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How Piquant Health Foundation Is Responding Key Takeaways Mental health challenges are rising globally and affect people across all age groups and professions. The scale, impact, and unmet needs reflect features of a public health crisis. Low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria, face a disproportionate burden due to underfunded mental health systems. Limited access to care, workforce shortages, and stigma continue to widen treatment gaps. Piquant Health Foundation

by Olayinka Esanju, Co-Founder and Global Director If we are being honest, we do not always care about everything equally. Life is demanding, attention is limited, and energy runs out. So perhaps the real question is not whether we care about everything, but what we choose to care about most. If we are to care at all, then mental health deserves to be high on that list. At first, mental health can feel abstract. It is not always visible and does not announce itself the way ph

By Atoyebi oluwatobi Esther When discussing school mental health, conversations often center around academics, exams, deadlines, grades, and the pressure to succeed. However, there is a quieter yet significant factor that shapes students’ mental well-being each day: their living environment. For many Nigerian students, hostel life is not merely a housing arrangement; it serves as their bedroom, study space, resting area, and emotional refuge—all packed into one small room sha

by Olasupo Olamide Omowonuola For many young adults on campus, romantic relationships are a major part of life—they can bring joy, companionship, and support. However, relationships can also affect your mental health, focus, and even your grades. Understanding how attachment styles and coping strategies influence your emotions can help you determine whether a relationship is fueling your growth or draining your energy. Why Emotions Feel So Intense Romantic feelings at this st

Mental wellness plays a crucial role in how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. While many look for quick fixes, lasting mental health benefits come from consistent lifestyle changes. Incorporating healthier habits such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and mindfulness practices can significantly improve your mental well-being. This post explores practical ways to adopt these habits and the positive effects they bring. The Power of Regula

Bipolar disorder affects millions worldwide, yet many people struggle to understand its complexity. This mental health condition causes intense mood swings that can disrupt daily life, relationships, and work. Recognizing the symptoms early and knowing the available treatment options can make a significant difference in managing the disorder effectively. A journal and pen on a wooden desk symbolizing personal reflection and mental health awareness What Is Bipolar Disorder? Bi

We live in the age of “more.” More money, more followers, more achievements, more side hustles. Yet depression and anxiety rates in Nigeria keep climbing. The 2024 Lagos State Mental Health Survey revealed that over 40% of young adults aged 18–35 report regular feelings of overwhelm. Therapy is expensive, antidepressants are stigmatized, and the hustle never stops. But what if the most effective mental health remedy was completely free and available right now? Enter contentme

In recent years, global awareness about Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has grown, yet in Nigeria, it remains a largely misunderstood and underdiagnosed mental health condition. Children and adults living with ADHD are often mislabeled as “stubborn,” “lazy,” or “careless,” when in fact, they face a genuine neurodevelopmental challenge that requires understanding, support, and early intervention. What is ADHD? ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects

What is Anxiety? Anxiety is a natural response to stress or perceived danger, where the body prepares to face a challenge. Everyone experiences it differently. For some, it may be restlessness before an exam. For others, it could be racing thoughts, sweating, or difficulty breathing when faced with uncertainty. When anxiety becomes constant, even without a clear reason, it can develop into an anxiety disorder that affects emotions, thoughts, and physical health. Common Signs

Anxiety is something almost everyone feels at some point. It is the body’s natural way of responding to stress or perceived danger. A little anxiety can even be helpful, motivating you to prepare for a presentation or exam. However, when anxiety becomes constant—when you feel tense or uneasy even without a clear reason—it may develop into an anxiety disorder. This can affect your emotions, thoughts, and physical health. What Anxiety Feels Like Anxiety looks different for ever

You don’t have to control your thoughts. You just have to stop letting them control you.” — Dan Millman I still remember the night I realized I wasn’t okay. I was in my room, surrounded by noise; notifications, deadlines, and my own racing thoughts. I kept telling myself, “I’m fine,” even though deep down, I knew I was burning out. Like many people, I thought mental health meant not going crazy. But over time, I learned that mental health isn’t just the absence of illness, it

Last semester, Adaeze, a bright university student, stayed up night after night preparing for her exams. Her friends often joked that she lived in the library. She laughed it off, but inside, she was exhausted. Between endless assignments, expectations from home, and her own desire to make everyone proud, she began to feel trapped. When her grades dropped slightly, so did her confidence. Adaeze’s story isn’t rare; it reflects what many students silently go through every day.

Welcome to the latest edition of our newsletter! This week, we’re diving into a topic that's just as essential to your well-being as the food you consume: your mental health. Nourishment for the Mind Just as we need a balanced diet to fuel our bodies, our minds require nourishment too. The connection between food and mental health is profound. When you eat well, you not only provide your body with energy but also enhance your mental clarity, emotional resilience, and overall

Piquant Health Foundation hosted an impactful event that brought together thought leaders and community members to discuss the pressing issues surrounding mental health in Africa. Coinciding with both World Mental Health Day and International Girl Child Day, the event was an opportunity to highlight the Foundation's mission and the urgent need for mental health awareness, prevention, and destigmatization. Welcoming Remarks Olayinka Toluwalase Esanju, co-founder of Piquant Hea

Ile-Ife, Nigeria – November 30, 2024 – The Piquant Health Foundation hosted the groundbreaking annual Campus Mental Health Conference. The inspiring and pragmatic conference focused on suicide awareness and prevention, bringing together experts, scholars, and students to discuss one of the most pressing mental health issues of our time. The event which held at the I.C.T Center of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife featured two keynote speakers, Professor Boladale Mapayi, a r