Facilitator: Dr. Nafisah Hayyatudeen

How do we see what so many have been taught to hide?

On April 25th, 2025, we had the privilege of learning from renowned psychiatrist and mental health advocate Dr. Nafisah Hayyatudeen, as she guided participants through an eye-opening session on identifying the often-overlooked signs of depression and anxiety—particularly within the Nigerian context.

🔹 Dr. Hayyatudeen explored how cultural silence, religious expectations, and societal pressures often mask emotional distress.
🔹 She outlined clear signs—emotional withdrawal, fatigue, irritability, changes in sleep or appetite—that are too often dismissed as laziness or “just stress.”
🔹 The session emphasized early recognition, compassionate response, and the importance of breaking the stigma that keeps many suffering in silence.

“Mental illness is not a character flaw. It is a health condition—and early recognition can save lives,” said Dr. Hayyatudeen.

Participants left empowered with knowledge, empathy, and a commitment to listen more deeply to those around them—and to themselves.

#MentalHealthNigeria #DepressionAwareness #AnxietySupport #StopTheStigma #MentalHealthEducation #YouAreNotAlone #RecognizeTheSigns #NigerianMentalHealth