By Chesa Chesa
The challenges of mental health and how to ameliorate the difficulties took the center at the weekend when television show host, author and lawyer, Alice Agada, launched three of her new books in Abuja.
The books – The Purple Banner, The Greenland and The Royal Blue Cape – were presented to the public under the banner of her pet project, Alice Agada Foundation.
The Foundation is one of her avenues for the pursuit of mental health advocacy, in Nigeria and beyond.
The colourful book launch at the Chida Event Centre attracted dignitaries from all walks of life, including, lawyers, senior police officers, judges, diplomats, monarchs, and senior clerics, led by the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Ignatius Kaigama.
Explaining her mission and drive, Ms Agada emphasised the effects of individuals’ mental trauma on the rest of society, which she depicted in literary style through the three books.
She said the books are inspired partly by her desire to tell her trauma and mental health story as she had suffered body shaming, abuse and bullying, before regaining her confidence and surging forth in various accomplishments.
“It was not easy initially, but having gone through these, I had to conquer and encourage others to speak up. There is no shame, you cannot carry the burden all through your life.
“Victims of trauma go through life carrying a bag of rocks on their shoulders. But we must do our bit to help them drop the bags of rocks and embrace life and live it positively to the fullest.
“The Foundation encourages people to express their struggles, and speak openly about their burdens. I personally began to fly the day I unburdened my own experiences.
“There is stigma, I know but I want to help show the way through the Foundation. It is gender neutral, not for women alone. It intends to bring everyone on board to tackle mental health issues”, she told the appreciative audience.
The book launch was spiced with presentations by a drama group and spoken-word artiste.
