Talking about depression in Nigeria!

I am glad that the Nigerian press is carrying more news and awareness about depression. Over the last few months, there has been an increasing coverage of the illness which has got people talking about it. Even though that there is a huge coverage about mental health illness, there is still a need for awareness and information about the available help out there. Nigeria, although a developing country, has the human and material resources to invest in this area even though that the country is going through a recession.

There are still limited facilities that people could access and there is still a stigma associated with mental illness. It is a topic that is not spoken much about and in many homes, it is something that is not associated with being 'Nigerian'. Hence, there is little awareness of how to deal with it. I remember talking about depression with some acquaintances who were religious fanatics and it was like hitting my head against a rock.

Rhetorics such as the following are not uncommon:
"It is unNigerian" to be depressed!
"It is not your portion. You are a child of God"
"Encourage yourself in the word of God"
"I reject that on your behalf"
"You don't know your bible then" etc

People should be taught that there is no shame in admitting to depression or any mental health problem. There should also be an awareness on how to respond and deal with loved ones with mental health issues. People should be made to understand that there is no stigma attached to being depressed or suffering from any mental health issues and that they can get the help that they need.

A poem titled "Shut up and don't speak"

This is a poem written and inspired by me. I hope you enjoy it. 

"Shut up and don't speak"

Words that were said to me

Words that I have often said to myself

Words that I believed

"Shuuuu and don't speak"

"You have nothing intelligent to contribute"

"You have nothing tangible to contribute"

"Your contribution is stupid"

Words I have heard

Words that I have often said to myself

Words that I believed

"Don't ask questions"

"Your questions are silly"

"Your questions are stupid"

"Your questions are daft"

Words I have heard

Words that I have often said to myself

Words that I believed

"Don't open your mouth"

"Don't say a word"

"Don't embarrass us"

"Don't say a word"

Words I have heard

Words that I have often said to myself

Words that I believed

And then, one day,

I spoke

There was some laughter

There was some murmuring

I was told to shut up and not speak

But I refused

I spoke

and no matter the noise to shut me down

I spoke

All those years I shut up just not to be laughed at

Just not to be called stupid

Just not to embarrass others and me

Just not to be seen

I opened my mouth and spoke

I asked questions

I contributed

And I didn't care about the reactions

And I said to myself

I will speak

I will ask questions 

I will speak even with the cacophony of overwhelming utterances

I will not shut up

Poem by LS

16/05/2017

Trending: US President Donald Trump fires the director of the FBI!

The White House announced James Comey’s termination and removal from office. He was said to have been fired over his handling of the inquiry into Hillary Clinton's emails.

James Comey, 56, who was addressing FBI agents in Los Angeles was not even aware of his termination and learned that he had just been fired when he saw the news on television.

Mr Comey was three-and-a-half years into his 10-year term as FBI director – thought it was a prank.

Culled from bbc.co.uk. Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-39866170

Pictures of my visit to Kampala!

I love Kampala!

Rwanda - Diane Shima Rwigara first female presidential candidate, running against Kagame

35- year old accountant, Diane Shima Rwigara is Rwanda's first female independent Presidential candidate. 

“I will be tackling poverty, I will be tackling injustice, I will be tackling insecurity. In the last 23 years RPF has been in power, they have not been able, not only to eradicate poverty but even to give Rwandans the minimum. Most Rwandans are dying of hunger, they have nowhere to live,” said 35-year old Diane Shima Rwigara who has declared her interest to run for Rwanda’s highest office.

What a fearless young woman! I hope she goes for it and never mind the distractions.

Nigeria: President Buhari travels to London for treatment

The President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, 74, is in London seeking treatment for an undisclosed ailment. Earlier this year, he was in the UK for seven weeks undergoing medical check-up. Mr Buhari, has left Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo in charge during his absence.



Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-39842686