A clinical mental health professional and co-founder of Helping Hand Humanitarian Foundation, Kaliyat Gamba, has called for stronger and more inclusive mental health awareness.
In a statement made available to Sunday PUNCH, Gamba warned that trauma remained one of the most overlooked public health challenges, particularly in underserved communities.
She said limited access to mental health care and the persistent stigma surrounding psychological conditions have continued to expose many Nigerians to preventable emotional and psychological harm.
The expert noted that unaddressed trauma often manifests in anxiety, depression and long-term emotional distress, stressing that mental wellness should be treated not only as an individual concern but as a shared community responsibility.
Gamba’s recently published research paper, “Empowered Healing: Unpacking Trauma from Within,” examines the deep psychological wounds caused by unprocessed trauma and highlights culturally grounded pathways to healing.
Rooted in trauma-informed care and community psychology, the study argues that early intervention, strong community support structures and accessible mental health education are critical to breaking cycles of psychological harm.
The research has drawn attention for its relevance in countries grappling with rising mental health challenges linked to economic hardship, conflict and social instability.
According to Gamba, practitioners have begun to adopt the paper’s emphasis on inclusive and culturally sensitive approaches to mental health care.
Beyond academic work, Gamba said her advocacy extends to the field through Healing Hearts Humanitarian Foundation, a non-profit organisation she co-founded to support youths, vulnerable families and underserved communities.
She revealed that during the foundation’s 2025 World Mental Health Day outreach in Abuja, more than 150 young people and hundreds of community members were reached through trauma-awareness training, emotional first-aid workshops, mental health education and resilience-building sessions.
Community leaders who participated in the programme commended the initiative, noting that Gamba’s ability to translate complex psychological concepts into relatable and culturally sensitive tools made the intervention impactful.
Under her leadership, the foundation has continued to expand its outreach to schools, markets, religious centres and youth groups, with a focus on empowering individuals to understand trauma, confront it and pursue healthier lives.
Gamba stressed that trauma does not have to define individuals or communities, adding that with education, empathy and evidence-based intervention, healing is achievable even in challenging environments.
She said sustained mental health awareness and community-based trauma education remain critical to saving lives and fostering long-term societal wellbeing.
