Happy New Month!

Happy new month, MANISTAR!

Can you believe it’s August already? The year’s flying by, but here you are, still growing, still learning, still standing. That’s no small thing. August tends to sneak in quietly, but it brings its own kind of energy: a time to reset, realign, and maybe even breathe a little deeper. 

If July felt like a whirlwind of checklists, deadlines, and trying to keep it all together, you’re not alone. This month, we’re leaning into gentle clarity and intentional rest, not slowing down, but choosing to move with awareness and care. 

Whether you're crushing your goals or just trying to stay afloat, it all counts. Progress isn’t always loud or flashy. Sometimes it looks like asking for help, taking a break, or simply remembering to eat lunch.

Let August be the month you show up for you, without pressure or perfection. We see you. We’re proud of you. And we’re always in your corner.

What’s New in August?

1) Quarterly Joint Training: This quarter, we’re diving into a topic that’s deeply connected to our work as mental health advocates: 

Topic:  Psychosis and Schizophrenia: Demystifying the mystery

Date:  Sunday, August 31st, 2025

Time:  7:00 PM

Venue: Zoom (Link will be shared closer to the date.)

We’ll unpack what psychosis and schizophrenia mean, challenge the myths and stigma surrounding them, and explore how to offer informed, compassionate support. Come ready to unlearn, understand, and grow.

2) Radio Show: In August, we will have Let’s Talk Mental Health on the radio. Below is the schedule:

Topic:  Living Mask-Free: Navigating High-Functioning Depression
Date:  05/08/2025
Time & Venue:  YABATECH Radio 89.3 FM at 11:00 AM

Topic:   The Language of Healing: Words Matter in Mental Health
Date:  05/08/2025
Time & Venue:  UNILAG Radio 103.1 FM at 12:15 PM

Topic:  Caring for the Carers
Date:  19/08/2025
Time & Venue:  YABATECH Radio 89.3FM at 11:00 AM

Here’s a quick review of July

1) Mental Health Knowledge Pre-Test: Our quarterly mental health knowledge pre-test was successfully conducted this month. Volunteers participated to assess their understanding of key mental health concepts. This pretest serves as a baseline for measuring knowledge growth over time. Well done to all who completed it!

2) Monthly Training: The July training held on Sunday, July 27th, 2025, via Zoom, focused on “Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Beyond the Stigma.” The session provided participants with a deeper understanding of what OCD truly is, challenged common myths, and explored practical ways to support individuals affected by the condition. Participants engaged actively during the session and shared how it helped reshape their approach to advocacy and support.

3) Radio Show: Two editions of Let’s Talk Mental Health aired in July, featuring insightful conversations on relevant mental health topics. On July 1st, the topic “Unlearning Silence: Finding Your Voice After Trauma” was broadcast on YABATECH Radio 89.3FM at 11:00 AM and UNILAG Radio 103.1FM at 12:15 PM. On July 15th, the topic “Screen Time Stress: Social Media, Self-Esteem & Mental Health” aired on YABATECH Radio 89.3FM at 11:00 AM. Both sessions were impactful and sparked important conversations among listeners.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AUGUST

Self-Care Reminder

You don’t have to earn rest; it’s your right. Take a moment to pause, breathe, and just be. Step outside, stretch, or sit in stillness for a while. Say no when your plate is full. Say yes to what truly nourishes you.

Be kind to yourself, even on the messy days, especially on the messy days. You’re doing your best, and that is always enough.

This August, let rest be part of your routine, not just your reward.