LIMAH Promotes Mental Health Awareness Through Creative Arts at Yinbol College

 **LIMAH PROMOTES MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS THROUGH CREATIVE ARTS AT YINBOL COLLEGE**

By Wole Adedoyin 

As part of its ongoing initiative to promote mental health awareness through the creative arts, the Lit Media and Arts Hub (LIMAH) recently held a sensitization program at Yinbol College, located in Orogun, Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State. 

The one-hour event, which took place in one of the school’s classrooms, commenced at exactly 11 a.m. and focused on demystifying mental health challenges among teenagers using advocacy, literature, and role play.

Mrs. Oluwasola Rauf, a seasoned social advocate, delivered a powerful and enlightening address to the students. Her presentation centered on myths and misconceptions surrounding mental health. She emphasized the dangerous effects of isolation, particularly in cases of depression, and urged the students to embrace open conversations as a tool to combat mental health issues.

Highlighting that mental health is as important as physical health, Mrs. Rauf debunked common stigmas and encouraged the students to seek help when needed. She stressed the importance of creating safe spaces within schools where students can express their feelings and concerns without judgment or fear.

Also featured in the event was Mr. Akinola Sesan, a poet, performing playwright, and passionate mental health advocate. He engaged the students through bibliotherapy by reading excerpts from his debut creative work titled *The Grief Anibala*. The book explores the depths of grief and mental struggle, and Mr. Sesan invited students to participate in role-playing sessions to enhance their emotional literacy and understanding.

Through the dramatized reading and interaction, students were able to reflect on personal and shared experiences, while also developing empathy and resilience. The literary engagement underscored how storytelling can be an effective tool in emotional healing and mental health education.

During the session, Mrs. Rauf further advocated for the institutionalization of school counselors in educational settings, emphasizing that having mental health professionals in schools is critical to early detection and intervention. Her statement resonated strongly with both students and staff present.

A critical moment during the event arose when a teacher shared concerns about a case of child sexual abuse and its impact on the mental wellbeing of the victim. In response, both Mrs. Rauf and Mr. Sesan took swift action by providing the contact details of the Child Protection Network and relevant human rights organizations, ensuring appropriate support could be accessed.

The event came to a close at exactly 12 p.m., with LIMAH presenting the school with donations of books, educational materials, Educare Trust’s monthly breast examination posters, and other relevant mental health literature. These resources are expected to enhance the school’s capacity to promote mental wellness among its students.

LIMAH extended heartfelt gratitude to Educare Trust and other concerned individuals who supported the success of the outreach program. Their contributions were instrumental in making the initiative impactful and memorable.

With this program, LIMAH reaffirms its commitment to using literature and the arts as transformative tools to promote mental health awareness and foster a more empathetic, informed, and supportive society.