Akintade Oluwafunbilayo Precious clocks 21 years today, November 12.
But before you wish her a happy birthday, she would want to share her story with you.
An undergraduate of Geography and Environmental Managements at the University of Ilorin, she is on an advocacy drive and creating awareness on mental health issues among Nigerians.
Mental health? Yes, Funbi has even written a book entitled “Before 21” where she narrates her mental health ordeal since she was a child.
Disclosing her unpleasant experience before her 21st birthday, Funbi said, “The book is about my life before clocking 21. It is about a young girl who was depressed, abused sexually at a young age by her step dad and she also suffered anxiety. That girl is me. There was a time I was also being suicidal due to depression.
The book is basically my story and I started compiling my experience into a book since 2021. The launch comes up in December 2023. As a young lady, I am highly motivated and even eager to impact on the lives of young people who are struggling with depression.”
On why she is sharing her story, Funbi said, “I am sharing my story because I know there are some persons who are ashamed of sharing theirs. This is because they fear stigmatization and public outcry. This could eventually turn suicidal. There is the need to reach out and show love. I am lucky to have a mum who gives me enough love and I was able to open up to her.
Meanwhile, not reaching out to the victims who has stored up their stories makes matters worse. This affects mental health of many young men and women. They have refused to talk and evil thoughts ravage their minds, they get depressed and attempt suicide.”
Born and raised in Lagos and other states in Nigeria, writing a book is one of the ways of ‘letting go’ of hurts and also helping the mental health of others.
“Nigerians are yet to come to terms with the fact that some people are depressed as a result of the many experiences they go through and are still quiet. We are living in a society where mental health isn’t embraced in all totality. As young as I am, I have some folks I am reaching out to who are on the brink of committing suicide They are depressed and have none to open up to. We need to create avenues for mental health patients /victims to reach out for help. That’s what my advocacy is all about,” she said.