Toluse Francis: Speak up and seek help



You turn on your television, the news of the corona pandemic is alarming because the figures keep increasing. The radio and newspapers are not different. It is from one bad news to another. If not properly managed, anxiety would set in and stress would take over. Being free from the disease, does not guarantee overall health. One has to be in a complete state of physical, mental and social well-being.

As our lifestyles are being altered , social distancing becoming the norm, the new trend of working from home, fear of being redundant in the workforce, temporary unemployment , home schooling of children, the fear of the outcome of  the uncertainty heightens. As we pay attention to flattening the curve of the coronavirus pandemic by limiting physical contacts and other measures, it is necessary to look after one's mental health.

How do we protect our mental health and stay safe? Omote ro dhe got talking with Toluse Francis, a mental health expert to shed light on this. We also got close and personal to know what makes him tick.

Toluse is a born teacher-trainer, a biochemist and supply chain professional turned mental health practitioner, behavioural change professional. He obtained training and certificattions in Biochemistry, Life coaching, Trauma-based  cognitive behavioural therapy, hypnotherapy, mental health studies, human nutrition, psychological first aid and psychology to mention a few. He has an amazing portfolio and one would wonder how manages being a speaker, author, consultant and trainer, life coach and thought leader.

Read excerpts from the interesting interview below:

As a trained Biochemist, why did you switch to mental health therapy?

I switched into mental health because I became interested in not just advocating for mental health but also being able to bring healing and life to people. This stemmed from my own experience with grief and depression as a teenager that I didn't recognise until a professional helped me come out of it.


In the wake of the COVID19 pandemic, many may be depressed because of the uncertainty it poses, their job security and loss of loved ones, how can they cope and stay sane regardless?

The reality remains that our thoughts guide our feelings and our feelings guide our behaviour. It may sound like a cliche but the truth is we all owe ourselves to remain positive and focused. The pandemic took everyone by surprise hence the need for adjustment. So I will say that you need to pay attention to what you listen to, those you interact with etc

People shy away from talking about mental health. How do we change such mindsets?
You cannot really change the mindset of people without educating them. Education is very key here and that is why we can't stop talking about it. People want to be assured that they won't become the subject of discussion in groups and hence you cannot stop talking about the importance of talking to professionals and not just anybody. Let them know it is okay to not-be-okay. Let them know they aren't alone.


There is a lot of stigmatisation associated with mental disorders. How can people break free from such stereotypes?
We need to understand that people don't just know things or understand and that is why they stigmatise. If people come to accept that mental health is real, have empathy and be kind to others, they will stop stereotyping others.

How has life been as a mental health advocate?
It has been a journey to be honest. I have had different experiences, shocks and adjustment but in all, I have enjoyed it.


Borrowing from your favourite mantra -Leave your past behind, embrace your future, there is the belief of making peace with your past to get ahead in the future, can you share tips on how to do so?
1. Accept what has happened 2. Accept what is now 3. If unhappy about what you feel now, seek help. If happy, keep on 4. Embrace who you really are 5. Look ahead, picture the future you want and begin to live deliberately


How do you juggle so many roles without getting burnt out?

I take breaks from all sometimes. I have learned to take care of myself. I do feel burn out sometimes but I ensure I get away sometimes.


Can you tell us more about your brainchild- The Breaking the Habit Code Coaching Program and its purpose?

I was at some point addicted to things around me. I once lived a lifestyle that picked habits at a wimp. So I looked at how easy it is to pick up habits and how hard it is to drop them hence the reason for the program. There is no habit that is sudden and no addiction is accidental. This coaching program covers all aspects of habits and the individual does the work while I coach you through it.

Give a word of advice to people struggling with mental disorders this COVID-19 period?

I won't say mental disorders per say. I would say anyone who is finding it difficult to cope mentally need to reach out to their relationships. Engage reasonable and helpful people at this point. If that doesn't help, seek professionals.Speak up and seek help. Nothing more
 
What book are you currently reading and by who?
I am reading more than one book at the moment(that is how I read) 1. Optimal Mental Health by Dr Jibril Abdulmalik 2. Beyond Blue : a step by step guide to coping with grief and loss, preventing and managing depression by Toluse Francis(yes I am reading my book agai) 3.The Lords of Strategy by Keichel 4. The Gift of Imperfection by Brene Brown( I read this book every year)

What would say life has taught you?
Take each day on at a time



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