Girl Child Concerns hosts session on mental health, parenting, and personal growth

By Abdullahi Yusuf

The September edition of the TransformHER Monthly Hangout, organised by Girl Child Concerns, held virtually on Saturday with the theme “Building Resilience for Growth.” The session, facilitated by Dr. Mairo Mandara, Chief Adviser to the Borno State Governor on Sustainable Development and Humanitarian Affairs, brought together young women for a candid discussion on mental health, parenting, and practical steps to strengthen resilience in everyday life.

Dr. Mandara, in her discussion, stressed that resilience was not an abstract concept but something cultivated through consistent actions, patience, and faith. She encouraged participants to seek alternatives to medication when dealing with stress-related issues, particularly cautioning against the misuse of sleeping pills. “You can sort this out without having to have medicines,” she advised, urging women to turn to trusted elders, family members, and prayer as part of coping strategies.

Responding to a participant’s question on parenting stress, Dr. Mandara counselled mothers to avoid shouting at their children and instead model patience and self-control. She said:

“The important thing is that these children are learning from you. If you shout, the children will be shouting and they will be fighting. Instead, when they get noisy, say, ‘Oh, these children, you are so noisy. May God bless you,’ or pray for grace to bear the moment.”

Dr. Asmau Adamu, contributing to the session, underscored the urgent need to prioritise mental health, noting that depression and silence remain widespread. She called on medical practitioners to create safe support networks where colleagues can open up without fear. “They shouldn’t be afraid of failing. They shouldn’t be afraid of falling. You fall, keep trying,” she said. She further emphasised exercise, healthy eating, rest, and prayer as essential components of resilience.

In the interactive Q&A, a participant asked how one can recover from losing interest in cherished activities such as reading or socialising. Dr. Mandara described the feeling as normal and temporary. “Nobody sustains interest all the time,” she said, adding that women should give themselves time, acknowledge their struggles, and discuss openly with those they trust.

Before the close, facilitator Bilkisu Musa announced follow-up activities and urged participants to share their details for continuous engagement. Delivering the closing remarks, Sister Mansura drew on the day’s theme, reminding attendees that resilience is about rising after setbacks.

“As women, we carry so much. And yet, with resilience, we transform challenges into stepping stones, pain into power, and setbacks into new beginnings,” she said, charging participants to apply lessons from the session in their homes, workplaces, and communities.

The TransformHER Monthly Hangout is part of a continuing initiative by Girl Child Concerns to equip young women with mental, physical, and social skills to live impactful lives beyond limits.