Emotional minimalism teaches that peace often begins where excess ends. Many people have been conditioned to chase more, to seek constant achievement and approval, yet the real secret to a calmer, more balanced mind often lies in learning to carry less emotionally. This is not about ignoring feelings or pretending problems don’t exist. It is about being intentional with your energy and letting go of what quietly drains you.

Emotional minimalism is the art of simplifying your inner world. It means paying attention to what emotions deserve your energy and which ones do not. Emotional minimalism encourages you to:

Notice recurring emotional patterns that quietly drain your peace

Set thoughtful boundaries with people or situations that create unnecessary tension

Give yourself permission to process emotions in healthy ways rather than burying them

Protect your mental space so you can truly thrive instead of merely surviving

The benefits of emotional minimalism are far-reaching. It helps reduce anxiety by calming an overstimulated mind, sharpens focus by clearing emotional distractions, and promotes balance by making you more intentional with your responses. It also increases your energy as you release what drains you and allows you to protect your boundaries peacefully without feeling guilty. 

This mindset does not encourage emotional suppression but self-awareness. You feel your emotions fully, understand them, then decide which ones are worth keeping and which ones can be released. 

Why Emotional Clutter Hurts Mental Health

Research shows that clutter, whether mental or physical, overwhelms the brain and increases stress. When we keep holding on to regrets, grudges, or overthinking moments that have passed, it piles up inside us just like physical clutter. Neuroscientists explain that when too many things compete for our attention, it drains our mental energy and affects our ability to focus.

High levels of clutter have also been linked to increased cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone. When your environment or mind feels chaotic, your brain stays in a constant state of alertness. Over time, this leads to fatigue, irritability, and even 

Emotional clutter works the same way. The more unresolved feelings we store, the less space we have for creativity, joy, and calm. This is unhealthy because your mind needs breathing room to stay healthy.

Awareness is the first step to release, so write down the emotions that show up most often. Which of them serve you? Which ones take more than they give? Emotional minimalism helps you reduce mental load, giving your brain more space to focus.

If an emotion does not help you grow or bring peace, it does not deserve a permanent space in your mind, so let it go. Letting go does not mean ignoring or suppressing your emotions; it means freeing your energy for thoughts, feelings, and actions that genuinely support your well-being. Over time, this practice builds resilience and helps you handle life with a calmer mind.

Protecting your emotional space is essential for mental health. You are not required to respond to every emotional demand or situation around you. Saying no, stepping back, or limiting interactions with sources of tension is not selfish; it is a way to safeguard your peace. Boundaries can be small and flexible at first, like declining an extra task at work or taking a short break from social interactions, but consistent practice strengthens your ability to protect your emotional energy.

Find activities that help you process and discharge emotions such as 

journaling, deep breathing, evening walks, or creative expression

. By giving yourself permission to release feelings in constructive ways, you cultivate a sense of calm and clarity that supports your overall mental health

Sometimes the load is too heavy to carry alone. Talking to a trusted friend or 

can help lighten the burden, as verbalizing emotions allows them to flow rather than stagnate, and receiving support reminds you that you are not alone.

Letting go is not always easy because some emotions feel familiar even when they hurt. You may feel guilt or discomfort when you begin setting boundaries or choosing not to overthink, but these feelings are only temporary. The longer you practice emotional minimalism, the lighter you begin to feel.

Emotional minimalism teaches you to care for your mind by letting go of what weighs you down and making room for calm and clarity.

Emotional Minimalism: Declutter Your Mind for Better Well-Being

Everyone knew Ada as the light in every room. At home, she was the first to speak, the one who cracked jokes when silence grew too heavy. In meetings, she volunteered for everything and among friends, she was the spark that made dull moments bright. They called her the battery because when Ada showed up, energy returned. She always knew how to bring people out of their shell and lift spirits when things felt low.

But behind that energy was a quiet exhaustion she never showed. Her cheerfulness was her cover, her way of staying unseen. If she stayed bubbly and loud, no one would look closely enough to notice the weight she carried.

For years, Ada mastered the art of acting fine, until her body and mind couldn’t keep up anymore. The laughter stopped coming easily, and the energy that once flowed naturally began to feel forced. She started waking up heavy, drained, and uninterested in everything that used to make her happy.

Suddenly, she wasn’t talking much, wasn’t laughing, wasn’t her usual self. Her family noticed the change and in their confusion, they concluded it had to be a spiritual problem. Some said she was under an attack while others called for prayers and vigils. Her mother stayed up at night with anointing oil, praying the spirit of sadness out of her child.

Ada wanted to tell them it wasn’t an attack; she just wasn’t okay. She wanted to share everything that has been going on in her life, but in an environment where pain must have a visible cause, emotional struggles are often misunderstood. Everyone was trying to bring back the version of her that laughed loudly, not realizing that the quiet, withdrawn Ada was also real, and in deep need of help.

Mental Health and Spirituality: How Faith and Therapy Work Together

A friend who noticed her struggle connected her to someone who referred her to a therapist. At first, Ada was unsure, because 

felt strange and foreign, something she had only heard about online. But when she walked into that small office and met someone who didn’t tell her to “just be happy,” something inside her changed. For the first time, she spoke freely without being judged or told to only pray it away.

A therapist and client engaged in a counseling session, sitting together in a calm, comfortable setting.

large_therapy session

medium_therapy session

small_therapy session

thumbnail_therapy session

therapy session

The sessions helped, but some days were still dark. Her therapist later prescribed medication to help stabilize her mood, and that’s when a new kind of struggle began.

She hid her pills in an old makeup bag tucked beneath her clothes because she couldn’t leave them in the open. One day, her mother saw the prescription note and whispered, “God forbid.” A friend who found out asked why she couldn’t just trust God to heal her. Someone even joked that those drugs were “for mad people.”

Ada stopped explaining because it was easier to stay silent than to argue with people who didn’t understand that therapy and medication weren’t signs of weakness; they were steps toward healing.

Healing Quietly and Rediscovering Herself

Every night, she swallowed her pills in secret and reminded herself that healing looked different for everyone. For her, it was therapy, medication, and self-awareness. With time, her mind began to clear and her energy returned. Although it was not the loud, performative kind that left her empty, it was a calm strength that didn’t need to prove anything.

She laughed again, but this time, it was genuine. She still attended family gatherings and made people smile, but she no longer forced herself to be the “happy one.” She had learned that strength wasn’t pretending to be fine, it was having the courage to face what hurts and choose healing anyway.

Over time, her family and friends began to see things differently. They noticed how much lighter Ada seemed after therapy and how her laughter no longer sounded forced. Gradually, conversations around her started to change. The same people who once doubted her healing process became her quiet support system, and she was grateful for that.

Mental health is real, even in places where it’s misunderstood. Many people are smiling through their pain, using laughter as a mask to stay unnoticed. Ada’s story reminds us that therapy is not a foreign idea, and needing help doesn’t make you weak but human. The first step toward healing is with yourself first, and not with others.

Mental health doesn’t begin with grand changes; it starts with one decision to reach out, to talk, and to heal. You can start with a 

Everyone thought she had it all together, but she was just holding on. A heartfelt story about masking pain and learning to heal.

I Was the Energy in the Room Until I Was Not: A Mental Health Story

Globally, anxiety ranks among the most searched mental health topics, often even higher than depression. Every day, people around the world search for answers that will lead them to healing and emotional balance.

, uncertainty, climate change, financial strain, and social issues have made anxiety one of the most relatable emotional struggles of our time, and this isn’t limited to one region. From Nigeria to the USA, the UK, India, Canada, Australia, and the Philippines, people are asking similar questions that reveal both curiosity and a longing for calm.

Research in the United States shows a steady rise in online searches for words like anxiety, panic attack, and social anxiety. In Nigeria, people are searching for ways to manage worry and fear in the midst of daily hustle. Across the UK and Canada, more people are typing how to stop 

We’ve gathered the most frequently asked questions about anxiety, all in one article to provide simple, relatable answers that can help anyone seeking understanding or relief.

Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness or unease about something with an uncertain outcome. It’s more than the normal jitters everyone gets sometimes. When it becomes frequent, intense, or starts interfering with daily life, then it may be a sign of an 

Symptoms can differ from one person to another. Some common ones are racing or irregular heartbeat, trembling, shaking or trembling hands, excessive sweating, feeling dizzy, lightheaded or faint, nausea or upset stomach, constant sense of danger or that something bad will happen, tingling or numbness in fingers or lips, difficulty breathing or feeling like you can’t get a full breath.

What is the difference between stress and anxiety?

Stress is a response to external pressure such as work deadlines, family issues, financial concerns. It tends to fade once the pressure is removed. Anxiety usually involves persistent, internal worry. It stays even when the external trigger is gone. Anxiety can feel more diffuse, last longer, affect many areas of life, and sometimes include physical symptoms. Stress can lead to anxiety if not managed, but one doesn’t always lead to the other.

Anxiety comes from many sources. Some are external like work, relationships, financial trouble, trauma. Others are internal like personality, past experiences, how your brain is wired, or even genetics. Sometimes body chemistry plays a part. And often, several of these causes combine together. For example, someone with a genetic predisposition plus ongoing stress is more at risk.

, try slow deep breaths, notice what’s around you, take a short walk, or splash cool water on your face. Talking to someone you trust can also ease the weight a little.

Yes. It can cause very real physical reactions in the body. Some people feel chest tightness or pain, a racing heart, shortness of breath. Others might get sweaty palms, trembling, nausea, dizziness or lightheadedness. These happen because when anxiety activates the “fight-or-flight” response, hormones like adrenaline rush through your system. Over time, physical symptoms might compound unless the anxiety is addressed.

Night time often makes anxiety feel heavier because you are busy during the day and there are fewer distractions, but at night you have more quiet and less going on, so worry has room to grow. Also, you’re mentally and physically tired, so you may have less ability to manage intrusive thoughts or worry.

At night, shifting hormone levels and a body winding down for rest can make emotions harder to control, especially when worries about sleep or tomorrow’s tasks creep in.

How to deal with anxiety attacks (panic attacks)?

You don’t have to go through panic attacks alone. We’ve written a detailed piece that explains what 

 feel like, what triggers them, and how to regain control when they happen. 

Social anxiety can make everyday interactions feel like a battlefield, but it doesn’t have to define you. We've broken it down in a full article that helps you understand and manage it better. Read it 

Anxiety can be managed and in many cases, it can ease so much that it no longer controls your life. But 

isn’t always the right word because anxiety is also a natural human response. Everyone feels it sometimes; it’s the body’s way of keeping us alert.

What matters is management and understanding. With therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and healthy coping strategies, anxiety can lose its grip. For some people, symptoms disappear entirely. For others, it becomes something they can handle with ease. Healing doesn’t always mean it’s gone forever; sometimes, it means it no longer defines you.

Discover quick, practical ways to calm anxiety instantly. This article also answers the most Googled questions about anxiety, panic attacks, and overthinking.

How to Deal With Anxiety: FAQs on Anxiety Attacks

Have you ever felt like no one truly understands what you’re going through? Research shows that people recovering from mental health challenges often feel isolated. Peer support connects individuals with similar experiences, helping them feel understood and less alone.

Peer support is a system where people give and receive help based on shared experiences. It complements 

 by offering emotional and practical support from individuals who have been through similar struggles.

This approach creates a sense of community where people feel seen, understood, and hopeful about recovery. Peer support can take many forms such as one-on-one mentorship, group discussions, peer-led workshops, or community outreach programs.

Ultimately, peer support is about human connection. It reminds us that we are not alone in our challenges and that recovery is possible through shared experiences and mutual encouragement.

Peer support helps people heal through connection, empathy, and shared understanding rather than professional expertise. 

When you talk to someone who has faced a similar situation, you do not need to explain every detail. They already understand, and that shared experience creates instant trust and reduces stigma.

large_sharing mental health struggles

medium_sharing mental health struggles

small_sharing mental health struggles

thumbnail_sharing mental health struggles

people sharing mental health struggles

2. It encourages listening without judgement

Peer supporters focus on empathy rather than evaluation. They listen to understand, not to diagnose, which makes it easier for people to open up.

Peer support is based on equality, with no hierarchy or expert–patient relationship. Both individuals learn and grow together resulting in a sense of partnership.

Seeing someone who is doing well in their recovery journey inspires hope. It shows that healing is possible and provides motivation to keep going.

Peer supporters not only listen but also help with daily challenges. They may accompany someone to an appointment, check in after a hard day, or share useful resources.

Peer support helps people feel that they belong to a community. It reminds them that their struggles do not define them and that they are part of a larger circle of growth and healing.

Peer support does a lot of good, but it’s not without its challenges. One of the most common struggles is emotional fatigue. Listening to others’ stories, especially when they mirror your own, can take a toll over time. This is why 

 and having personal support systems are just as important for peer supporters as they are for those they help.

Another challenge is maintaining clear boundaries. When two people connect deeply, it’s easy for personal emotions to spill into the process. Clear communication and honesty about what each person can and cannot offer help maintain mutual respect.

Mismatched expectations can also appear when one person expects more than the other can realistically provide. The essence of peer support is walking alongside someone, not fixing their problems. When that understanding is established early, it prevents disappointment and keeps the relationship healthy.

Lastly, peer support can become less effective when it lacks proper structure or training. Learning how to listen carefully, respect privacy, and handle emotions helps both people in peer support. Training also empowers peer supporters to recognize when a situation requires professional help.

Peer support should be handled with care and awareness to ensure a balanced and sustainable form of healing for everyone involved.

Peer support can happen anywhere, whether online, in your local community, or during a casual conversation.

Look for local or online groups focused on your needs. Many NGOs, hospitals, and community centers host these groups. In Nigeria, for example, the Asido Campus Network (ACN) under the Asido Foundation and the Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI) offer great peer support opportunities.

If physical meetings are not possible, join moderated online communities or apps that promote safe mental health discussions. Ensure you choose credible platforms that protect your privacy.

If you are on your recovery journey and feel ready, consider volunteering or mentoring others. Sharing your story can encourage someone else and strengthen your own growth.

Peer support is helpful, but it should not replace professional therapy. You can benefit from both when you combine peer connection for shared understanding with therapy for structured guidance.

Mental health recovery is not a straight path. There will be highs and lows, but having someone to walk beside you makes the journey easier. Whether you are giving or receiving support, peer support reminds us that healing is possible when we do it together.

And remember, peer support works best alongside professional help.

 Licensed therapists, counselors, and psychologists

 are available to provide personalized care while you continue to grow through connection and community.

Peer support helps mental health recovery by creating a safe space to share experiences, find understanding, and gain practical guidance for healing.

Peer Support in Mental Health Recovery

Wondering how much therapy costs in Nigeria? For a long time, therapy was seen as something only the wealthy could afford. In this article, we’ll explore the cost of therapy in Nigeria, the factors that influence pricing, and what you can expect whether you choose online or in-person sessions.

A long-standing myth that has been repeatedly challenged in mental health conversations is the accessibility and affordability of therapy. For years, many assumed therapy was a luxury reserved for the wealthy. Without verifying the facts, this assumption kept countless people from even considering therapy when their mental health was in crisis.

Today, the narrative is changing globally. In Nigeria, therapy is no longer hidden in the background. It is gaining visibility through organizations, platforms, and professionals who are committed to promoting mental health. Platforms like TranqBay have pushed therapy to the forefront, creating avenues for individuals to connect with licensed therapists and counsellors in a transparent and structured way. This has made it easier for people facing 

anxiety, depression, trauma, or everyday stress 

to finally seek support without feeling therapy is out of reach.

The cost of therapy in Nigeria is not fixed. It varies depending on several factors, including the professional involved, the type of service, the modality chosen (online or in-person), and even the location. Generally, therapy sessions in Nigeria can start from as low as ₦3,000 on some online platforms and rise as high as ₦80,000 or more for consultations with psychiatrists in private hospitals.

It is also important to emphasize that a lower fee does not equate to lower quality of care. Many therapists intentionally keep their rates affordable to reach more people, and platforms often provide options that balance expertise with accessibility. What matters most is finding the right professional who meets your needs.

as a case study. Tranqbay operates as a marketplace that connects clients to a wide range of licensed therapists, counsellors, and psychologists. On the platform, you can see each professional’s “starting from” price. Some therapists begin at ₦5,000 per session, while others list fees between ₦7,000 and ₦15,000, depending on their expertise and experience. Clinical psychologists and senior practitioners sometimes charge higher, with listed sessions reaching into the mid-teens or beyond.

This flexibility helps clients plan according to their budget and needs.

When deciding on therapy, it is important to know the available modes of engagement. Typically, there are three main options:

Online therapy: Sessions conducted via video or audio calls. These are often more affordable and convenient for people who cannot attend in person.

Physical therapy: Face-to-face sessions at a clinic or office. These usually cost more because of location and overhead costs.

Hybrid therapy: A combination of online and physical sessions, allowing flexibility and continuity of care.

Online Therapy vs In-Person Therapy: Answering Your FAQs

Several elements determine how much you will pay for therapy in Nigeria:

Type of professional: Psychiatrists usually charge the highest because they are medical doctors who can prescribe medication. Clinical psychologists and psychotherapists often cost more than counselors, while therapists may vary depending on their training and specialization. If you’re wondering about the difference between these professionals, check out this detailed 

Experience and expertise: Highly experienced or specialized therapists may charge higher fees.

Location: Services in Lagos or Abuja are often more expensive than those in smaller cities.

Mode of therapy: In-person sessions generally cost more than audio or chat-based therapy.

Session length and packages: Standard sessions are about 50–60 minutes, but shorter sessions and package deals may reduce the cost per session.

Sliding scale options: Some therapists offer reduced fees based on financial need, or provide discounts for students, young adults, or bulk bookings.

Online entry-level sessions: from about ₦3,000.

Marketplace options (e.g., TranqBay): from ₦5,000 to ₦30,000+ depending on the therapist.

Private practice with clinical psychologists: between ₦15,000 and ₦57,000.

Psychiatrist consultations: from ₦25,000 up to ₦80,000 or more for first visits.

Therapy in Nigeria is no longer an inaccessible dream. With platforms like TranqBay and others, people now have a clearer understanding of costs and can make informed decisions. While prices vary, the important fact is that therapy is not exclusively for the rich; there are affordable options available, especially if you explore online sessions, packages, or sliding scale offers.

The real step is to prioritize your mental health. If cost has been your main barrier, know that with a little research and comparison, you can find therapy options that suit your budget and still provide quality care. Whether you’re dealing with stress, relationship challenges, or more complex conditions such as anxiety, depression, or trauma, affordable therapy in Nigeria is possible.

Wondering how much therapy costs in Nigeria? This article explores prices, from affordable online sessions to private consultations with therapists.

How Much Does Therapy Cost in Nigeria?

What if you were told your hobbies are more than just pastimes? Would you see them differently if you knew they could ease stress, lift your mood, and even heal your mind? Too often, we treat hobbies as simple entertainment, but research shows they carry far more weight. From lowering anxiety to sharpening memory, the activities you enjoy most may be doing more for your well-being than you realize. In this article, we’ll examine how hobbies can become natural tools for better mental health.

Hobbies are the activities you engage in willingly, for enjoyment, without external pressure. They are the things you find yourself doing with ease and sometimes even with joy, whether or not anyone is watching or rewarding you for them. 

Everyone knows what hobbies are, and everyone is expected to have at least one. But what not everyone realizes is that hobbies are not just little escapes from boredom; when seen through the right lens, they can become natural tools for strengthening our mental health.

Have you ever been stressed, anxious, or completely burned out after a long day? Or found yourself slipping into sadness after a painful or traumatic event? In moments like that, the default assumption is usually that big problems require big solutions such as 

, medication, or drastic lifestyle changes. While those approaches are important and valid, sometimes life does not follow such predictable rules. What seems like a mountain in your path may only require something as simple and available as reconnecting with 

 or leaning into a hobby you’ve always thought of as 

found that people who engage regularly in hobbies report lower levels of 

, along with greater quality of life and social connection. Similarly, a cross-country study of adults aged 50 and above showed that hobby participation is linked to better cognitive function and self-rated memory, even when cultural differences were considered.

This reveals hobbies should no longer be viewed only through the lens of entertainment, as they can be much more than that. And no, hobbies don’t always have to be monetized. It’s easy to think every passion has to pay the bills, but sometimes the greatest value of a hobby lies not in income but in the joy, peace of mind, and relaxation it bring.

The Science Behind Hobbies and Mental Health

Hobbies are not only backed by experience; science also supports their benefits to mental well-being. Research shows that engaging in meaningful leisure activities can reduce stress hormones, lower anxiety, and even improve overall mood and resilience.

Mental health benefits of hobbies include:

Improving mood and self-esteem by creating a sense of achievement and joy.

Boosting cognitive function through problem-solving, creativity, and learning new skills.

Studies have even shown that engaging in hobbies can lower cortisol levels (the body’s main stress hormone) and enhance a sense of well-being. In other words, your favorite activity isn’t just fun, it’s good for your brain and your body.

large_hobbies and mental health-unspla.jpg

medium_hobbies and mental health-unspla.jpg

small_hobbies and mental health-unspla.jpg

thumbnail_hobbies and mental health-unspla.jpg

hobbies and mental health-unspla.jpg

This article is not only about leveraging the hobbies you already have, but also about assessing and choosing ones that actually serve your mental health needs.

Most people choose hobbies because they enjoy them, and that’s a good place to start. A hobby should align with your natural interests; otherwise, it will feel like another chore. The more you enjoy it, the easier it is to stick with. So the rule is: if you don’t enjoy it, don’t do it.

Life already presents us with stressors from multiple directions. The last thing you want is to add more pressure by taking up a hobby that feels frustrating or overwhelming. If your aim is to 

, then gravitating toward hobbies that leave you tense afterward defeats the purpose. Pick something that feels challenging enough to keep you engaged, but not so demanding that it becomes a burden.

Not all hobbies are equally accessible. Some, like writing or sketching, require little more than a pen and paper. Others may need equipment, money, or space such as learning an instrument or practicing photography. This doesn’t mean you can’t pursue them, but you need to be honest about what you can commit to. The idea is to reduce anxiety, not add more because of hidden costs or logistical frustrations.

There is no rule that says hobbies are permanent, so don't be afraid to explore and adapt. What you enjoy today may not interest you tomorrow, and that’s perfectly fine. Think of hobbies as seasons where you try, learn, and move on to the next when the time feels right.

Ways to Turn Hobbies into Mental Health Boosters

Having a hobby is one thing; making it serve your mental health is another. Listed below are a few ways to maximize the benefits:

, hobbies need some level of regularity to produce lasting effects. The more consistently you engage in them, the deeper the benefits you’ll experience.

Instead of treating your hobby as background activity, try to be fully present in it. Whether it’s painting, gardening, or dancing, immerse yourself completely. This mindfulness helps quiet the noise in your head.

Breaking your hobby into small, achievable steps can do wonders for your confidence. Each little success becomes fuel to keep going and helps boost your self-esteem.

Many hobbies come alive when shared. Join communities, groups, or clubs where people share the same interests. The connections you form can strengthen your sense of belonging and make the hobby even more fulfilling.

large_hobbies-and-mental health.jpg

medium_hobbies-and-mental health.jpg

small_hobbies-and-mental health.jpg

thumbnail_hobbies-and-mental health.jpg

hobbies-and-mental health.jpg

Even if your hobby is not related to writing, you can 

where you reflect on your mood and growth after engaging in it. Over time, you’ll notice patterns and insights that you might otherwise miss.

7 Quick Tips to Instantly Boost Your Mood

Examples of Hobbies That Boost Mental Health

Now that you know how to make your hobbies work for your mental health, let’s look at the broad categories of hobbies with examples that support mental well-being.

Creative Hobbies: painting, writing, crafting, photography.

Intellectual Hobbies: reading, puzzles, learning a new language.

Physical Hobbies: walking, yoga, dancing, swimming.

Social Hobbies: volunteering, joining book clubs, taking group classes.

Nature-Based Hobbies: gardening, hiking, birdwatching, outdoor exploration.

One of the most common barriers to hobbies is time. With busy schedules, it can feel impossible to make room for them, yet setting aside even 15–20 minutes a day can create a meaningful routine.

Money can also stand in the way, but hobbies don’t always need to be costly. Simple activities like journaling, walking, or exploring free community resources can be just as fulfilling without adding financial stress.

Another challenge is motivation. Some days, the drive to pick up your hobby may feel absent. On those days, it helps to remember the sense of calm and joy you usually feel afterward; starting small can be enough to reignite the spark.

Finally, self-doubt often creeps in, especially when you compare yourself to others. Instead of focusing on perfection, try embracing the process of learning and allowing yourself to enjoy each step along the way.

Hobbies may look small on the surface, but their effect on mental health can be profound. They help us relieve stress, improve mood, and build resilience in ways we might never expect. The next time you feel overwhelmed, don’t underestimate the quiet power of picking up that paintbrush, lacing up your walking shoes, or opening your journal.

Want to feel happier and less stressed? Use your favorite hobbies as mental health boosters and watch your mood soar.

How to Turn Your Hobbies into Mental Health Boosters

September 10th is observed globally as World Suicide Prevention Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness and encouraging action to prevent suicide. Suicide affects hundreds of thousands of lives each year, leaving families, friends, and communities in deep pain. 

This year's theme, “Changing the Narrative on Suicide,” urges us to break the silence, confront stigma, and create spaces where those struggling feel heard and supported. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, know that you are not alone and that reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Your life matters, and support is available

Globally, suicide remains a significant public health concern, with an estimated 700,000 to 740,000 deaths each year, according to the 

International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP)

. Suicide accounts for over 1.3% of all global deaths, highlighting its impact on populations worldwide. 

It is a leading cause of death among young people, ranking as the fourth leading cause of death for individuals aged 15 to 29, and the third leading cause of death among youth in some reports, emphasizing the urgency of addressing mental health in younger populations. 

Suicide rates are also higher among men, with men accounting for more than twice as many deaths as women globally. These statistics emphasise the need for increased awareness, prevention strategies, and accessible mental health support to reduce the loss of life and promote well-being.

Suicide remains a leading cause of death worldwide, with over 700,000 lives lost each year. Yet, many individuals who experience suicidal thoughts do not seek help due to fear of judgment or lack of understanding. September 10th is observed globally as World Suicide Prevention Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about suicide and promoting actions that can prevent it. 

 calls on individuals, communities, organizations, and governments to engage in open and honest discussions about suicide and suicidal behavior. It encourages us to challenge harmful myths, reduce stigma, and encourage compassionate conversations. This change aims to move from silence and misunderstanding to openness, empathy, and support.

As Professor Jo Robinson, President of the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), stated:

“Suicide prevention is a shared commitment that unites us across borders, cultures, and communities. As we continue our journey to change the narrative on suicide, let us ensure our message of hope and understanding reaches everyone in every corner of the world.”

Preventing suicide requires a collective effort from individuals, communities, and organizations. 

 Host workshops, seminars, and campaigns to educate the public about suicide prevention. Engage local schools, workplaces, and community centers in these initiatives. Street-to-street campaigns and school outreach programs can help educate people about the warning signs of suicide and the importance of seeking help.

Did you know over 700,000 people die by suicide each year? Learn why World Suicide Prevention Day matters and how we can change the narrative.

Depression

News, Insights and Updates On Depression

Stay Updated

Main Menu

Resources

For Therapists

Popular Concerns

Main Menu

Resources

For Therapists

Popular Concerns