In an emotionally charged book reading event commemorating Global Mental Health Awareness Month, themed Mental Notes, Witsprouts Books presented their latest anthology, “Love Grows Stronger in Death.” The event which was held on the 24th of May at the Victoria Island branch of Roving Heights Bookstore delves into the complex themes of mental health care across generations and the multifaceted process of dealing with loss and grief. It featured a panel discussion moderated by Mayowa Fagbure and powered by Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative that provided profound insights into the human experience of grief, the importance of mental health care, and the power of storytelling as a healing modality.
Lead clinical psychologist at Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative, Oluwatomilayo Awodoyin, emphasized the significance of spirituality, creativity, and community support in the journey through grief. She highlighted the therapeutic value of writing and storytelling, which serve as creative outlets that can facilitate the healing process. Awodoyin also stressed the necessity of professional guidance in navigating the complexities of grief, cautioning against self-medication with psychoactive substances that can disrupt hormonal balance and hinder recovery.
Some of the contributing authors to the anthology, Chinonso Nzeh, Mustapha Enesi, and Obinna Inogbo signed copies of the book at the reading and they shared their personal narratives of grappling with grief against the backdrop of societal expectations and toxic masculinity. They discussed the intricate dynamics of family and friendship that shape the grieving process and how these personal experiences have influenced their contributions to the anthology, both directly and indirectly.
The anthology “Love Grows Stronger in Death” is curated by Tope Akintayo and co-edited by Basit Jamiu and Ibrahim Babatunde Ibrahim and is a testament to the enduring power of love and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of loss. It includes short fictions from 15 of Africa’s best new writers. The event was anchored by Bolu Akindele and it not only celebrated the anthology’s release but also fostered a much-needed dialogue on mental health care and the societal support systems necessary for holistic healing.
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