By Sunday Ani
Convener of Honeycedars Impact, Jocelyn Ademiluyi, has described mental health as one of the most pressing and under-discussed issues among adults, especially those in their most productive years.
Speaking ahead of the 2025 edition, slated for October 18 in Lagos, she explained that adulthood, once idealised as a phase of complete freedom and fulfilment, has become far more complicated.
She listed other core realities plaguing modern adults to include overwhelming weight of responsibility, decision paralysis and the rising cost of living, especially in urban centres.
She said: “Adulthood, once viewed as the promised land of independence and fulfilment, is today marked by a web of complex challenges. From financial pressures to mental health crises and relationship management to career uncertainties, navigating adult life in the 21st century often feels like walking a tightrope without a safety net.
“The shift from being cared for to becoming the caregiver, whether for ageing parents, growing children or even employees, is a demanding one.
“Many adults have too many options but lack clarity. Whether it’s choosing the right career path, managing a relationship or taking a bold entrepreneurial step, there’s always the fear of failure.
“The rising cost of living, especially in urban centres like Lagos, compounds this pressure. Many adults are caught in a constant hustle to meet needs, exceed expectations and still find room for personal fulfilment.
“Adults, especially those between the ages of 25 and 45, often suppress their struggles because society expects them to always have it all together. But, the reality is that many are silently grappling with anxiety, depression, burnout and identity crises, while pretending to be fine.” She said it was against this backdrop that Honeycedars Impact was conceived in 2023 out of a deep desire to address the growing challenges that adults face in today’s fast-paced, high-pressure society, particularly in areas related to mental health, decision-making and personal fulfilment.
“The initiative started as a giveback for my 40th birthday to align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to decent work and economic growth. The aim is to solve the major problems we encounter as adults, especially the pressure to meet needs without losing oneself.
“We recognised early that adults are under immense pressure. So, beyond business and networking, we began to prioritise spaces where people could reflect, grow and connect meaningfully,” she revealed.
Unlike traditional networking events, Honeycedars Impact provides an intentional platform for open conversations about personal development, emotional resilience and self-leadership.
“Sessions at Honeycedars explore not just profit margins, but purpose, balance and resilience, critical ingredients for navigating adulthood in today’s world.
“We counter this by offering mentorship, expert panels and storytelling sessions that share real-life journeys, not just polished success stories, but honest narratives of missteps and recovery
“In a world that often rewards curated appearances and surface-level achievements, Honeycedars Impact encourages inward alignment and personal authenticity. It has become a growing movement of professionals who are not just chasing success but building sustainable and intentional lives,” she stated.