Happy New Month!

Hello SuperSTAN, August is here—quiet, heavy, and full of pressure.

Some of you are already writing exams. Some are in full revision mode, trying to connect the dots. And some are still navigating lectures, group chats, and endless deadlines.

We know it’s a lot. Balancing school, advocacy, and your own well-being isn’t easy. But here’s your gentle reminder: you’re doing the best you can, and that matters.

August isn’t asking you to be perfect. It’s asking you to keep showing up—for yourself, first. To rest without guilt. To breathe through the stress. To choose care, even when everything feels urgent.

We see your effort in and out of class, in your STAN work, and in the way you keep trying. We’re rooting for you through every paper, every task, and every tiny win.

This month, move at your own pace.
You’ve got this, SuperSTAN. Always. 💚

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

Want to be featured as a guest speaker on one of these shows? Just send a DM to your excos! It would be an absolute delight to have you on board.

3) X-Space: This August we're live on X-Space with the topic: “Being a Youth in Nigeria Today: What’s Really Going On?”, Let’s get real about the pressure, the hustle, the culture, and the silent battles young Nigerians are facing. It’s honest, unfiltered, and for anyone trying to make sense of it all.

Join the conversation live on Friday, 22nd August 2025 at 7:00 PM.

Quick Updates

As mentioned in our previous email, we’d like to give an update on the following activities:

🔸 Curbwalk is still on hold—please don’t organize or join any until we say otherwise.
🔸 School Trainings are paused. In the meantime, send your school liaison’s name and contact to your admin.
🔸 MANI Talk now holds twice a month—you can speak solo or with others, anywhere you feel comfortable. Don’t forget to submit your report, headcount, and photos after!
🔸 Conversation Café still holds every 3 months—shout-out to everyone hosting this quarter!
🔸 Commemorations are coming up in Sept, Oct, Nov & March. Kindly start planning as a group.

Here’s a quick review of July

1. Conversation Cafe:  July’s Conversation Café at FUTO was all heart; no filters, no judgment, just honest conversations and real connection. From deep chats to shared laughs, students showed up and showed love. Missed it? Don’t worry, more are coming. The convo’s just getting started. 📸 FUTO Pictures: FUTO Conversation Cafe

2. Mental Health Knowledge Pre-Test: Our quarterly mental health knowledge pre-test was successfully conducted this month. STAN members 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!

3. 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. Missed it or want a refresher? Click below to access the training content: Training Folder

4. 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. 

Here's what to remember:

1) We are to carry out mental health awareness on our campus monthly. Our activities include:

• MANI Talk:  15-minute pitches that you can sneak in while waiting for your lecture, hanging out in the hostel, or during your coffee break. Basically, anywhere you find a captive audience!

• Conduct quarterly conversation cafes on campus: Think coffee hangouts with a twist and chats about mental health served up in our favourite campus spots.

2) Documentation: After all that action, don’t forget to document it! Message your activity coordinator or president for the report templates, so we don’t lose track of all our awesomeness. 

3) STAN Standard Operating Procedures (SOP): To keep our campus activities smooth and impactful, all STAN members should check out the SOP document. It’s your go-to guide for how we plan, show up, and make a difference together. Haven’t read it yet? Now’s a great time! Access it here: STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES (SOP) FOR STAN MEMBERS

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.