A psychiatrist and therapist, Dr Maymunah Kadiri, has emphasized the need for journalists to adopt effective stress-coping strategies to maintain healthy living and reduce the risk of mental health conditions.
Kadiri, who is also the Medical Director of Pinnacle Medical Services, made this known during a webinar organized by the Health Writers Association of Nigeria (HEWAN) to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD) in Lagos.
International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8. The 2026 edition carries the theme “Give to Gain,” which focuses on the power of reciprocity, investment, and collaboration to accelerate gender equality.
Kadiri spoke on the topic: “The Invisible Cost of Telling Health Stories: Protecting the Mental Wellbeing of Nigerian Health Journalists.”
She stressed that people must be mindful of their mental health, listen to their bodies and minds, and seek help whenever they feel overwhelmed or notice changes in their mental wellbeing.
According to her, it is imperative for journalists—given the demanding nature of the profession—to identify their major stressors in order to manage them more effectively.
She also underscored the need to set boundaries against the traumas and stresses they are exposed to on a daily basis.
Kadiri lamented that stress has quietly become part of everyday life, with people experiencing workplace stress, burnout from responsibilities, or being overwhelmed by constant demands.
She prioritize that journalists should prioritise scheduling therapy sessions with a specialized therapist who can evaluate and support their mental wellbeing.
“Making time each day to take care of our mental health is crucial. Scheduling time for therapy, relaxing activities, and relaxation techniques can provide encouragement in the face of uncertainty.
“Setting achievable goals and practicing effective time management are also key to coping with stress and depression, because unrealistic expectations can place enormous pressure on us,” Kadiri said.
She explained that prolonged stress weakens the body’s immune system and that accumulated stress affects both mental and physical health.
The psychiatrist regretted that many people have suddenly slumped and passed out due to accumulated stress.
She noted that adequate sleep and rest can significantly reduce the risk of mental health conditions linked to stress.
Kadiri cautioned that prolonged sleeplessness could be an indicator of an underlying mental health problem that needs attention.
Describing poor sleep and chronic stress as gateways to mental illness, she highlighted that depression, loss of happiness, sudden loss of interest, and anxiety disorders are other factors that can trigger mental health issues.
She explained that the brain’s nerves repair and reposition themselves for better functioning during sleep, adding that sleep deprivation impairs productivity in the workplace and lowers alertness and concentration.
“Pay attention to your health. Prioritize sleep and rest, because they are fundamental to mental health.
“The brain detoxifies the body system when we sleep.
“Getting good sleep is extremely important for mental health. It is just as important as eating a balanced diet and exercising.
“Sleep deficiency has been linked to depression, anxiety, and mental distress,” she added.
Also speaking, Mrs Ifeyinwa Omowole, Head of Lagos Operations and a communication analyst and community specialist, reiterated the importance of sleep to overall wellbeing and urged journalists to make time for rest amid their busy schedules.
Omowole underscored the need for journalists to embrace self-care and lifestyle medicine centred on regular exercise and healthy eating habits.
“We need to take care of our health—eat healthy, exercise regularly, sleep well, and even if it’s listening to gospel music or engaging in non-brain-tasking games, it will go a long way to help,” Omowole said.
