ESTHER OYEBOLA ADEKOYA

Interview with Punch Newspaper  16th April, 2020

A mental health awareness advocate, Mrs Esther Adekoya, has advised Nigerians to take their emotional and mental health seriously during the lockdown period.

Oyebola, who is also the founder of Heartrose Care Foundation, in an interview with our correspondent, said there was the need for people to maintain emotional stability in order not to give way to neuroticism.

She said, “At this crucial season and beyond, you must not joke with your emotional life. Emotional stability is very important so you don’t give way to neuroticism or emotional ill-health because of the sit-at-home order and the pandemic situation.

“Emotional health is an important part of overall health. Emotionally healthy people are in control of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. They can cope with life’s challenges. They can keep problems in perspective and bounce back from setbacks. They feel good about themselves and have good relationships.

“Being emotionally healthy does not mean you are happy all the time. It means you are aware of your emotions. You can deal with them, whether they are positive or negative. Emotionally healthy people still feel stress, anger, fear and sadness. But they know how to manage their negative feelings. They can tell when a problem is more than they can handle on their own. They also know when to seek help from their doctors.”

She urged Nigerians not to allow the lockdown to affect their emotions and reactions, urging them to think before acting.

“Be aware of your emotions and reactions. Notice what in your life makes you sad, frustrated, or angry. Try to address or change those things. Express your feelings in appropriate ways. Let people close to you know when something is bothering you. Keeping feelings of sadness, fear or anger inside adds to stress. It can cause problems in your relationships and at work, home or school,” Oyebola said.