BUILDINGCHAINS,HOPE: ASAD’S JOURNEY TO MENTAL WELL-BEING IN NIGERIA

By Staff Writer

The negligence and lukewarm approach to mental health in Nigeria over the years has triggered silent battles for countless individuals and families. While this could be blamed on little or almost zero knowledge of its origins, and treatment, a recent shift towards addressing it and promoting overall well-being is gaining momentum. At the forefront of this movement is the Association for Support, Advocacy, and Development of Society (ASADS), a non-governmental organisation dedicated to breaking the chains of mental health stigma and building hope for a better future.

Founded in 2018 by Mr. Dare Asobele, ASADS emerged from personal encounters with colleagues facing depression and suicidal thoughts.

Recognising the lack of mental health resources in Nigeria, Mr. Asobele envisioned ASADS as the bridge, providing crucial assistance to those in distress. Initially focused on suicide prevention, ASADS expanded its mission to address various aspects of mental wellbeing. The NGO effectively communicates necessary messages, emphasising the significance of mental health, accessibility and assistance, and the importance of minimising stigma.

To disseminate these messages successfully, community engagement is fostered through collaborations with stakeholders, grassroots initiatives, and diverse media platforms. ASADS has implemented a comprehensive set of initiatives to promote mental well-being and address challenges associated with depression and suicide and a key one is the 24/7 hotline which offers individuals in distress a reliable and confidential platform to engage help. Staffed by trained professionals, the hotline provides empathetic assistance, coping strategies, and directs callers to appropriate resources. Also, educational workshops further raise awareness about depression and suicide prevention, equipping individuals with tools to identify warning signs and provide support.

ASADS actively engages in mental health advocacy, collaborating with government institutions, healthcare providers, and community organisations to influence policies prioritising mental well-being. Community outreach programs dispel myths surrounding mental health, providing safe spaces for individuals to share experiences and foster connections. ASADS has physical locations for group therapy sessions and peer support, serving as havens for those struggling with mental health challenges too.

ASADS actively engages in mental health advocacy, collaborating with government institutions, healthcare providers, and community organisations to influence policies prioritising mental well-being.

Since its inception in 2018, ASADS continually adapts its approach, leveraging technology, cultural sensitivity, and strategic partnerships. The NGO tailors its programs and services to meet the specific needs of the Nigerian population, addressing key areas like education, healthcare, economic development, and social welfare. This association is dedicated to making a positive impact in the field of mental health. Comprehensive public education approach is deployed to alienate ignorance as much as possible while liberating citizens simultaneously from the weak and uninformed perception about mental health and by extension wellbeing.

In addition to this, ASADS actively engages in anti-stigma initiatives. These efforts aim to eradicate the stigma associated with mental health challenges, creating an inclusive and supportive society. Through round-the-clock hotline assistance, online chat support, peer groups, educational resources, and advocacy services, ASADS strives to make mental health resources accessible and collaborates with mental health professionals, government agencies, other non-profit organisations, and community leaders to amplify its impact and expand its network of support services. ASADS measures success through tracking service utilisation, evaluating community perceptions, and conducting surveys to assess changes in attitudes towards mental health even as they continuously forge to nudge people to speak up and erect hope for a nation where mental well-being is a shared responsibility.

The journey of ASADS reflects a commitment to dismantling the barriers surrounding mental health in Nigeria. The organisation’s dedication to fostering understanding, providing support, and challenging societal norms has had a tangible impact on communities. ASADS recognizes that mental health is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach and this explains why it takes on many routes to achieve its objectives i.e hotlines, educational workshops, seminars, and campaigns too. Through this, the organisation NGO addresses the many needs of individuals dealing with mental health challenges. In addition to its core initiatives, ASADS has been at the forefront of leveraging technology to expand its reach. The organisation actively embraces digital platforms, holding monthly Twitter space conversations and exploring the potential of telemedicine to provide mental health services to remote areas. This tech-savvy approach ensures that ASADS can adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of mental health awareness.

The 24/7 hotline, a crucial lifeline, ensures immediate support for those in crisis. Educational initiatives, such as workshops and seminars, advance the reduction of stigma by equipping communities with the knowledge to identify signs of mental health struggles. ASADS actively engages in advocacy, collaborating with government bodies to influence policies that prioritise mental well-being. The organisation’s community outreach programs create safe spaces for sharing experiences, and foster connections. By establishing physical locations for therapy sessions and peer support, ASADS provides a supportive environment for those seeking help. Through strategic partnerships, the organisation leverages technology and cultural sensitivity to tailor its programs to the unique needs of the Nigerian population. ASADS’s tireless efforts have led to increased awareness, improved access to support, and reduced suicide rates in areas where it is active. Because of the multicultural nature of Nigeria, ASADS tailors its approaches to resonate with different communities. The organisation understands that mental health experiences and perceptions can vary across cultures, and it strives to be culturally sensitive and inclusive in its strategies. ASADS collaborates with different stakeholders, to amplify her impact throughout the country, expand its network of support services, and provide valuable insights into specific community needs. As ASADS continues its mission, the NGO remains committed to the sustainable development and empowerment of individuals and communities. By conducting extensive research and collaborating with local communities, ASADS identifies pressing issues and develops effective solutions, contributing to the overall growth and progress of Nigeria.

ASADS stands resilient in its commitment to breaking the chains of silence surrounding mental health. This association continues to break the chains of silence and builds hope, its impact resonates across Nigeria. The NGO’s work reflects a shared responsibility for mental well-being, fostering a society where individuals can seek help without fear of judgment. The organisation’s multifaceted approach, incorporating technological innovation, cultural sensitivity, and strategic partnerships, reflects its adaptability and dedication to addressing mental health challenges comprehensively.