Building Hope: The Journey of The Stop Mental Illness Foundation
My journey with mental health advocacy began long before the official launch of The Stop Mental Illness Foundation. It all started in Nigeria in 2017, driven by a personal story of loss, resilience, and unwavering commitment to support those in need.
Despite being a British citizen, my heart has always belonged to Nigeria, the country that raised me. I wanted to give back to the society that shaped my identity and where I experienced profound personal tragedies, losing two sisters in my teens, my father in my mid-twenties, and then, in 2022, losing another sister. Throughout these losses, I struggled to access the emotional and mental support I desperately needed. The gaps in the healthcare system, especially regarding emotional and mental health, became painfully clear to me.
This foundation is not just an organisation, it’s a closure of my personal grief and a mission to support others who are suffering silently. I have faced countless challenges along this path: discouragement from many who dismiss mental health as unimportant due to cultural, spiritual, or traditional beliefs; scams that drained my limited resources; and betrayal from those I trusted most, including close friends and even family members who once supported me. Despite all this, I remain steadfast.
Many have told me to give up, to abandon what seems like an impossible dream. But I believe that if God called me to this, He will also provide the strength, time, and resources to see it through. My journey has been one of advocacy, research, and relentless effort, using my own limited resources, sacrificing personal comfort, and tirelessly working to create solutions.
One of my most ambitious projects was the development of the Unruffled Mind App, designed to connect mental health professionals with those who need help. After years of setbacks, false starts, and financial strain, especially from misleading developers and wasted funds, I almost gave up. But I realised: a warrior never gives up, they adapt, they re-strategise, and they keep fighting.
My childhood experiences, sharing my food in hunger, supporting others at great personal cost have shaped who I am. Today, I stand with the conviction that support should never be dictated by politics or money, but by compassion and a genuine calling to serve.
Today, I am proud to say that The Stop Mental Illness Foundation is not just a Nigerian charity anymore. We are now a global organisation, committed to promoting mental health awareness and support worldwide. Our UK RCN is 1213781, and we are launching virtually from July 14th, 2025, with our first physical event scheduled for October 10th, 2025.
This journey has been marked by sacrifices, borrowing money (using credit card) , losing friends, scams that drained my limited resources, facing disrespect and hijacking of ideas, yet I remain undeterred. My vision is bigger than my challenges. I am driven by a calling to bring hope, healing, and awareness to those who need it most.
In my upcoming book, “In Their Memory: Building Hope Through the Stop Mental Illness Foundation,” I share the challenges, opportunities, my coping mechanism and lessons learned along this journey. Today, I invite you to support us not just with money, but with your belief, your voice, and your compassion.
We are building a future where mental health is prioritised, stigma is eradicated, and every individual is supported regardless of their background or circumstances. Stay tuned for our global website and further updates. Your support, in whatever way you can, will help us transform lives.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we will build hope.
Oluseyi Elizabeth Odudimu
Founder & CEO, The Stop Mental Illness Foundation