Psychebabble Foundation has called for an end to the stigma surrounding mental health in Nigeria, urging people to speak openly about their struggles and seek professional support when needed.
Established in 2019, Psychebabble Foundation has promoted mental well-being and expanded access to mental health education and psychosocial support in Nigeria.
The foundation made this call at its 2026 Mental Health Hangout, themed “Hear Me Out: Let’s Connect,” as it marked seven years of promoting mental health awareness, education and psychosocial support in Nigeria.
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The anniversary hangout focused on addressing mental health misconceptions and strengthening connections among people seeking support. It also featured panel discussions on lived experiences, a film screening, a book reading, interactive activities and breakout conversations.
Speaking at the event, the foundation’s founder and executive director, Sandra Anyahaebi, said stigma continued to discourage people from seeking help, stressing the need to create supportive spaces where individuals could discuss their experiences without fear of judgement.
According to her, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties and addiction are among the concerns for which people seek support through the foundation. She added that some people also reach out simply because they need someone to listen.
“We have a culture of stigma here in this country, and we know that,” she said. “And that is why our mission as an organisation is to equip young people with coping skills and improve help-seeking behaviour.”
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Anyahaebi identified the foundation’s free counselling platform as one of its major achievements, noting that it had supported almost 5,000 people. This service allows people to speak with counsellors from the comfort of their homes, making support more accessible to those who may find it difficult to seek help in person.
Speaking about the foundation’s projects, Anyahaebi highlighted the ongoing Love Home Project, which provides mental health support to children in orphanages.
Also speaking at the event, Temitope Giwa, a volunteer with the foundation’s projects team, said her experience with the organisation had helped her understand anxiety and learn ways to manage it.
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According to her, learning about mental health had helped her recognise her feelings and develop coping strategies rather than feel alone in dealing with them.
Giwa added that her experience with Psychebabble had helped her become happier and less anxious, while also equipping her to encourage people experiencing mental health challenges to seek support and learn more about their experiences.
