We live in a digital world where, mental health struggles are often hidden beneath the polished veneers of social media profiles, carefully curated to present a perfect life. As we observe World Suicide Prevention Month this September, we must acknowledge that the reality is far different for many. Economic stress, unresolved childhood traumas, and the pressures of daily life weigh heavily on individuals, particularly us the youth.

Fidelis Gakuhi, a mental health activist, published author, and poet, is no stranger to these struggles. Having once battled her own mental health challenges, she is on a mission to remind people that they are doing fine, even when life feels overwhelming.

“I’ve been there,” Fidelis emphasizes. “I once tried to end my life, but someone came through for me. That’s why I believe in paying it forward. This generation carries so much weight from their past, and they need constant reminders that they’re doing okay.”

The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media

It’s impossible to talk about today’s mental health landscape without addressing social media. For many, it serves as a double-edged sword. While it can connect people to stories that inspire and provide a sense of community, it also adds to the pressure, creating unrealistic standards of success, beauty, and happiness.

Fidelis offers a grounded perspective on this: “Social media doesn’t always mirror real life. Gen Zs should learn to manage what they keep and what they discard. The pressure isn’t always healthy.” She acknowledges the positive aspects too, noting how social media can offer relatable stories depending on what one chooses to consume.

Engaging in Conversations: Breaking the Silence

For Fidelis, creating awareness around mental health doesn’t stop at social media posts. She actively engages people in WhatsApp groups and through her statuses, sparking conversations that allow people to feel valued and heard. “Once you ask for their opinion, they feel appreciated, and that’s when they start sharing their experiences. We then try to find solutions together, and when I can’t help directly, I recommend they seek professional help.”

However, Fidelis doesn’t shy away from the challenges that come with mental health advocacy. “It’s heartbreaking when someone reaches out but isn’t willing to put in the work to heal. It’s even more painful when they constantly post suicidal thoughts on social media, yet you can’t reach them,” she notes.

Despite the difficulties, Fidelis always leaves a message of encouragement, reminding those struggling that things can get better. She believes in giving her all and accepting that sometimes, no matter how hard we try, things may not turn out as expected—and that’s okay.

When talking about friendships, Fidelis draws inspiration from Aristotle’s philosophy on friendship which highlights that true friends should enjoy each other’s company and be useful to one another. She applies this theory to her mental health advocacy.

“You should always want the best for your friends. If they reach out, don’t just be an enabler. Lead them towards better solutions without invalidating their feelings,” she urges. This mindset is crucial when dealing with mental health issues within personal circles, as it can at times be a of life-or-death situation.

Fidelis also acknowledges that society still has a long way to go in understanding mental health. “It’s not easy. People are still afraid to engage with the issue. Many still believe that mental illness is more of a spiritual problem than a real illness,” she says. This misconception makes it harder to create a safe pace for recovery.

Nevertheless, she remains hopeful and committed by continuously finding ways to create awareness. She advises that people should look up for agencies like NACADAke that also engage in extensive talks on mental health, especially during this month when the world is spreading awareness on suicide prevention.

In her own social circles, Fidelis has taken steps to make mental health a topic of open discussion. “My friends saw me struggle with mental health issues, and I knew I had to create awareness for them to feel comfortable with it. I even wrote a book, and they were so supportive that I never felt isolated. They’re very open-minded and don’t find the subject heavy,” she says. This openness has allowed her to foster deeper conversations with people who relate to her experiences.

Fidelis believes in the power of conversation and reminds us that everyone has something to offer. “No one is too poor to give. You can play your part by offering advice or referring someone to a specialist. You never know who’s listening or watching.”

In a world that often shies away from discussing mental health, Fidelis urges us to step up and start these conversations. As she reminds us, ignorance is not bliss when it comes to topics on mental health and suicide cases. The time to act is now. If someone is struggling, reach out, offer support, and don’t be afraid to refer them to professionals who can help. It’s about saving lives, one conversation at a time.

What if I told you there was a way for you to switch it all up—mind, body, and spirit—without getting too woo-woo? Yup, do you know about holistic health, syncing your mental, physical, and emotional well-being? Sounds like a vibe, right? Hear me out.

1. Mind: Your Mental Playground

Your mind is like a garden—what you plant is what grows. If you’re feeding it negative thoughts and stress, don’t be surprised when you’re feeling down and stressed or find yourself at your local. It’s time to flip the script.

Start small: daily affirmations, a quick meditation sesh, or even journaling out your feelings. Keep that mental energy high, and watch how it changes your game.

2. Body: The Real MVP (Most Valuable Player)

You know the drill—your body is your temple, but are you really treating it like one? Holistic health isn’t just about hitting the gym; it’s about moving your body in ways that feel good to you.

Whether it’s yoga, dance, or just a walk in the park, get that body moving. And let’s not sleep on the fuel—eat whole foods that nourish you from the inside out. Your body’s your ride through life; give it the premium gas it deserves.

3. Spirit: The Vibe Setter

Now, this might be where some of y’all get sceptical, but stick with me. Your spirit is your inner vibe, the energy that keeps you grounded. It’s about finding what centers you—maybe it’s a spiritual practice, or just spending time in nature. Whatever fills your cup, do more of that.

Your spirit’s compass guides you to a life that feels right, not just looks right.

4. The Power of Balance

Holistic health is all about balance. When your mind, body, and spirit are aligned, you’re unstoppable. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being aware and making choices that keep you in sync. Life’s gonna throw you off balance sometimes, but when you know how to realign, you’ll always find your way back.

So, there you have it—holistic health in a nutshell. It’s not some out-there concept; it’s about living a life where all parts of you thrive together. Start with one small change today, and let’s get that mind, body, and spirit in harmony. You got this!

YouTube Turned My Life Around. Seriously!

10 years ago, I was just a kid who wanted unlimited coins for my phone games. Guess where I found out how to get them?

YouTube.

Yep, it showed me how to root my device and unlock everything I ever wanted. I felt like a hacker!

Fast forward to our last year of high school, my friends and I decided we wanted to study the Bible more deeply and live a genuine Christian life.

But where could we possibly go for that?

Then came the phase where I wanted to sound more articulate, fancied myself a digital minimalist, got curious about lifestyle medicine, wanted to dress better (so I looked more confident and approachable).

Write more effectively, lift heavy weights, almost perfect my swimming strokes, and even get some dating advice.

Where did I turn to?

Yet, YouTube May Feel Like A Bottomless Pit Of Content

With its overwhelming amount of information, you might end up drowning in cat videos and celebrity gossip when all you wanted was to learn how to cook pasta that doesn’t stick together like glue.

But, if used intentionally, it’s like having a personal tutor for everything you’ve ever wanted to learn, and the best part?

FOR FREE!!

And so, I’m here to convince you

How You Can Make YouTube Your Personal Self-Improvement Tool That Works For You!

Turning you into the fascinating, well-rounded genius you’ve always dreamed of being.

Can’t eat your own cooked food? Let me show you how YouTube can turn you into the family’s star chef—or hey, maybe even help you finally find a man (because who doesn’t love a good cook?)

Need help to budget? Still haven’t figured out how to get your grades up?

Wanna take better pictures, or develop an obsession with reading?

Learn Chinese so that you can speak with half the world?

Or bake the perfect cake for your mom’s 60^th birthday to remind her she’s still the best thing that ever happened to you—even though you’ve never known how to use an oven?

Here’s how.

1. Clean Up Your Subscription List and Algorithm So That YouTube Works For You, Not Against You

Intentionally subscribe to channels that align with your goals and unsubscribe from those that don’t.

Avoid mindless scrolling, as it can lead to unproductive content being suggested.

Instead, support the videos you enjoy by liking, sharing & commenting, to get similar recommendations.

Do this consistently for 3 months, and watch as YouTube algorithm transforms into a personal self-development assistant tailored to your needs.

2. Create Playlists To Organize Content

Whether it’s long-form lectures, tutorials, or videos recommended by friends, categorize them into playlists for easy access.

This simple habit saves you time and prevents the frustration of searching for that one video you need among a sea of irrelevant content.

3. Set Consistent Time Limits To Plan Your YouTube learning

Whether it’s 30 minutes a day or 1 hour every weekend.

Consistent, shorter sessions are more effective than binge-watching for hours on end, which can turn your active learning into passive viewing.

Remember, the goal is to absorb and apply what you’ve learned, not to turn YouTube into another source of entertainment.

4. Have Specific Daily/Weekly/Monthly Goals

Don’t just watch anything—dedicate time to a particular theme or subject, and immerse yourself fully.

When a video points you to further resources, follow up with research.

If you encounter something challenging, take the time to understand it thoroughly before moving on.

This approach ensures that you’re consolidating your knowledge and making the most of your watch time.

5. Engage with Content Actively To Learn Deeply

Take notes, pause to reflect, and try out what you’ve learned in real life.

Active participation solidifies your learning.

Use flashcards, share insights with friends, write about your experiences, and apply your new skills in everyday life.

6. Explore New Interests To Meet New Challenges and Opportunities To Grow

Don’t be afraid to dive into topics you’ve been curious about but haven’t yet explored.

That’s how you might discover your interest in exercise and stay consistent for a year plus.

You never know where a new interest might lead—it could even become your next passion or career path.

7. Treat Your YouTube Learning Time Like Class Time

Silence notifications and focus entirely on the content.

The Pomodoro technique is a great way to structure your sessions—study for 20-30 minutes, then take 5-minute break intervals.

Use breaks to recharge, not to distract yourself.

Whether it’s tidying up your room, doing a quick workout, or reading a few pages of a book, make sure your break activities help you return to your study session refreshed and ready to learn, not tired and distracted that you dread your next study session.

The Next Time You Open YouTube, Ask Yourself, “Am I Here To Grow?”

Practice intentionality, seek out content that aligns with your goals, and use this powerful tool to learn, grow, and thrive.

In doing so, you’ll find that YouTube isn’t just a place for entertainment—it’s a platform that can help you become the best version of yourself.

So why not block 20 minutes today to learn about the correlation between Sex & Mental Health?