She Writes Woman Mental Health Initiative Launches Toll-Free Mental Health Helpline
She Writes Woman, a leading not-for-profit mental health organization founded by Hauwa Ojeifo in 2016 has launched a toll-free helpline. The helpline was launched as a result of the heightening emotional and psychological influence brought about by COVID-19, the subsequent lockdown and the wider socio-economic impacts it had on people.
The founder, Hauwa Ojeifo noted that the helpline couldn’t have come at a better time following the collective trauma experienced by some Nigerians as a result of the nationwide #EndSARS protest. According to Hauwa, proper care for mental health is highly essential and an act of resistance.
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Hauwa stated,
“The toll-free number is an easy-to-remember number that ensures that the caller need not have call credit or airtime to access quality mental health support. 0800-800-2000 is picked by trained and licensed counsellors who deliver on-the-spot counselling to calls at no cost to the caller.”
While stating this, She Writes Woman communication team further shared some vital coping techniques to enable one deal with anxiety, shock and grief. They are well-stated below:
1. Log Off
Take a break off the internet, it’s okay. Logging off from all sites helps reduce depressive thoughts about current events. Shield yourself from triggering narratives and images.
2. Disengage
You don’t have to engage anyone; you don’t have to say anything. Disengaging will ensure that conversations will not trigger you. It’s fine to want to be alone with your thoughts; solitude will help calm you down.
3. Self-Validate
Whatever you’re feeling now; sad, angry or even exhausted, it is completely valid. You are valid, your feelings are valid. Do not let anyone or anything tell you otherwise, know that you are human and your emotions are valid.
4. Self-Care
Do something that cheers you up. It may seem selfish but you need to take care of your feeling. Take a short walk, listen to some melancholic songs, have a glass of wine but try something that cheers you up.
5. Speak to a Professional
Speaking to a mental health professional can help you navigate your feelings and thoughts at this time.
Call the toll free line at She Writes Woman – 0800-800-2000.
She Writes Woman is an organization that gives mental health a voice in Nigeria. The organization operates by empowering people who are looking for better health care, looking to tell their own stories and co-creating their own solution.
The organization receives support from both local and international funding or grants. The organization’s vision and services cut across three key areas which are – policy advocacy, public health reform and intersectional solutions.