Adunola Adebote @60 : ‘Thrive’ is my contribution to a cause that is deeply personal and universally important

As all is set for the 60th Birthday Anniversary of Mrs Adunola Abimbola Adebote on Friday, January 17, the sexagenarian has declared that her book titled Thrive which is a Mental Health Essentials for Young Adults is a fulfilment of her passion and commitment.

For the beautiful and amiable Adunola Adebote, Friday, January 17 is a remarkable trifecta of milestones. She will be retiring from Ogun State Civil Service after 33 years of meritorious and unblemished service, marking her 60th birthday and also launching a book that will be relevant for all ages.

According to her, the passion for mental health and the desire to see individuals excel to their fullest potential has been central to her life’s mission and she was happy that her thoughts have been properly documented to salvage the current generation and the generations yet unborn from the ravaging crisis of mental health.

Her words: ” The passion for mental health and the desire to see individuals excel to their fullest potential have been central to my life’s mission. Over the years, I have observed the profound impact mental well-being has on young people’s ability to thrive and achieve their dreams.

”This book, Thrive : Mental Health Essentials for Young Adults, is born out of my unwavering commitment to addressing the critical aspects of mental health that often go unnoticed or unattended in the formative years of life”.

The educational expert believes that there are various factors which influence what a child becomes and advocated for an intentional approach towards making young people to fulfil their full potentials.

”’One of my core beliefs is that good children grow to become good adults. The quality of care, guidance, and nurturing a child receives directly influences the kind of adult they will become. However, I’ve noticed a growing concern: many young people are unable to reach their full potential because of barriers that stem from unaddressed mental health issues. These limitations can range from low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression to more complex societal pressures that hinder their ability to excel.

The book. Thrive : Mental Health Essentials for Young Adults is aimed at safeguarding young adults and others against the myriad of challenges in the current world, ValidViewNetwork reports.

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According to her, there are many factors which affect the overall well being of a child and affect the quality of adult they become. While highlighting some of the factors, Mrs Adebote posited that the barriers are not always inherent or inevitable.

”As I reflected on these challenges, I realized that these barriers are not always inherent or inevitable. Many of them can be addressed early on, but unfortunately, they are often ignored due to negligence, ignorance, or a lack of proactive measures.

Too often, parents and caregivers shift their responsibilities to external forces, whether it be the educational system, religious institutions, or even divine intervention. While faith and community support are important, they cannot replace the active and intentional role of parents and guardians in nurturing the mental and emotional well-being of their children”.

In her opinion, paying prompt attention to mental health issues goes a long way in preventing long-term struggles.

”For instance, I have encountered situations where parents overlook the signs of emotional distress in their children, dismissing them as mere phases or inconsequential behavior. These signs, if addressed early, could prevent long-term struggles.

Nonchalance toward these issues often results in young people carrying unresolved emotional burdens into adulthood, limiting their ability to thrive. This realization motivated me to provide a resource that equips young adults and their support systems with practical tools to address these challenges.

Beyond the family unit, I strongly believe in the role of advocacy in driving change. Governments and institutions play a pivotal role in shaping policies and creating environments that support mental well-being. However, the voices calling for such change are often too few or too faint to compel action. Through this book, I hope to amplify those voices and spark a broader conversation about the importance of mental health in our communities. When advocacy becomes loud and persistent, it compels policymakers to prioritize mental health initiatives, allocate resources, and enact laws that protect and empower young people.

For example, mental health education in schools is still lacking in many parts of the world. By highlighting the urgency of this issue, we can push for curriculum changes that incorporate mental health awareness, coping strategies, and emotional intelligence training. Such policies can make a significant difference in equipping young people with the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges.

My drive to write this book also stems from my desire to see transformation in my space, my community, and among my people. I find immense joy in witnessing individuals rise above their limitations to live fulfilled, purposeful, and happy lives. Mental health is not just an individual concern; it is a community issue. When one person’s mental health improves, it has a ripple effect on their relationships, productivity, and contribution to society.

This belief fuels my work. I envision a society where young people are not just surviving but thriving. A society where parents, teachers, and leaders are actively engaged in creating environments that foster emotional resilience and mental clarity. A society where young adults have access to resources, mentorship, and support systems that enable them to achieve their goals.

In Mental Health Essentials for Young Adults, I delve into practical strategies for recognizing and addressing mental health challenges. From building self-awareness to seeking help without stigma, the book provides actionable steps for young people to take charge of their mental well-being. It also serves as a guide for parents, educators, and community leaders, offering insights into how they can play their part in nurturing a mentally healthy generation.

Ultimately, this book is my contribution to a cause that is deeply personal and universally important. It is a call to action for individuals, families, and communities to prioritize mental health as a cornerstone of success and happiness. By addressing mental health essentials, I hope to empower young people to overcome their limitations, realize their dreams, and lead lives of purpose and joy.

Through this work, I am reminded of the African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Mental health is not an isolated endeavor; it is a collective responsibility. Together, we can create a world where every young adult has the opportunity to excel, unhindered by the barriers of unaddressed mental health issues. This vision is what drives me, and I am honored to share it with you through the pages of this book.