Our second session in the Black Masculinity and Mental Health series was another powerful and insightful event, bringing together thought leaders, medical experts, and community voices to address one of the most pressing issues facing our community today.

If you missed it, you can [Watch the Video Recording Here] (Passcode: E?uP2IC8).

Here are some of the key highlights from the discussion:

1. Striving for a Well-Balanced, Healthy Lifestyle
Our speakers emphasised the importance of maintaining balance across all areas of life — physical, social, and mental. True health is holistic, and caring for the mind is just as critical as caring for the body.

2. Practical Solutions to Mental Health Challenges
Several actionable strategies were shared to help address mental health issues, including:

• Building Quality Relationships: Strong family ties and friendships form a crucial support system.
• Practical Life Improvements: Access to quality housing, stable finances, and basic needs can greatly influence mental well-being.
• Personal Resilience: Develop self-discipline, patience, and the ability to assess situations thoughtfully. Being resilient means weighing both the positive and negative impacts of decisions.

3. The Role of External Support

• Government Involvement: Effective policies and grassroots interventions are needed to support mental health at a structural level.
• Community-Led Initiatives: Empowering local groups to educate, support, and uplift is essential to making lasting change.
• Tailored Support Systems: Safe spaces, such as closed-group forums, provide opportunities for individuals to express themselves freely and receive the help they need.

4. The Importance of Talking Therapy
Seeking professional help through counselling and medical treatment can lead to real healing. Mental health challenges are treatable — and reaching out is a vital first step.

5. The Power of Quality Influencers
Positive role models such as religious leaders, community mentors, and respected figures can inspire and guide. However, emphasis was placed on the quality of these influencers to ensure they truly uplift rather than harm.

A Special Thank You
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our incredible guest speakers for their wisdom and contributions:

• Dr. Debi Oduloju
• Dr. Nnamdi Ugwunze
• Dr. Sosunmolu Soyinka
• Dr. Ameh Zion Abba
• Dr. Ambrose Nwachukwu

With special thanks to our moderator, Dr. Teslim Bukoye, for expertly guiding the conversation.

Stay Connected
Mental health is a journey, not a destination. Let's keep the conversation alive, support one another, and continue building stronger, healthier communities.

#BlackMasculinity #MentalHealthAwareness #CommunityHealing