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Mental health should be taught in schools, just like home economics and physical first aid. If we had more mental health education as kids, things might have been different or better. Mental health is often overlooked, especially in countries like Nigeria, where most people live to survive and not thrive.

Unfortunately, the world is increasingly adopting this survival mode of living, where the lack of peace of mind is becoming as common as food scarcity. Many distractions keep us from the things that truly bring peace and help us build a better life. If we're not careful, we might neglect our mental health in the process.

Today's issue covers six common misconceptions and mistakes we make regarding our mental health that can harm our well-being. I share this list based on what I've seen, heard, and learned from people around me, not from research. People often make these mistakes and later find their mental health suffering.

I hope you can identify with some of these points and avoid making the same mistakes.

Let's dive in.
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What's Up?

When we think about mental health, the first things that often come to mind are "fragility," "depression and anxiety," and "trauma." While these are famous aspects of mental health, they are only a part of the whole picture. Just as in physical health, where cancer and diabetes are only two out of thousands of diseases, mental wellness is about much more than just feeling happy. It's about maintaining a balanced and healthy mind. And many of us unknowingly make mistakes that can disrupt this balance. I blame the lack of early education on this topic.

Let's shed some light on common mistakes that might be affecting your mental wellness and how to correct them.

Here’s the list:

1. Neglecting your inner child
2. Believing that therapy is only for severe mental health issues
3. Thinking mental wellness is solely about treating depression and mental disorders
4. Assuming personal development habits, like working out, are the only ways to maintain mental health
5. Suppressing valid emotions to appear fine
6. Not nurturing your mental health after experiencing depression or other disorders

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1. First, let’s talk about our inner child. Many of us forget that we are just older versions of our younger selves. I like the birthday quote that says, “When you turn 30, you are still 29, 28, 27, 18, 17, 9, 7, and the years before.” This reminds us that, no matter our age, we still carry our childhood experiences with us. Ignoring this can lead to unresolved issues resurfacing later in life.

How do you know if your inner child is healed?

• You set healthy boundaries without fear of being abandoned.
• You show yourself more self-compassion and love.
• You easily tune into activities that genuinely make you happy, especially those you’ve loved since childhood.

Reconnect with those past joys and fears; they are still part of you.

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2. There’s a common belief that therapy is only for severe issues. Even Google often suggests that therapy is primarily for mental disorders. In reality, therapy can benefit anyone at any time. It serves as a constant treatment for your mind, helping you stay focused, avoid mental breakdowns, navigate mental conditions, and maintain wellness after difficult phases or breakdowns.

Unfortunately, therapy can be expensive, especially in survival countries like Nigeria. For self-therapy, I talk to myself as if I were a child in need of someone to listen. I don’t wait until I can afford a clinic visit; instead, I spend time alone to talk, listen, and care for my thoughts—even if it means crying sometimes. This approach works for me, and I encourage you to try it 👍🏼.

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​3. Another common mistake is thinking mental wellness is only about treating depression or mental disorders. This is one of the biggest misconceptions about mental health.

Mental wellness includes everything from managing stress to maintaining a healthy social life. It involves the small details, such as how you interact with people, respond to situations, make decisions, and form habits. Depression and anxiety are two out of many mental conditions and symptoms. And known mental health disorders such as PTSD, Borderline, OCD etc. are only a fraction of mental health and wellness. A good start is to stay informed and help educate others, especially the young ones, on this topic.

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4. Many people believe that personal development habits, like working out, are the only ways to maintain mental health. While physical activities such as hobbies, exercise, and journaling are important, spiritual habits can also play a significant role.

PS: You don’t need to be religious or believe in a supreme being to be spiritual. Self-transcendence, connecting with friends and family, prayer (in whatever form it means to you), and living by your own set rules and values can help maintain a healthy mental state.

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5. Suppressing your emotions to fake being fine is another common mistake. What’s the biggest lie told by people in the 21st century? “I’m fine.”

I understand the reluctance to express yourself due to the fear of criticism or being taken advantage of. However, as I always say, vulnerability is strength, and anyone who uses your emotions against you isn’t a friend 💁🏽‍♀️. Your emotions are valid, and it’s important to express yourself when needed. To ensure you're doing it the right way, learn the “respond vs. react” technique to express yourself without causing harm to yourself or others.

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​ 6. Lastly, after recovering from a period of depression, it’s easy to forget to continue nurturing your mental health. I’m guilty of this too, so don’t beat yourself up about it.

Mental health nurturing is a continuous process and shouldn’t stop after occasional breakdowns. The self-care habits you develop during those “dark” phases should be maintained or improved upon to prevent relapse and ensure long-term stability.

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Something to take home:

1. Embrace and acknowledge your inner child.

2. Therapy and self-therapy are beneficial for everyone.

3. Mental wellness is about overall life balance, not just treating disorders.

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Gigii's Bank Of Discoveries

Interesting and boring things I found on the internet that just make sense:

• ​Every Afterlife Theory Explained In 10 Minutes (Video):- If you enjoy seeking truth and exploring the many mysteries of our world LIKE ME, you'll appreciate this video. I love how diverse the Earth is and how there are so many different perspectives on life :D
• ​Inside The Mind Of A Master Procrastinator (Video):- Still on my watchlist tho.
• ​The secret life of people with high self-esteem is easier than you think (article)

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You May Love This

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Everything about this video made me so happy! Fun fact: I am a huge fan of the idea of living on a remote island to connect with our most authentic selves, the Earth, and our roots. This is why I resonated so much with the Rastas in this video.

Three highlights from this video:

1. Rastas don't define themselves as Jamaicans; in fact, they do not endorse or live the lifestyle of the famous Jamaicans.

2. Rastafari is about connecting with the Earth and our roots. Everything they do links them to nature and the true gifts of life; it’s a lifestyle and not a religion.

3. Rastas do not endorse the lifestyle of the West and avoid most things produced by the West.

What does this have to do with your wellness or a better life?

• Do not forget your origins and roots.
• Your origin helps you connect with your most authentic self.
• Processed foods are harmful and can affect your nerves in the long term. Try to stay healthy by eating more natural foods like vegetables, cooked meats instead of processed meats, fruits, and boiled foods.

At the end of the day, everything on Earth revolves around universal laws and spiritual (or religious) connections.

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The Other Spicy Things...

It took me two months to publish again—my life has been that hectic, not gonna lie. I recently had a prayer answered, and now I’m trying to find a new balance in my life so I don’t misuse this blessing or mishandle things.

My top priority this year is to become more disciplined and consistent with all the good things I plan to achieve. Will you be my coach?

On another note, help us reach more people and build a bigger community by sharing this newsletter with a friend or two.

Before you go, reply to this email to share your highlight from today's issue 🤓.

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To a better life,

Gigii.