Oluwafunmilayo Makinde

Understanding Bulimia as a Mental Health Challenge: Prevention and Awareness

February 4, 2024 by Oluwafunmilayo Makinde

Did you know that people with bulimia nervosa can have normal body weight and shape? A person could be looking perfectly healthy and still be suffering from this eating disorder problem. This calls for great concern as others cannot detect that the individual needs help unless he/she sees it as a problem and seeks for help. Research shows that people with this eating disorder don’t seek for help until they reach the ages of 30 to 50 years. By this time, their eating behavior is deeply ingrained and harder to change. As a matter of fact, this mental illness can affect anyone of any age, gender, ethnicity or background. The late Princess Diana of Wales was also a victim of this mental illness. It is therefore imperative that people should be aware of this problem early enough as early treatment gives the best chance for a fast and sustained recovery. This essay delves into why bulimia is a mental health challenge and presents strategies for prevention and early intervention. What is Bulimia? Bulimia is a serious mental health condition where a person frequently eats a large amount of food in a short time (binge-eating) and then tries to get rid of the food by vomiting or using laxatives (drugs used to aid quick digestion). Some use the non-purging method such as fasting or exercising excessively just to lose the food. This behavior is often driven by concerns about body weight and shape, and it can have harmful effects on physical and emotional wellbeing. Binge eating is an escape root for some people facing difficult emotions like stress, anxiety and anger. In the process of binge eating, people suffering from bulimia are unaware of their excessive food consumption. Some say they feel disconnected from their actions during the eating period. These episodes are distressful, and people may feel trapped in the cycle of purging and bingeing (Binge Eating Disorder, 2017). Why do people suffer from Bulimia? One of the driving factors behind bulimia is a distorted body image and low self-esteem. These victims often see themselves as overweight or undesirable, regardless of their actual weight. Also, people find bulimia to be a coping mechanism from emotional distress. Victims believe that bingeing provides relieve from emotional pain, while purging offers a perceived sense of control. In addition, those who suffer from this mental challenge do have underlying psychological factors like anxiety, depression and perfectionism. This disorder often masks deeper emotional struggles. Why Prevention Matters Preventing bulimia is vital for the physical health of an individual. People with bulimia are likely to suffer from stomach rupture, heart problems due to loss of vital minerals, dental problems (the acid in vomit wears down the outer layer of the teeth), inflamed esophagus, swollen glands near the cheeks, irregular menstrual periods and many more. Prevention ensures that physical health remains intact. Also, prevention fosters a positive self-image and helps individuals develop healthier coping strategies. This will lead to emotional resilience and improved self-esteem. Furthermore, early intervention and prevention allow individuals to avoid social isolation and maintain relationships with friends and family. Moreover, there is a genetic link as eating disorder tends to run in the family. It is therefore vital for you as a person to prevent yourself from having this disorder so as to stop it from becoming a generational problem. Ways to Prevent Bulimia Promote Positive Body Image: As a society, we need to encourage self-acceptance and a healthy body image. Name-calling based on a person’s physique should be stopped all together. Individuals should be taught ways to appreciate their own bodies and the bodies of others without including sexual innuendos. Ensure Healthy Eating Habits: It is important to have a balanced and mindful eating habit. It is also important to listen to hunger and fullness cues that your body gives to you. Eat at the right time, and ensure that you only eat the quantity that your body needs at a given period. Foster Open Communication: An environment where people can have open and non-judgmental conversations about their feelings and concerns should be created. This will allow people to speak out about the challenges that they face with eating disorders. This will also enable them to seek help and support when needed. Create more Awareness and Education about Bulimia: When people are aware of bulimia and the adverse effect it causes, they will seek ways to prevent it. Timely intervention will also be rendered to individuals suffering from it. Therefore, everyone in the society especially teenagers should be educated concerning the warning signs and consequences of bulimia. Seek Professional Help: If you know of anyone who is exhibiting signs of bulimia, encourage them to seek professional assistance. Therapists, dietitians and support groups can provide valuable guidance for such a person. Finally, bulimia nervosa is a mental health challenge with severe emotional, physical and social consequences. Prevention is of eminent importance for the overall health of an individual. By ensuring healthy eating habits, open communication, positive image, awareness and early intervention, individuals can be empowered to liberate themselves from the grasp of bulimia and embrace a happier, healthier life. Let us all work together to conceive a society that values self-acceptance, emotional well-being and mental health.

Life Transition: Easy Ways to Navigate from School to Career

January 31, 2024 by Oluwafunmilayo Makinde

Life transitions are periods of transformation in our lives that mark the beginning of something new. Lynn Cowell once said, “Sometimes, God brings times of transition in our lives to create transformation.” At the beginning of a person’s life, various transitions occur. There is the transition from being a baby, to being a child, to being a teenager, to growing into adulthood. Every one of these transitions is quite difficult and challenging for human beings. For a student who has always been catered for by his parents throughout his entire life, suddenly transitioning into a career life where he has to cater for his personal needs can be a daunting task. However, with the right mindset and strategies, you can make this transition smoothly and effectively. In this article, we’ll explore easy ways to navigate from school to career life: Reflect on Yourself: First, before you start your career journey, take some time for self-reflection. Know what your passions, strengths, weaknesses and career goals are. What are your values and what do you enjoy doing? This self-reflection will help you to make informed decisions concerning your choice of career. Craft a Polished CV and Cover Letter: While writing your Curriculum Vitae, ensure that you highlight your academic achievements, internships, extracurricular activities and relevant coursework. Make sure that the CV and cover letter are tailored to each job application. If you are finding difficulty with crafting a good CV, you can find various samples online that will be a guide to help you craft a well-polished one which will suit your career. There are also websites that can help you with crafting your CV. Utilize Job Search Platforms: Job search platforms provide you with various jobs that suit your career path. You can easily choose your area of specialization on their platforms, and set it to send these job alerts to your mail or as a direct message. Companies also make use of these platforms to send information about job vacancies in their organization. There are various job search platforms on the internet like LinkedIn, Jobberman and Gainrep. Alternatively, you can check through company websites to find opportunities. Don’t be discouraged by rejections; each one is a learning opportunity. Someone once said, “When shifts and transitions in life shake you to the core, see that as a sign of greatness that’s about to occur.” Learn from your mistakes and move ahead to something better. Be sure to apply widely, but also selectively to positions that suit your interests. Learn to be Adaptable: The first job that you eventually get might not be your dream job, but it is a stepping stone to the one you seek. Be open to learning from each experience, even if it is not exactly what you envisioned. Balance your Work and Personal Life: While you were in school, you learned to balance your personal life with your school work; same also applies for the workplace. Prioritize your tasks and allocate time for self-care, exercise and relaxation. It is important that you don’t overburden yourself with work that you forget to take care of your personal health. Learn to strike a balance between the two in order to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Embrace Failure: Failure is an inevitable part of life. Whenever people set their minds to do something, it is not every time that they succeed. It is therefore imperative for you to learn from it and embrace it. Embracing failure is an effective way to develop as an individual. Don’t be disheartened by them. See them as an opportunity to grow and improve in your career. Be Wise Financially: As you’re fully aware that you are catering for your personal needs, learn to budget and manage your finances wisely. Save and invest for your future, and set achievable financial goals. This will ensure that you have a backup plan during your rainy days. Finally, transitioning from a student life to a professional life can be exciting and daunting at the same time. However, with easy steps of self-reflection, financial wisdom and a commitment to continuous learning, you can successfully navigate from a student life to a fulfilling professional life. Remember, each step of the journey is an opportunity to learn, adapt and grow. Embrace this transition with confidence, and you’ll be well on your way to a rewarding career.

6 Reasons why you should prioritize Dependability as your Personal Value

January 25, 2024 by Oluwafunmilayo Makinde

In the ever-evolving landscape of personal values, dependability is a unique value that stands out as a true pillar of strength and integrity. Zig Ziglar once said, “Ability is important for our quest for success, but dependability is more critical.” Visualize a world where everyone you know do what they say, show up when they promise, and you can always count on them. How would it feel? Pretty reassuring, right? This is what dependability entails and why it should be prioritized as a personal value. Choosing this value as a core personal one is not just a matter of preference; it is a resolute decision that will set you on a path to personal growth and great impact in the society. It can be a challenging path to take, but it will be worth it every step of the way. Dependability, in essence, is the unswerving commitment to keep deadlines, and be reliable. It embodies trust, reliability and consistency. Below are six compelling reasons why you should prioritize it as your personal value: It makes you a trustworthy person: Dependability is synonymous with trustworthiness. When you are dependable, people trust that you will follow through on your commitments and promises. This trust forms the foundation of strong relationships, both personally and professionally. It makes you consistent and reliable which breeds respect from others: When you are a dependable person, you are consistent and reliable in your action. This makes you a valuable person in your workplace and at home. People can rely on you to deliver results and be there when needed. This will automatically breed respect from other people as you have become priceless to them. This respect can lead to stronger bonds with friends, family and colleagues. It positively impacts your relationships: When trust, understanding and harmony are fostered in your connections with others, you become a source of stability and support in the lives of your friends, family and colleagues. You would also positively contribute a culture of trust and reliability in your society. You would also be able to connect with valuable people that are willing to learn from you and emulate your own lifestyle. It fosters productivity: Dependable people tend to be efficient and organized in whatever they do. They manage their time effectively to meet their commitments. This productivity is beneficial to their own goals and the success of teams and projects they are involved in. When you choose to prioritize the value of dependability, you are more likely to have enhanced productivity in your workplace and at home. It challenges you to pursue personal and professional growth: Prioritizing dependability as a core value challenges you to seek to grow personally and professionally. This value encourages you to set goals, work diligently towards them, and consistently improve your skills. It pushes you to reach new heights and accomplish your aspirations. Subsequently, it will open doors to better opportunities for you in your personal and professional life. Employers seek dependable employees because they know they can rely on them to get the job done. Friends and loved ones are drawn to dependable individuals because they make life more stable and enjoyable. 6. It lessens stress: Dependability possesses the ability to reduce your stress level. It also lessens the stress of other people around you. When you consistently meet your obligations, you don’t have to deal with the anxiety and guilt of letting others down. Furthermore, it boosts your confidence as you know you can handle your commitments. This will lead you to have a more serene and harmonious life. Conclusion Having dependability as a fundamental value in your personal life will make you have a more purposeful, successful and fulfilling life. The benefits that accompany dependability which includes trustworthiness, consistency, sound relationships, productivity, personal and professional growth, along with stress reduction are significant in a person’s life. The choice to be dependable is a challenge worth embracing, for it is in this challenge that we find the strength to make the world a better place. I challenge you today to prioritize dependability as your personal value and see how it transforms your life and the lives of those around you.

The Interview

January 24, 2024 by Oluwafunmilayo Makinde

She walked into the reception’s office and greeted the receptionist who welcomed her with a friendly smile, “Good afternoon, I’m here for the interview.” She spoke slowly. “Okay, write your name here seat over there. You’ll be attended to shortly.” “Alright, thank you.” As she moved towards the seats provided, she noticed a man who had arrived earlier sitting at the far end of the phone. He had not looked up since the time she arrived as he kept scrolling through his phone. She made an attempt to exchange pleasantries with him, but she soon discovered that he wasn’t in the mood for such. She sat down and began to brood over her life’s problems. From the moment she left her house, fear had overpowered her. This was the first she would be going for a job interview since she graduated. She had no idea on what to expect, and she wasn’t sure her internship experience would be enough to grant her a job. She only hoped that she would get the job. Her friend had messaged her about the job opening, and she seized the opportunity and applied for it. A month after her service, she was beginning to get tired of her parent’s continuous ranting about her lazing around at home while her mates were getting jobs in reputable companies. Although they seemed to be saying the truth, she had hoped they would be more careful with their words when addressing her. Before she finished her service year, she had already begun to apply for various jobs. She wished she got one in the state she served so she wouldn’t need to travel home. She received no positive response from them, and in frustration, she returned. At home, she decided she was going to take some time to recuperate before launching out again. Before she knew what was happening, her parent had started to ask questions and demanded some changes. She was frustrated and tired of life all together, and their bickering wasn’t helping her in anyway. Just then, another interviewee walked in, but her thoughts were only on her personal problems. He greeted her, and all she could do was respond with a smile. At this point, she was able to understand why the man sitting behind wasn’t responsive to her own greeting. To her greatest surprise, when the new man hollered at him, he responded with a loud voice. This action made her to intentionally turn around to look at him, just to be certain his mouth was actually moving. Before their eyes could meet, the man was back on his phone again. She chose not to react to his bizarre actions as her thoughts quickly snapped back at her. She had always fantasized about how she was going to act once she got a job. There will be no more sitting around at home, and thinking of ways to get busy all day long. She would have to wake up early; dress formally while she’s leaving the house, in her work shoes and a good bag to fit. She also thought of the stress that would follow after her work each day, and if it wasn’t a job that she had a passion for, “Oh, how depressing that would be!” There was also one thing her parent was repeatedly talking about that had just skipped her mind. In a flash, her mind made the connection, “Of course, marriage. What is it about marriage talk all the time?” she thought, frowning deeply. “Did I say something wrong?” the new interviewee who sat next to her asked, bringing her out of her thoughts. Apparently, he had been speaking to her. “Sorry, you said?” she asked a little confused. “I asked for your name,” “Oh! My name….. my name….” she searched her brain for what her next response ought to be, “That would be Hannah,” she said unsure. “Yes, Hannah.” She affirmed confidently. “Are you alright?” he asked, observing her closely. “Of course, I am alright,” she faked a smile at him. “Is this your first time doing an interview?” “Yes, it is,” she stated nervously. “Alright, I’ll just get you a bottle of water. It will help calm your nerves.” He brought the bottle of water and handed it over to her. She collected it, thanked him and was about to down the whole bottle when he cleared his throat. She stopped herself in time as he spoke, “Erm! I think you should take just a little. Like take it in small sips. It will help better, and you won’t have to be so pressed during your interview.” He smiled genuinely. She nodded and tried to heed his advice. After taking a sip, she asked, “What’s your own name?” “I’m Mercy,” he said with a smile, “and this isn’t my first time doing an interview. So, how long have you been here?” “It’s just a few minutes before you walked in. I think he came here first,” she said referring to the man sitting behind them. “Does he even look like an interviewee? I think he just came to observe us?” “Do you think so? I was just wondering why he chose to be such a snub,” she responded disgustedly. “Why do you say that?” “Before you came in, I greeted this man and he didn’t even bother to look up, let alone respond to me. See the way he responded to you like he already knew you somewhere, yet we’re all seeing one another for the first time. I don’t know if he just has a problem with ladies or it’s just me. He’s definitely a snub.” “Well, you don’t really want him to hear that,” he said whispering. She smiled looking down at the bottle. “Well, thank you for the water. It’s really calming. Where did you learn such trick?” “Oh! I saw it in a movie. Actually the person was given tea to drink. I just thought water should be helpful too.” She … Read more

Understanding, Managing, and Thriving with Mood Swings

December 15, 2023 by Oluwafunmilayo Makinde

Life can sometimes feel like a rollercoaster of emotions, with various highs and lows moment swinging us back and forth. These shifts in mood, often known as mood swings, are a common part of human experience. This essay explores the causes, effects, and practical ways to manage mood swings, aiming to provide a roadmap for a more balanced emotional journey. Understanding the Causes of Mood Swings Mood swings refer to abrupt and noticeable shifts in a person’s emotional state, filled with different periods of happy highs and sad lows. They involve sudden changes in how we feel-going from feeling cheerful and positive one minute to feeling down or irritable the next. It’s like riding a wave of emotions without knowing when the next wave will hit. There are various reasons why a person’s mood can suddenly change, and it sometimes depends on the mental health of such individual. Lisa Fields note that people with bipolar disorder mostly have cases of mood swings. They include: 1. Biological Factors: Changes in hormones, neurotransmitters, and brain chemistry can play a significant role in changes in one’s mood. This can occur when ladies have their menstrual cycles. Youths going through the adolescence stage can have unexpected changes in mood. 2. Stress and External Pressures: The work, relationships, and unforeseen challenges act as external forces. These pressures can push our emotions in different directions. 3. Sleep Patterns: Disruptions in sleep can influence one’s mood. Lack of sleep or irregular sleep patterns can lead to irritability and emotional imbalance, creating inconsistent highs and lows in our mood. 4. Life Events and Trauma: Significant life events, whether positive or negative, can swiftly change our moods and emotions. Trauma, loss or major life changes can trigger intense mood swings. Effects of Mood Swings on One’s Mental Health The impact of mood swings extends beyond a person’s immediate emotional experience. It also affects our mental wellbeing in various ways: 1. Stress and Anxiety: Mood swings can bring stress and anxiety, especially when you cannot predict or control your emotions. It’s like being on a rollercoaster without knowing when the twists and turns will come. 2. Impact on Relationships: Sudden shifts in mood might make it difficult for others to understand and connect with us. We might end up losing valuable relationships as a result which might lead to worsening health issues. 3. Energy and Productivity: Mood swings can impact a person’s energy levels and productivity at work or in school. High-energy periods may be followed by periods of low motivation. This could then affect the ability to engage in daily tasks consistently. 4. Self-Esteem: Repeated mood swings can take a negative toll on a person’s self-esteem. The emotional ups and downs may lead to self-criticism and doubt, affecting one’s sense of confidence and self-worth. Practical Ways to Manage Mood Swings While we may not have complete control over various external factors that contribute to mood swings, there are practical ways to manage this emotional path: 1. Be Self-Aware: Be able to detect what triggers your emotions and be aware of the patterns. You can get a mood journal which will help you identify factors that can contribute to mood swings and provide insights for effective management. 2. Freely Express your Emotions: Talk to a trusted friend, write in a journal, or find a creative outlet to express how you feel. These activities can provide an emotional release that will make you quickly snap out of your mood swings. 3. Live a Healthy Life: Make a healthy lifestyle your priority. Practice exercise regularly; eat balanced diets on a daily basis and have consistent sleep patterns. These will ultimately contribute to emotional resilience and stability. 4. Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation: Incorporate mindfulness and relaxation techniques into your routines. Practice meditation and deep breathing. This can help manage stress and promote emotional balance. 5. Seek Professional Support: If your mood swings significantly affect your daily functioning, it is important that you seek professional help. Mental health professionals can provide guidance, coping strategies, and therapeutic interventions tailored to individual needs. Mood swings occur at various times in every human life, but understanding their causes, recognizing their effects on our mental health, and adopting effective management strategies empower us to navigate the emotional landscape with resilience. By incorporating self-awareness, healthy habits, and seeking support when needed, individuals can transform the peaks and valleys of mood swings into a more balanced and fulfilling emotional life.