Last weekend, after what felt like back-to-back work trips, I found myself in Nigeria, finally taking a pause. By the time you read this, I would have already concluded my sixth flight — not just locally, but internationally. Travel has a way of stretching the body, mind, and spirit. And while my work across Africa and beyond is deeply fulfilling, it also reminds me of one timeless truth: self-care cannot be postponed.
For me, that moment of intentional self-care came in the form of spending time with my extended family. We gathered together, enjoyed each other’s presence, and watched The Resident, a Netflix series that captures the multilayered experiences of healthcare professionals. While entertainment is often seen as just a distraction, in this case, it became both restorative and thought-provoking.
One particular episode stood out — it was about treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) using medical devices. The storyline didn’t just entertain me; it made me smile with recognition. Because not too long ago, during the recently concluded THRIVEMD Mental Health Conference (themed Unmasking Mental Health at Work), we had scheduled an entire Vitality Science and Technology Track to address similar innovations.
What struck me is how art, science, and lived experience often intersect. A fictional story about PTSD treatment echoed real conversations we are advancing within Africa’s healthcare and mental health ecosystem.
Why PTSD matters in the African context
PTSD is often misunderstood as something that only affects military veterans or individuals who have faced extreme violence. But the reality is broader and closer to home.
- Healthcare workers are exposed to trauma daily.
- Employees carrying the weight of workplace stressors.
- Communities impacted by structural violence, accidents, or displacement.
PTSD, in its various shades, is present in our hospitals, offices, and homes. Left untreated, it can affect productivity, relationships, and overall quality of life. Yet, in Africa, conversations around PTSD are still catching up with global awareness.
This is where technology, and particularly medical devices, offers a new horizon of hope. Devices that monitor brain activity, stimulate neural recovery, or even immerse patients in therapeutic VR environments are no longer confined to research labs. They are steadily making their way into clinical practice and could become game-changers for African populations if we embrace them thoughtfully.
Technology meets behavioural science
At the African Institute of Mind, our advocacy this Mental Health Awareness Month is centered on a simple but powerful question:
How can we harness behavioural science and emerging technology to serve Africa’s unique mental health needs?
We recognise that tools alone cannot solve trauma. Healing requires cultural sensitivity, empathy, and systems that honour local realities. However, by integrating behavioural science insights with digiceuticals, wearable devices, and AI-driven platforms, we can:
- Enhance early detection of trauma-related conditions.
- Provide more personalised treatment pathways.
- Reduce the stigma by showing that mental health care can be proactive, modern, and effective.
This is not just about importing solutions. It is about developing and adapting them for our contexts — making sure that the tools designed for global markets resonate with African realities and are accessible to those who need them most.
The power of storytelling in shaping change
Reflecting on The Resident, I realised that stories often do what statistics cannot do — they open hearts. A dramatized medical device used for PTSD treatment might make someone in Lagos or Johannesburg ask: Could this help me or someone I know?
This is why we must not underestimate the role of media, art, and storytelling in driving awareness. When combined with evidence-based science and advocacy, storytelling becomes a catalyst for policy change, research funding, and public engagement.
My four calls to action
As we mark this Mental Health Awareness Month and look ahead to the future of mental health care in Africa, here are four invitations I want to extend:
- Prioritise your own self-care
Whether you’re a healthcare worker, corporate leader, or student, don’t wait for burnout to remind you of your limits. Self-care is not selfish — it’s the fuel for sustainable impact. Take time to rest, entertain yourself, and reconnect with family. - Join the advocacy for mental health technology in Africa
Support organisations like the African Institute of Mind that are working to bring science and technology to the forefront of African mental health solutions. Advocacy amplifies possibilities and opens doors for access. - Explore collaborative innovation
If you’re a researcher, developer, or entrepreneur, ask yourself: How can my work contribute to the African mental health ecosystem? Whether through partnerships, pilot projects, or knowledge exchange, innovation grows stronger in collaboration. - Engage in conversations that matter
Don’t shy away from talking about PTSD, trauma, or invisible struggles in your workplace and community. Share articles, host dialogues, or simply ask someone, “How are you really doing?” Conversations break stigma and create safe spaces for healing.
Conclusion
My weekend entertainment turned into an unexpected reflection. Between flights, family, and a Netflix series, I was reminded that healing is both personal and collective. As Africa rises, we must not leave mental health behind.
