The stigma that comes with being diagnosed with a mental illness is intense. So when Hauwa Ojeifo was diagnosed with bipolar and post-traumatic stress disorder in December of 2015 and started a blog to talk about her experiences, that was a bold move.
Hauwa started SheWritesWoman and used it as an outlet to speak freely. After being told by her psychologist that she needed to be transferred to a psychiatrist she realized she needed an outlet.
In her own words, ”It’s just not enough for you to take medication and see a doctor. There’s so much more that goes into your recovery and healing and your general sense of self. It’s hard when you’re in this kind of situation to find a place where people understand you. So, there was a lot inside that I needed to pour out.”
SheWritesWoman is a movement of love, hope and support for women with mental illness. In July, just three months after its creation, SheWritesWoman launched the first 24/7 mental illness helpline in Nigeria and have received calls locally and internationally since, helping people better understand mental illness and most importantly providing them with the right professional help.
Hauwa, thank you for standing up and speaking out. You are incredible.
