ABUJA, NIGERIA — As the world marks World Mental Health Day 2026, Hon. Dame Blessing Nwagba, PhD, South East Coordinator of ISSUP Nigeria, has called on families, young people, community leaders, and faith-based organisations to promote mental health awareness, combat stigma, and create supportive environments for people experiencing mental health challenges.
Nwagba made the call in her World Mental Health Day message themed “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change,” emphasising the importance of listening to the experiences of people living with mental health conditions and those affected by substance use.
She noted that mental health challenges are present in homes, schools, markets, workplaces, and places of worship, yet many people continue to suffer silently because of stigma, discrimination, and fear of being judged.
According to her, meaningful progress in mental health awareness and support begins when individuals are given the opportunity to share their experiences freely and receive understanding rather than condemnation.
“Real change begins when we listen to real stories,” she stated, stressing that behind every struggle with substance use or a mental health challenge is a human story marked by pain, courage, survival, and hope.
The ISSUP Nigeria South East Coordinator explained that listening to people without shame or prejudice could help break down stigma, encourage people to seek assistance, and foster stronger, more compassionate communities.
As part of her message, Nwagba appealed to families to listen without judging and to provide support for loved ones experiencing emotional or psychological difficulties.
She also encouraged young people to speak up when facing challenges, reminding them that seeking help is a demonstration of strength rather than weakness.
Addressing community and faith leaders, she urged them to create safe and supportive spaces where individuals could discuss their struggles and seek appropriate assistance without fear of discrimination.
She emphasised that collective responsibility, compassion, and understanding were essential to building communities where mental health receives the attention it deserves.
Nwagba further called for a renewed commitment to listening to people with lived experiences, supporting those in need, and taking practical steps to improve mental health awareness and access to assistance.
“Together, let us promise today to listen more, to care more, and to act more,” she appealed.
She concluded her message with a prayer for God’s healing upon Nigeria and the restoration of hope to people experiencing emotional distress and mental health challenges.
World Mental Health Day is observed annually to raise awareness of mental health issues and mobilise support for mental well-being.
Nwagba’s message reinforces the importance of compassion, inclusion, and the recognition that every person’s experience deserves to be heard and treated with dignity.
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