Follow Us on Google
For Blessing Makanjuola, what began as a period of intense emotional struggle two weeks after childbirth became a life-changing journey of healing and purpose.
The mental health practitioner and feminist advocate says her encounter with postnatal depression introduced her to a reality she never imagined but would later dedicate her voice and passion to changing.
A graduate of Mass Communication, Blessing didn’t set out to become a mental health advocate. Her path was shaped by personal pain. “After my second delivery, I had an emotional breakdown and was diagnosed with postnatal depression, a term I wasn’t even familiar with,” she recalled. “That experience opened my eyes to the struggles women go through silently, and I made up my mind to start talking about it.”
Postnatal depression, often overlooked in many African societies, affects new mothers who struggle with emotional instability, exhaustion, and feelings of loneliness. According to the World Health Organization, about one in seven women experience postnatal depression, yet many cases go untreated due to stigma and lack of awareness.
Blessing’s business, Green Food Place, which started as a distraction, became a pillar of her recovery. “It made me find myself,” she said. “I met people instead of sitting at home hearing voices and feeling lonely. At that time, I wanted people around me and my business helped with that. I was able to afford seeing a therapist.”
Through therapy, Blessing learned to forgive, let go of resentment, and practice self-love. “Healing taught me that forgiveness is key,” she explained. “Without letting go of the past, pain keeps replaying itself. I used to please people at the expense of my wellbeing, but I’ve learnt to say no and protect my peace.”
Today, she uses her platform to create awareness about maternal mental health through online campaigns and community outreach. Looking back, she reflects, “I’m grateful for that dark period because it helped me discover my purpose.”
Her message to new mothers is clear and heartfelt. “Choose you first. You have to be alive to take care of others.”
