Mental Health: Taking Care of the Mind God Gave Us

Mental health is increasingly becoming one of the most pressing concerns facing young people today. Recognising the importance of creating safe spaces where young people can openly discuss their emotional well-being, the AJAN AHAPPY Wing of the Catholic Youth Organisation of Nigeria (CYON) at St. Joseph Mukasa Catholic Parish, Gidan-Mangoro, Abuja, Nigeria organised a Mental Health Awareness Programme on 12 June 2026 under the theme, “Mental Health: Taking Care of the Mind God Gave Us.”

The programme brought together Eight young people and members of the parish community for a day of learning, reflection, and honest conversations about mental health. Through presentations, personal testimonies, and interactive discussions, participants were encouraged to recognise that caring for one’s mental well-being is an essential part of living a healthy and faith-filled life.

The event opened with a prayer led by Bro. James Elechi, who invited participants to entrust the programme to God’s guidance. In his welcome remarks, he thanked everyone for attending and emphasised the importance of addressing mental health within both the Church and society, where emotional struggles often remain hidden due to fear of stigma or misunderstanding.

The keynote presentation was delivered by Bro. Anselm Ihediuche, who challenged participants to reflect on how often people conceal emotional pain behind familiar expressions such as, “I am fine” or “All is well.” He explained that mental health influences how people think, feel, make decisions, build relationships, and respond to life’s challenges.

Drawing from the realities many young Nigerians face today, including unemployment, financial hardship, insecurity, academic pressure, family responsibilities, e uncertainty about the future, he highlighted how these challenges can contribute to anxiety, depression, loneliness, emotional exhaustion, e other mental health concerns. He reminded participants that emotional struggles can affect anyone, regardless of age, social status, or outward appearance.

The presentation also explored common signs of declining mental health, including persistent sadness, mood swings, excessive worrying, fatigue, poor sleep, social withdrawal, difficulty concentrating, and loss of interest in daily activities. Participants were encouraged to seek help from trusted individuals whenever these symptoms persist rather than suffer in silence.

Recognising the unique pressures confronting today’s youth, Bro. Anselm discussed the influence of social media, academic expectations, relationship challenges, and financial uncertainty. He cautioned against unhealthy comparisons fuelled by carefully curated online lifestyles and encouraged participants to focus on their individual journeys instead of measuring their lives against others.

Grounding the discussion in Christian faith, he reflected on biblical figures such as David, Elijah, and Job, demonstrating that emotional struggles are not signs of weak faith but part of the human experience. He reminded participants that God cares deeply about the emotional well-being of His people and calls them to cast their burdens upon Him.

Practical strategies for maintaining good mental health were also shared, including open communication, healthy relationships, adequate rest, responsible use of social media, prayer, self-reflection, and seeking professional or trusted support when needed. He concluded by encouraging the Church to continue becoming a safe and welcoming environment where people can openly discuss their struggles without fear of judgment.

The programme also featured an engaging interactive session facilitated by Bro. James Elechi. Through a reflective exercise, participants assessed their own emotional well-being while discussing the impact of daily habits on mental health. The session highlighted how excessive mobile phone and social media use can contribute to anxiety, low self-esteem, and emotional distress, especially among young people. Participants were encouraged to use digital platforms responsibly and intentionally.

A lively discussion followed, during which participants shared personal experiences of resilience, growth, and hope. Bro. Charles spoke about overcoming numerous challenges while building his poultry business, encouraging fellow youths to remain persistent despite setbacks. Bro. Linus Kaseyl reflected on his involvement in advocating for the restoration of the Students’ Union Government during his school years, describing the lasting fulfilment that comes from contributing to positive change.

• Bro. Charles shared his experience as an entrepreneur in the poultry business. He explained how he started on a small-scale, selling eggs and faced several challenges along the way. Despite the difficulties, he remained persistent, sought opportunities for growth, and travelled to different locations, including another state in the country, in pursuit of business advancement. He expressed happiness at the progress he had made over the years, growing from a small-scale trader to a major supplier, and encouraged participants to remain resilient and committed to their goals.

• Bro. Kaseyl shared an experience from his school days when he actively participated in the struggle for the restoration and enforcement of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) in his institution. He recalled that the school had operated without an active SUG for some time, and he was among those who advocated for its reinstatement. He stated that looking back and being remembered for his contribution to that cause brings him a sense of fulfillment and happiness.

• Sis. Joy shared her personal experience of overcoming a difficult period in her life. She explained that self-reflection, self-discovery, and accepting constructive criticism played significant roles in helping her improve her emotional well-being. She further stated that regularly speaking positive affirmations to herself before a mirror helped build her confidence and self-awareness.

• Bro. Bayo spoke on the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with God. He testified that his faith had been a source of strength, comfort, and stability throughout various challenges he had encountered. According to him, spiritual growth contributed significantly to his emotional and mental well-being.

• Bro. Anselm reflected on a period in his life during which he experienced financial progress and a sense of financial independence. He noted that financial stability contributed positively to his happiness and emotional state, while also observing that financial pressure remains a major source of stress for many young people.

• Sis. Rebekah stated that she generally considers herself a happy person and therefore found it difficult to identify a single period as the happiest moment of her life, statin further she also talked about the need to know what works for oneself to find inner peace.

The openness and honesty demonstrated throughout the discussions created an atmosphere of trust, empathy, and mutual encouragement, allowing participants to learn from one another while recognising that no one has to face emotional challenges alone.

The programme concluded with renewed awareness of the importance of mental health and the need to integrate emotional well-being into everyday life. Participants left better equipped with practical tools, strengthened by faith, and encouraged to build supportive relationships that promote resilience and hope.

In his closing remarks, Youth President Bro. Linus Kaseyl expressed gratitude to the speakers, organisers, and participants for making the programme a success. Following a closing prayer led by Bro. Charles, the event ended at 1:30 p.m., leaving participants inspired to continue caring for the mind God has entrusted to them and to foster communities where compassion, understanding, and hope flourish.

Por, Bro. ELECHI JAMES CHIMDINMA,

AHAPPY Trainer, St. Joseph Mukasa Catholic Church, Gidan Mangoro, Abuja, Nigeria.