The highly anticipated Safe Spaces event to foster awareness around mental health and the importance of creating supportive environments for people’s well-being debuted on Friday, October 11th, 2024, in Abuja.
The informative and interactive event, hosted at the Fusion Plaza in Wuye District, featured a diverse range of speakers who shared their expertise on various aspects of mental health.
The senior vice chairman/Editor-In-Chief of LEADERSHIP Newspaper, Mr Azubuike Ishiekwene, who was chairman of the occasion, set the tone for the day by explaining the objectives of safe spaces. He emphasised that safe spaces have gained a global resonance and have become an essential subject.
The convener, Miss Ngozi Ibe, explained that Safe Space is not just a physical environment but an emotional and psychological one where individuals feel accepted, supported, and understood.
In a keynote address titled “Creating Your Own Safe Space”, the lead speaker, Mrs. Frances Uchenna Okeke, highlighted the critical importance of self-care, stressing that mental well-being starts with intentional efforts to take care of ourselves. She urged attendees to prioritise their mental health by recognising personal limits, taking breaks when needed, and setting healthy boundaries.
Also speaking on “Relationships and Mental Health”, Mr Peter Oyebola, Lead Clinical Psychologist and Addiction therapist at Synapse Azalea explored how our relationships significantly influence mental well-being, explaining that nurturing healthy connections can improve overall life satisfaction.
Other speakers at the event included Mrs Nnenna Nweke, who dwelt on “Spirituality and Mental Health”, and Dr Nkechi E. Akinwale, who spoke about “Mental Health and General Well-being.”
The final session of the day was delivered by Francis A. Okogun, chief superintendent of narcotics and staff officer to the director of media and advocacy, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). His paper discussed the detrimental impact of substance abuse on mental health. It explained the vicious cycle between substance dependency and deteriorating mental well-being, emphasising the need for education, prevention, and support systems to break the cycle and promote recovery.
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