Rachel Nsefik-Eyo is a mental health educator, certified counselor, wellness coach, and lawyer passionate about social impact causes and mental health education and advocacy, with over 5 years of experience in mental health promotion and advocacy. She holds certifications in Psychology (University of Oxford), Mental Health, Recovery and Community Inclusion (Quality Rights E-Training) (World Health Organisation), Counselling, Psychological First Aid, and Basics of Mental Health First Aid.

Rachel is the founder and lead educator of Ziva Wellness Co., a social enterprise dedicated to empowering Nigerians with contextualized mental health education and actively promoting mental wellbeing, and Renewed, a faith-based affirmation brand. She also has over 10 years of experience as a legal consultant, founding Tevic Legal Consult.

With a vision to empower individuals and communities, she is dedicated to creating meaningful change and helping people lead healthier, more fulfilling lives through mental health training, education and awareness.

What made you decide to actively participate in wellness, and how has the journey been for you?

Nearly 15 years ago, during my university days, I silently struggled with my mental health. Despite my reputation as a cheerful student, I battled severe anxiety and depression. I maintained good grades and a constant smile, but I was in pain. It got so difficult that I considered ending my life. Looking back, I believe that better knowledge about mental health could have helped me navigate those challenges effectively.

After graduating with a law degree and beginning my career at a law firm, I remained passionate about mental wellness. I began volunteering with mental health organizations and discovered a significant gap: few focused on mental health education despite many offering services. I noticed that this lack of awareness made many hesitant to seek help due to the misconception "I'm not crazy, so why would I need mental health care?"—preventing them from accessing needed support.

This inspired me to speak more about mental health education during my volunteer work. It became clear that this was more than a side interest, it’s my true calling. I eventually established Ziva Wellness, an initiative focused on raising awareness and promoting mental well-being. Starting Ziva was a natural next step, combining my lived experience, professional background, and passion for mental health advocacy. While I still practice law on the side, I’ve since chosen to pursue this path full-time, and it's been incredibly fulfilling.

What do you think wellness looks like in real practice?

When we discuss mental wellness, especially in this part of the world, it doesn't look great. Let’s be real, mental health is your psychological state of well-being, about coping with everyday life, managing stress, taking care of yourself and loved ones. In Nigeria, many factors affect our mental well-being: economic hardship, unstable policies, grief, trauma, and events like the COVID lockdown. For the average Nigerian, wellness isn’t just about physical health; it’s about being mentally fit to handle daily stress like traffic, work pressure, or family responsibilities, without breaking down.

Wellness has different dimensions: emotional, social, physical, spiritual, and mental. Many people focus on physical health while neglecting their minds and emotions. Mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness are deeply connected. In a Nigerian context, being "well" isn't just about diet or exercise; it's about checking in with yourself and asking: Am I coping well? Am I whole emotionally, spiritually, and mentally? That's what real wellness looks like.

Do faith-based organizations play a role in mental health and wellness? If yes, what are they?

Absolutely. Note that spiritual and mental wellness are closely connected. Research shows that individuals rooted in their faith often exhibit greater mental resilience, with strong belief systems providing hope and positivity in challenging times. This faith-based optimism strengthens their mindset and helps them persevere. While not all growth mindsets are faith-driven, there's a clear overlap. Recently, younger pastors and Imams are becoming more open to integrating mental health discussions in faith-based spaces, with conferences and gatherings merging spirituality and wellness.

Although some older religious leaders still avoid these conversations due to lack of awareness or willingness to change, there's encouraging progress. Social media has played a huge role in normalizing these discussions. I recently watched a video of an older pastor emphasizing the importance of men prioritizing rest and self-care—concepts rooted in mental wellness. However, there's still work to be done, especially across generational divides. Faith and mental health care aren't mutually exclusive; they can work together to support holistic well-being. God gave us professionals, therapists, counselors, mental health practitioners, for a reason.

What are the challenges and misconceptions of mental health and wellness in Nigeria?

Mental wellness is often misunderstood, especially in African communities. Many wrongly equate it with madness, thinking it's only for those who are mentally ill. In reality, everyone has a mental health (their emotional and psychological well-being). Some believe mental health is a Western idea or spiritual issue, but emotional struggles like burnout, grief, and trauma are human experiences. Faith can support healing, but it shouldn’t replace professional help when needed. We need to normalize these conversations, clear up misconceptions, and create space for healing in both spiritual and practical ways.

How important is wellness for women seeking purpose and balance in life, and is it possible to truly thrive without prioritizing it?

Wellness varies for everyone, and we must understand its meaning across emotional, spiritual, mental, and physical dimensions. At every life stage, women must prioritize balance in each area. As natural nurturers, women are often taught to care for others before themselves, with first daughters often taking on early responsibilities.

Constantly giving without refilling leads to burnout. You can't pour from an empty cup. Prioritizing well-being, setting boundaries, and seeking information when needed is crucial. Otherwise, we risk exposure to emotional harm, toxic relationships, and an unintentional life. Wellness isn't selfish; it's essential.

What are the important tips that should be incorporated into our daily lives?

When we think of wellness, we often picture aesthetics: scented candles, bubble baths, spa days and cute journals. But true wellness goes deeper. For many women, it means setting boundaries, saying no without guilt, and prioritizing their peace. We're used to caring for others, but we often forget to care for ourselves too. Wellness can be small acts like journaling, reading, or picking up an old hobby. It might be spending time alone, taking an early morning walk, or speaking kind words to yourself.

Moving your body, even a simple walk, can boost your mental health. You feel lighter, more confident, and ready to take on the day. Community also plays a huge role; having supportive people around makes a difference. I'm part of a Christian mental health support group for women, and it's been a safe space for encouragement, prayer, and celebration. Wellness isn't about appearances, it's about being intentional with small, consistent actions that make you feel grounded, loved, and whole. Start small, stay consistent.That's the real glow-up.

What activities can one indulge in to reconnect with nature?

Some people are lucky to live near beaches, but many of us aren't so fortunate, especially in towns or cities with few natural spaces. Beaches offer cleaner air, calmness, and quiet, but it's not just about beaches but about connecting with nature. In Abuja, we don’t have a beach though places like Jabi Lake can be calming. Simply sitting by water brings peace. Any nature-based space, like a park, lake, or even a swimming pool, can be grounding, offering a sense of calm and connection to the environment.

Even in your own home, sitting outside among trees can be healing. Gardening as well is therapeutic. Nurturing plants, watching them grow, and caring for them brings connection and calm. Research even shows that how you speak to plants can impact their growth.

Lastly, nature and wellness isn't about where you live; it's about finding moments to connect with what's natural and peaceful around you. It heals and grounds you.

What are some wellness tips that you live by?

Journaling is my go-to wellness practice. I've lost count of how many times it's saved me. There's no fixed format—I journal everything: prayers, emotions, thoughts, dreams, and plans. I have multiple journals for different areas of my life, and it helps me find clarity, boosts self-awareness, and grounds me. On overwhelming days, I pour it all out, sometimes crying, laughing, or listening to music as I write. It's a judgment-free space with just me, my pen, and God. I highly recommend journaling to everyone, it’s a powerful tool for staying emotionally and mentally grounded.

Positive affirmations have been a game-changer for me. As a believer, I combine them with scriptural declarations. Many words I speak over myself are deeply rooted in the Word. I write them on sticky notes and place them around where I'll see them. The sister brand to Ziva Wellness that I run, Renewed, offers a 365-day affirmation calendar with daily affirmations. Today's affirmation is, "As I continue to give thanks for the blessings I receive, I allow more blessings into my life.” Each morning, I flip the page and speak the words out loud. This practice helps me stay focused and positive.

On low days, I intentionally speak life into my day, affirming positivity. I tell myself, "Today is a good day. I'm productive. Everything works out in my favor." Consistently doing this has shifted my mindset. I used to struggle with anxiety, depression and negative thinking, but leaning into affirmations has helped. I still practice it, even when I don't feel like it.

Quiet time is also essential for me. As an introvert, I need solitude to recharge after busy days or heavy interactions. I carve out hours to be alone, think, and unwind. Sometimes praying, reading, or simply sitting in silence. This stillness helps me declutter mentally and feel refreshed, often leaving me energized and ready to go after a nap.

How can the government and individuals play a role in ensuring wellness in the workplace and the society at large?

The government has made some progress, like signing the Mental Health Act into law, which prohibits workplace discrimination against people with mental health conditions. However, implementation is a challenge, especially in privately-owned workplaces. That's why organizations like Ziva Wellness plays a crucial role in raising awareness, challenging stigma, and educating people on mental health and well-being

Also, stigma is still a major barrier, with many afraid to share their struggles due to shame or fear of judgement. I've met men who've confided in me about past depression or suicidal thoughts, but they're hesitant to speak up publicly because of the ridicule that comes with it. People often mock what they don't understand, that's why storytelling matters. Sharing experiences with mental health can inspire others, whether you're struggling or healing. Change starts with everyday conversations. Ask friends how they're doing mentally and be ready to listen without judgment. Be present, be kind, and create a safe space for others to open up.

Let's be mindful of the content we share on social media, as it can impact others. Mocking mental health issues or sharing insensitive content can prevent someone from opening up. We should also avoid using words like "mad" or "crazy" when discussing mental health, as they perpetuate stigma.

Ultimately, promoting wellness requires education, sensitivity, storytelling, and community action. Let's create safe spaces where people feel supported, not shamed, when sharing their struggles. That’s why I’m passionate about what we do at Ziva: bridging the gap, breaking stigma and normalizing mental health conversations.