A New Approach to Trauma and Mental Health
The latest research and findings on how best to tackle trauma and mental health have been documented in a new book. This groundbreaking publication, titled We All Need Healing: Emerging Pathways to Healing from Trauma and Mental Health Experiences, is sparking a national conversation on collective emotional recovery and mental well-being in Nigeria.
Authored by Dr. Idiongo Usen Smith, Dr. Fola Rogers-Saliu, and Mrs. Grace Alexander-Abimbola, the 16-chapter book challenges the stigma around mental illness and calls for a new social consciousness where healing becomes a shared responsibility rather than a private struggle.
The book, which is expected to be unveiled at a public presentation, promises to bring together some of the country’s top psychologists, faith leaders, and civil society advocates. It blends scientific, spiritual, and cultural insights to showcase how individuals and communities can recover from trauma.
The Inspiration Behind the Book
In an exclusive interview, Dr. Fola Rogers-Saliu, a Counselling Psychologist and Trauma Specialist, explained that the idea of the book was inspired by the “silent suffering” many Nigerians endure daily. According to her, too many people are walking around wounded but pretending to be fine.
“Healing is not optional; it’s necessary for survival and growth,” she said. “The idea behind the writing of this book is simply the need for healing – we want to see the world heal from trauma and from mental health struggles and we believe that we can achieve that, one reader at a time.”
She continued, “We came together to co-author a book because we wanted to make our contribution in the mental health space. However, we decided to start with some profound conversations about mental health using our personal and professional experiences.”
Understanding Trauma and Its Impact
Rogers-Saliu explained that the project was born out of deep reflection on the roots of mental distress. “When we came together to co-author this book, we realized that trauma is the bedrock of poor mental health in most cases, and trauma is universal,” she said.
“Healing is possible, but how do you heal from what you know nothing about? That gap informed the title and content of this book.”
Dr. Idiongo Smith added that the campaign for the book’s release date was deliberately timed to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week. “This is a period when the world shines a spotlight on mental health. We felt it was only fair that our book surfaces at this point to bring hope, answers, and practical tools for healing,” he stated.
Structure and Content of the Book
The 120-page, 16-chapter book is divided into three sections. The first examines the foundations of mental health and trauma; the second explores pathways to healing; and the third encourages readers to take active roles in their recovery journey.
In its opening chapters, the authors debunk myths about mental illness, insisting that conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are not signs of weakness or spiritual punishment. Instead, they argue that mental health is a human right and a critical component of overall well-being.
Mrs. Grace Alexander-Abimbola, another co-author, said the book emerged from a growing awareness that mental health challenges are universal and deeply connected to environmental and social realities.
“Poverty, gender-based violence, displacement, and injustice are trauma-inducing forces that cannot be ignored,” she stressed. “To the expert, it offers evidence and insight. To the ordinary reader, it offers empathy, stories, and hope.”
A Holistic Approach to Healing
The authors advocate an inclusive approach to mental health, one that embraces modern psychology, indigenous wisdom, and faith-based interventions. The book further discusses “cognitive behavioural therapy, art therapy, yoga, prayers, and community support as interwoven tools for recovery.”
In the foreword, Professor Akindotun Merino, a psychologist and former mental health commissioner, praised the authors for bridging “science and compassion.” She described the book as “a gift that offers language for pain and pathways to wholeness.”
Each chapter combines theory with practice, covering topics such as trauma-informed care, alternative therapies, creative healing, self-care, nutrition, and spirituality. One chapter titled Exploring the Christian Faith and Mental Health Issues examines how faith can strengthen resilience.
“The authors argue that healing is not merely about symptom relief but about reclaiming one’s full humanity. Healing is sustained in ordinary choices as much as in extraordinary interventions,” she wrote in the forward.
A Manifesto for a Wounded Generation
Beyond its pages, We All Need Healing stands as a collective manifesto for a wounded generation seeking peace and wholeness. The book aims to inspire readers to embrace healing as a shared responsibility and to recognize the importance of mental health in everyday life.
With its blend of scientific, spiritual, and cultural insights, the book offers a comprehensive guide to understanding and addressing trauma and mental health challenges. It is a call to action for individuals and communities to come together in the pursuit of healing and well-being.
