On World Mental Health Day, psychiatrist and mental health coach Dr. Adeola Adeyemi (@talkmental.health) delivered a timely and thought-provoking message about the state of global mental wellness.
She also shared what individuals can do to safeguard their own mental health amid rising stress, social pressure, and limited access to care.
This year’s World Mental Health Day theme, “Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,” strikes an urgent chord in a world where crises — from pandemics to wars to economic instability — continue to test emotional resilience. Yet, as Dr. Adeyemi pointed out in her post, mental health services remain painfully inadequate.
“About 75% of people who need help lack access to mental health services in developing countries,” she explained. “Even in developed nations, the waiting lists are often very long.”
For Dr. Adeyemi, the solution starts with prevention and empowerment
.“I strongly believe that prevention is not only better but also far more affordable than cure,” she stressed. Her message captures the philosophy that mental wellness must be treated as an everyday commitment, not just a response to crisis.
The Five Habits To Quit for Better Mental Health
In her video, Dr. Adeyemi outlined five key habits that silently undermine mental health, urging viewers to take proactive steps before reaching the point of psychiatric intervention.
- Rumination:
Constantly overthinking or replaying negative scenarios creates unnecessary mental strain. “Stop creating problems in your mind that don’t exist,” she advised. Letting go of what you can’t control is a first step toward peace. - Unforgiveness:
Holding grudges may feel justified, but research shows it often backfires. Forgiveness, Dr. Adeyemi noted, is not for others — it’s for your own emotional freedom. “You deserve peace,” she reminded viewers. - Comparison:
Social media often fuels toxic self-comparison, eroding self-worth and amplifying anxiety. “Measuring yourself against others can blind you to your own strength,” she said. Gratitude and self-awareness, she suggested, are powerful antidotes. - Poor Sleep Habits:
Scrolling through your phone late at night or cutting sleep short isn’t just a lifestyle issue — it’s a health risk. “Sleep is your brain’s superpower,” Dr. Adeyemi stressed. Regular, high-quality sleep supports emotional balance and cognitive function. - Lack of Exercise:
“Exercise isn’t just for losing weight,” she said. “It helps regulate mood, increases energy levels, and keeps you focused.” Physical movement, even in moderate forms, has been shown to be as effective as antidepressants in managing mild to moderate depression.
A Global Problem That Demands Local Action
Dr. Adeyemi’s message resonates far beyond her followers. The global mental health crisis continues to deepen, driven by social isolation, economic stress, and post-pandemic fatigue. Yet, as she noted, psychiatrists remain in short supply worldwide, leaving millions without adequate treatment or preventive guidance.
Her message — both hopeful and pragmatic — reframes mental health as something within personal control, at least partly. By focusing on small, daily changes, she suggests individuals can reduce their risk of burnout, depression, and anxiety — even in environments where systemic support is lacking.
The Power of Prevention
Dr. Adeyemi’s emphasis on education over reaction mirrors a growing global sentiment among mental health advocates: that wellness starts long before illness.
“Your mental health doesn’t deteriorate overnight,” she reminded her audience. “It is shaped daily by your habits.”
Her closing words — “Be intentional about your mental health” — capture the spirit of World Mental Health Day perfectly: a call not just for awareness, but for deliberate, informed self-care.
