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TalkNaija

@talknaijaorg

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TalkNaija is building a community to humanize and destigmatize mental illness within the Nigerian community.

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Shame is a self-evaluative emotion that leads to us devaluing ourselves and disconnecting from ourselves and community. Sometimes we’re taught through how we were raised or our cultures. Shame has long been a tool for social control and abuse. Some people argue that shame can be functional and used as a means of self-regulation but the line is very thin before it turns into self-debasement and the consequences don’t out weigh the potential benefits. Shame is correlated with increased depression, anxiety, addiction related issues, and complex PTSD. Even in therapy, people still may not share with their therapist the single most transformative experience in their life because of shame and the fear of rejection and exposure it brings. Still, as with all emotions we should never try to repress it because it will transform into negative symptoms when we do.

None of us can guarantee that we will never experience shame, but we can become better at responding to the feeling and becoming shame resilient. Shame does not have to bind you and keep you from others. Instead we become more shame resilient when we admit our vulnerabilities, challenge our limiting beliefs, practice empathy, and place blame where it belongs.

How did you learn what to be ashamed of?
What has it felt like when people have used shame to regulate your behavior?

#therapy #blackmentalhealth #mentalhealth #shame by @talknaijaorg

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I had the immense privilege to be interviewed on @fox5dc to talk about how to break down barriers for diverse communities to seeking mental health care. Speaking on the work we do with TalkNaija, our hopes for the new year, and how to find a therapist that fits you, was an absolute joy. Also a full circle surprise bonus was being interviewed by an old classmate from UGA.

If there’s anything I want to accomplish in this lifetime, it’s to be someone who helps to guide people to healing. I truly don’t know if I’m made to do anything else.
#mentalhealth #nigerian #therapy by @talknaijaorg

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Happy New Year Talk Naija Fam! 🇳🇬💚

We hope these first few days of January have been treating you well! 🎉 With the start of the new year, we wanted to take a minute to reflect on our 2024 Therapy Fund: Year in Review. We are grateful to have funded 29 recipients last year! ✨

In this new year, we hope to fund even more recipients! Please use our QR code to apply for therapy funding in 2025! 🥳 Cheers to a great year ahead! #talkmore #talknaija by @talknaijaorg

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2 years ago

Hello again Talk Naija Fam! 💚

TalkNaija will be hosting a series of Instagram Lives to discuss pertinent topics related to mental health. TODAY🚨, will be discussing how religion and mental health go hand-in-hand in our community. “Church & Mental Health” will feature @mrfbnp and @felicia_ony as our expert panel. 🇳🇬✨

Please join us TODAY at 6pm EST! See you on the LIVE soon! 🥳💚 #talkmore #talknaija by @talknaijaorg

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2 years ago

Happy Thursday Talk Naija Fam! We’re almost at the end of a busy week! 💚

Today we come to you with exciting news! TalkNaija will be going on Instagram LIVE for a discussion regarding the state of mental health amongst black men. “Malt, Men & Mental Health” will feature our very own @mrfbnp @oga_jeff and @dr_onyemmeme_md. 🇳🇬✨

Please join us for a fruitful conversation on May 29th at 8pm EST! We’ll see you on LIVE! 🥳💚 #talkmore #talknaija by @talknaijaorg

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2 years ago

Happy News Years Eve Talknaija Fam! We finally made it to the end of 2023!💚✨🇳🇬

One of the main aims of TalkNaija Org has been to increase access to therapy for Nigerians across the diaspora. As we look back on the year, we wanted to share our recipient overview and key achievements from our TalkNaija Therapy Fund! ✨

If you’re interested in receiving this grant, please scan the QR code and review the eligibility requirements below!

We wish you a mentally well and Happy New Year!✨💚 #talkmore #talknaija by @talknaijaorg

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3 years ago

Happy Monday TalkNaija Fam! 🇳🇬🤍

Today we come to you with basketball news…Repost from @nbaonespn - Giannis opened up about his mental health and how he considered retirement in 2020 because of it.

Check out our IG story for the full story on ESPN. #talkmore #talkmore by @talknaijaorg

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3 years ago

Happy Friday and last day of Women’s History Month TalkNaija Fam! 🇳🇬🤍💚

Last but certainly not least, we are excited to feature licensed psychologist and our very own Talk Naija co-founder Dr. Uchechi Ukuku! 🥳

Dr. Ukuku states “I was in the 6th grade when I decided to be a psychologist. I always knew from an even younger age that I wanted to help people, but didn’t know how until I had to do a research project in the 6th grade and decided to focus on mental health. I’ve always been drawn to helping people see their worth outside the lens of what they can provide and despite what they’ve been through. Becoming a psychologist gave me the ability to walk with people in their journey through life and help them to cultivate a life that isn’t driven by fear, judgment, or shame, but love. I specialize in the treatment of trauma because I believe that trauma doesn’t end someone’s story, nor is it the entirety of their identity. If we can treat people’s hurt, we can change generations. When I think about the work I do, I think about how lucky I am to do something I truly love, something that allows me to advocate for and help folks who look like me, something that shows that vulnerability isn’t a weakness, but the greatest display of strength and sensitivity. Two equally important things. Unpacking your past allows you to live a life of choice instead of obligation.”

Thank you for your continued dedication to serving our community @drukuku 💪🏾 #talkmore #talknaija #womenshistorymonth by @talknaijaorg

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4 years ago

Hi there TalkNaija Fam! 🇳🇬🤍💚

Two more days…Let’s get to it! 🥳

Today we are delighted to feature Miss. Irene! She is a psychiatric RN and doctoral psych NP student.

Miss. Irene states, “The mental health community remains an underserved and undertreated population, and I believe that the reason I was put here on earth is to radically advocate for marginalized groups of people. I know that one major way I can achieve this is through my career. Mental health concerns are considered taboo in our society, and they shouldn't be. Having a mental illness does not make one "weak”; just because you cannot physically see it doesn't make it any less important. In fact, mental health is the basis for well-being. I have chosen to devote my life to making having a mental health therapist as ordinary as having a primary care physician. Getting help should be as normal as going to the doctor for a broken arm.”

Thank you for your contribution to the field and best of luck on the remainder of your schooling @dr.irenea 💪🏾 #talkmore #talknaija #womenshistorymonth by @talknaijaorg

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4 years ago

Hello TalkNaija Fam! 🇳🇬🤍💚

We have a few more days left in Women’s History Month. It’s only fitting that we continue to highlight the women who are trailblazing the mental health space. 🎊

Today we highlight Natasha Ewa, psychotherapist and CEO of I-Thrive Therapy and Wellness, LLC.

Ewa states, “From a very young age (after realizing that I didn't feel like becoming an astronaut and going to the moon), I have always been the human in the room that others gravitated towards to 'help'.
Whether that was emotionally, financially, spiritually etc. I was the energy that somehow provided a sense of direction. I recognized by my teen years that I was able to be this person, without feeling drained or struggling with boundaries or compassion fatigue. I knew NOT to make the problems or struggles that others had, my own. It was not until years later I realized this was a skill, and moreover an important skill to have if I was going to be working in mental health as a career. Additionally, I had a major enthusiasm for human behavior. Though I did not realize this was what I was doing at first, I was always educating myself on brain functions and human processes; why we do the things we do. It was relentless. From watching crime (all day and all night), which I still do, to being intentional about building on my own emotional intelligence and perceptive skills. Lastly, I believe in the aid of psychotropic medications (when appropriate) and so, after obtaining my BS in PscychoBiology, I considered going the route of becoming a psychiatrist. After dabbling in higher ed chemistry courses, I knew immediately that was a wowuu! Not for me. Plus, I was more interested in the role our environment and social relationships have on human behavior. After taking 3 years off, I then pursued my MSW with a concentration in clinical/micro work and worked towards becoming the psychotherapist I am today.”

Thank you for your strong work @natashaaftercancer 💪🏾 #talkmore #talknaija #womenshistorymonth by @talknaijaorg

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4 years ago

Hello TalkNaija Fam! 🇳🇬🤍💚 By now you know the drill!

Today we are happy to highlight Dr. Adaora Okwesili (Did we mention she’s double board certified in general psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry?!) 🤩

Practice Info: Center For Mental Wealth in Houston, TX

Dr. Okwesili shares, “I chose a career in mental health because I was able to put a name to issues our community refuses to acknowledge. In the five years that I lived in Nigeria I was taught an unkempt man roaming the streets was "a mad man"; I was taught unusual behaviors meant an individual should be ostracized; and I unfortunately, learned there was no room to be anything other than alright. I have now unlearned these things and have seen recognizing and treating mental health conditions truly is the foundation for overall sound health. I love being a Psychiatrist because it offers me the ability to eloquently and compassionately tell our community that "a mad man", which our culture deems disposable may be "mad" , but nonetheless "he is still a man." Please be compassionate to others and don't be afraid to seek help!

"Words can be medicine, use them wisely."’

Inspirational! Thank you for all you do @adasquest

Also check out @Poisebymadaora , her new mental and style page! 💪🏾 #talkmore #talknaija #womenshistorymonth by @talknaijaorg

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4 years ago

Happy Monday TalkNaija Fam! 🇳🇬🤍💚

Today we highlight Ms. Eniola King, MPsy, CYT-200, a third year doctoral student in clinical psychology 🥳

King states, “The aphorism I live by is, “be the light” which summarizes Matthew 5:14-16. I believe that everyone deserves to live life to their fullest potential, finding their self, their true purpose, and making a difference in the lives of others. I’ve always wanted to pursue a career where I could make an impactful and positive difference in the life of someone. My journey and discovery into this field was truly through the work of God. My undergraduate degree is in exercise science and applied kinesiology. Though I minored in psychology, I wanted to pursue physical therapy at the time, but through spending time with God, the path to becoming a psychologist and working in the mental health field fit my purpose and life goals better than I imagined. I want to continue to help decrease the stigma surrounding mental health within all communities, but especially the African-American community. My dissertation work explores suicide within Black emerging adults. Currently, I am finishing up my 2nd clinical externship where I’ve been providing services to individuals in Washington, DC at a private practice. I also want to integrate physical and mental health into my line of work, which is where my love for yoga stems from. Studying the field of psychology at the doctorate level provides you with numerous opportunities. The field of sport psychology, health psychology, applied psychology, and psychological assessments are fields I am excited to explore within my career.

If I could put a text on a nationwide billboard about mental health, it would be two quotes by Maya Angelou that state, “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them. I encourage you to live with life. Be courageous, adventurous. Give us a tomorrow, more than we deserve.“

Congratulations on all the amazing work you’ve done @ennysydney 💪🏾 #talkmore #talknaija #womenshistorymonth by @talknaijaorg

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