As a largely young population, Nigeria is experiencing a mental illness epidemic. There are many reasons for this epidemic and its most enduring symptom, the ever dwindling economy, a culture of violence and shame and guilt, social repression. All of these reasons usually manifest as depression, which in itself has unfortunately become a catch-all phrase for mental illness itself. But depression is less and more than the sum of its parts, and deserves to be studied, if we are going to overcome it and find ways to make sense of the world and contribute to it in our own small ways.

If there is anyone who has been passionate about being vocal about mental illness as a whole and mapping out the scope of depression in particular, it has been Chude Jideonwo. Ever eager to preach a message of joy, Chude did the unthinkable, he left his position as the CEO of the Red Group and started the Joy Inc. a non-profit dedicated towards the promotion of long lasting happiness in our often repressed culture. He has made some headway with his high lauded Masterclasses, but so far, they have primarily focused on finding joy, instead of understanding sadness. This is why this particular masterclass on depression intrigues me as an editor.

How do we seek to understand depression?

Where do we even start?

Will a one day masterclass really cover the entire score of this enduring problem?

Well, you should register and find out. Banky Wellington and Ubi Franklin will be speaking at the event and Gbonjubo Agbiri, a psychiatrist will be speaking. We all could learn a thing or two about depression, even not for ourselves, but for the people in our lives, who feel too stigmatized to even admit their battles with depression, let alone find a way to fix it.

Here are the deets. Date: Saturday, 28th July, 2018

Time: 10am – 4pm

Speakers includes:

Chude Jideonwo (Host), Banky Wellington, Ubi Franklin and Gbonjubola Abiri.

Attendance  is free

Interested participants can register on: register.joyinc.xyz

Enquiries: 08094321111