By Kemi Akintokun
The Funmi Babington-Ashaye Foundation on Saturday organised a walkathon to sensitise the public on recognising and preventing depression and anxiety disorder,thereby enhancing emotional well-being.
Speaking at the event, Dr Chris Abojei, a Psychologist and Wellness Strategist, who delivered a lecture virtually on resilience and mental wellness, emphasised the need for early recognition of stress factors before they escalate.
Abojei explained that stress was an inevitable part of life that could become harmful when it lingered, adding that prolonged stress could gradually weaken the body’s ability to function properly.
“In times like this, with rising economic hardship and insecurity, many people are increasingly exposed to stress,” he said, noting its growing effect on productivity and general emotional stability across communities.
The wellness expert identified common symptoms of stress to be disrupted sleep, loss of interest in pleasurable activities, severe headaches, heartburn, infertility, rapid breathing, and frequent infections.
He noted that these signs often indicated deteriorating mental health.
The psychologist described resilience as the ability to recover from setbacks, emphasising that individuals could strengthen their mental capacity by adopting healthy coping habits.
He also encouraged seeking support when overwhelmed by persistent emotional challenges.
“Resilience is not avoiding pain; it is learning to rise again,” he noted, urging Nigerians to prioritise their mental well-being through intentional daily actions and supportive social connections that fostered inner strength.
Abojei advised people to relax and play, read helpful journals, hang out with friends, listen to uplifting music, and laugh often, stressing that these simple practices significantly boosted emotional balance and clarity.
He encouraged talking to someone when stressed, reaching out during difficulty, reconnecting with family, and engaging trained counsellors.
“When ‘I’ is replaced with ‘we’, illness becomes wellness,” he added.
Speaking earlier, Mrs Yetunde Faulkner, President of the foundation, said the initiative aimed at sensitising women to their potential and empowering them to actively use those abilities while promoting healthier work–life balance across society.
Faulkner explained that, although women remained the entry point, the broader goal was strengthening families.
The foundation, she added, mentored ladies across various life and career stages to enhance confidence, resilience and long-term growth.
“We focus on women as the foundation of families, helping them discover and apply their potential, because empowered women create stronger homes, healthier communities, and better opportunities for everyone they support.
“A healthy mind brings a healthy body. The foundation will continue to raise awareness and support communities through continuous mental health advocacy.” she said.
The Walkathon took off from the foundation’s office on Norman Williams Street, Ikoyi, with participants moving through Awolowo Road, Alfred Rewane, Okotie Eboh and Ribadu Road before returning to the starting point.
Volunteers displayed placards bearing key mental health messages, sensitising residents, road users and business owners on the importance of early intervention and the benefits of maintaining emotional stability. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Christiana Fadare
