.’ This trivializes the real pain that people are experiencing.”

Osaye is determined to challenge this mindset. Through her advocacy, she strives to create a safe space where people can talk openly about their mental health struggles without fear of judgment. She emphasizes the importance of providing support and understanding to those dealing with depression and other mental health challenges. “You have a right to feel the way you feel,” she says. “Acknowledging someone’s feelings is the first step in offering help.”

Osaye’s approach to mental health advocacy is grounded in empathy and education. She believes that awareness is key to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, and she advocates for a gradual, yet impactful, shift in societal attitudes. “It’s one mindset at a time,” she explains. “You tell someone, and they tell someone else. The more we talk about mental health, the more people will understand it and seek the help they need.”

In her efforts to raise awareness, Osaye has collaborated with organizations like Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative, a nonprofit organization dedicated to mental health advocacy in Nigeria. Through these partnerships, she has been able to reach a wider audience and help those who might not have access to mental health resources. By leveraging social media platforms and public speaking engagements, Osaye is actively working to make mental health a mainstream conversation in Nigeria.

As part of her advocacy work, Osaye is also calling for better mental health support systems in Nigeria. While mental health organizations are beginning to gain more visibility, there is still much work to be done. Access to mental health care remains limited, especially in rural areas, and the stigma surrounding mental illness often prevents people from reaching out for help. Osaye urges Nigerians to be more open-minded and receptive to mental health issues, emphasizing that professional help is crucial for those who are struggling.

“There are people and organizations out there that can help,” she insists. “Depression is a very common mood disorder. You are not alone, and you are not beyond help.”

Osaye Igbinigie’s journey as a mental health advocate is just beginning. With her continued efforts, she is not only helping to de-stigmatize mental health issues but also providing hope to countless Nigerians who may feel trapped in their own struggles. Her work is a reminder that we all have a role to play in creating a supportive environment for those battling mental health challenges. It’s a movement built on empathy, awareness, and a shared commitment to bettering mental health in Nigeria.

As Osaye continues to raise her voice, one person at a time, it’s clear that her advocacy is making a profound impact. She remains a beacon of hope for those struggling with depression and mental illness, proving that recovery is possible and that no one has to face their challenges alone.