By Ibrahim John Sesay
The Infinity Mind Foundation (IMF-SL) joined the rest of the world to commemorate World Mental Health Day with a well-attended event on Friday October 10, 2025 at the Obama Multipurpose Hall in Port Loko Town, Port Loko District. Themed: “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,” the commemoration brought together students, health professionals, Civil Society representatives and community leaders to emphasize the importance of mental well-being in national development.
The event sought to raise awareness about mental health challenges, promote access to quality services and encourage open dialogue, particularly among young people who are increasingly affected by social, economic and emotional pressures.
In his opening remarks, Osman Wagie Bah, Director of Infinity Mind Foundation, said mental health should no longer be a taboo topic in Sierra Leone. He observed that depression, anxiety and trauma are “silent epidemics” affecting many citizens, especially the youth.
“We are here to say that mental health is as important as physical health,” Osman Wagie Bah stressed. “Communities must learn to support one another emotionally and psychologically, especially in times of crisis.”
Osman Wagie Bah also noted that limited access to mental health services, particularly in rural communities, remains a major challenge. He urged the Government, development partners and private sector to prioritize investments in mental health programs and infrastructure.
Representing the Port Loko District Health Management Team (DHMT), Mental Health Focal Person Williams Faith Bangura commended the Foundation for its community-driven efforts to raise awareness.
“Through collaboration with community-based organizations like Infinity Mind Foundation, we can break the silence around mental illness,” Williams Faith Bangura said. “We want everyone to know that help is available and recovery is possible.”
The event featured active participation from students and youth groups, who discussed how academic stress, peer pressure and societal expectations impact mental health. Sallay Haja Kamara, a student of Marfoki Agricultural Islamic Senior Secondary School, appealed for more counseling services and safe spaces in schools.
“Sometimes, students face a lot of pressure from home and school. We need safe spaces to talk about our problems without fear of being judged,” she said.
Panel discussions led by mental health practitioners and youth advocates explored strategies for building emotional resilience during emergencies such as epidemics or conflicts. Mohamed Abass Kamara, Project Director of Infinity Mind Foundation, emphasized that early intervention can save lives and improves academic performance.
Participants also benefited from an interactive session on identifying mental health symptoms and coping strategies, facilitated by Patricia Ebi Nick-Ewung, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse from the DHMT. She encouraged participants to take simple, practical steps to manage stress and maintain emotional balance.
A highlight of the commemoration was the Mental Health Awareness Pledge, where attendees committed to supporting one another and advocating for improved access to services. The symbolic pledge underscored a collective responsibility to address mental health challenges nationwide.
According to IMF-SL organizers, this year’s observance forms part of a broader awareness campaign under the School Health Initiative Project, which includes radio discussions, community outreach and school sensitization activities in the Western Area Rural and Kambia regions. The Foundation plans to extend its outreach to Port Loko and other districts.
John Daniel Mansaray, Administrative Manager of Infinity Mind Foundation, expressed appreciation to the organization’s CEO, Dr. Rebecca M. Taylor (UK), district coordinators and community stakeholders for their continued support.
“This event is not just about one day,” John Daniel Mansaray noted. “It’s about sustaining a national conversation that leads to real action; from families and schools to policymakers.”
As the 2025 World Mental Health Day commemoration concluded, one message resonated throughout the hall: mental health is everyone’s business. Infinity Mind Foundation’s efforts once again reaffirmed that building a healthy nation begins with nurturing healthy minds.
