How to tackle Nigeria’s alarming suicide rate and women’s mental health concerns – Abu

Mounfiq Raiyan Abu, founder & CEO, Raiyaninspires Consulting, is a dynamic leader on a mission to empower career and business women with growth mindsets, self-leadership, and resilience, helping them turn adversity into audacity. In this interview with NGOZI OKPALAKUNNE, the Leadership and Mindset Reset Coach, highlighted Nigeria’s alarming suicide rates and ways to address the menace. Excerpts:

What is mindset reset and what role can it play in an individual’s personal development?

Mindset reset is the intentional process of breaking free from limiting beliefs, unhealthy thought patterns, fear, doubt, and negative conditioning that keep people stuck. It is about helping people see possibilities where they once saw impossibilities. A lot of people are not limited by their environment alone, they are limited by the stories they have accepted about themselves.

When your mindset changes, your decisions change, your confidence changes, your relationships change, and ultimately your results change.

Personal development begins from the mind. You cannot consistently produce a life that is bigger than the way you think. So, mindset reset helps individuals rediscover their worth, build resilience, gain clarity, and position themselves for growth in every area of life.

How would you describe people’s perception of  mindset reset?

At first, many people think mindset reset is just motivational speaking or positive affirmations, but it is much deeper than that. It is transformational work. It requires unlearning, healing, discipline, and intentional growth.

Over time, however, people are beginning to understand that mindset is the foundation of everything. More individuals are realising that success is not only about talent or opportunity, but also about emotional intelligence, self-awareness, perspective, and mental strength.

I believe the perception is gradually shifting from “this sounds inspirational” to “this is necessary for survival and success.” Especially in today’s world, people are beginning to prioritise mental wellness, purpose, and personal growth more intentionally.

Considering the present economic crisis, how can one maintain a positive mindset?

First, positivity does not mean pretending that challenges do not exist. The reality is that times are hard, and many people are under pressure. However, a positive mindset is choosing not to allow temporary situations define your future or destroy your hope

In difficult seasons, it is important to guard your mind carefully. Be intentional about what you consume, who you surround yourself with, and the conversations you entertain. Focus on solutions instead of remaining trapped in fear and anxiety.

Also, people must learn adaptability. This is the season to learn new skills, explore opportunities, collaborate, and remain open-minded. Gratitude is also powerful. Sometimes we become so consumed by what is not working that we forget what is still working.

Most importantly, maintain hope. Tough seasons do not last forever, but the mindset you build during those seasons can shape the rest of your life.

As a mindset reset coach, what do you think is responsible for the high rate of suicide in the country and how can it be addressed?

I believe there are several contributing factors such as emotional isolation, hopelessness, economic hardship, untreated mental health struggles, societal pressure, and the fear of vulnerability. Many people are silently carrying pain they feel nobody understands. Unfortunately, in many societies, people are taught to suppress emotions instead of seeking help. Some are afraid of being judged, misunderstood, or seen as weak. This silence can become very dangerous.

To reduce suicide rates, we must create safer spaces for honest conversations around mental health. People need support systems, community, empathy, and access to professional help without stigma.

Families, schools, workplaces, faith-based organisations, and leaders all have a role to play. We must also remind people that their lives have value beyond their current struggles. No situation is permanent, and no one should suffer in silence. Asking for help is not weakness; it is wisdom and courage.

How can mindset reset enhance relationships and communications?

Mindset reset helps people become more self-aware, emotionally intelligent, and intentional in the way they relate with others. Many conflicts in relationships come from unresolved pain, assumptions, insecurity, poor communication, and unhealthy thinking patterns.

When an individual experiences a mindset reset, they begin to communicate from a place of understanding instead of ego, from a place of healing instead of hurt. It helps people listen better, express themselves more effectively, and build healthier connections.

Healthy relationships are built not just on love, but on emotional maturity, empathy, and understanding. Once the mind is transformed, communication becomes healthier and relationships become more meaningful and sustainable.

What motivated you to venture into mindset reset coaching and what is your goal?

What motivated me was the realisation that so many people especially women are living below their potential, not because they lack ability, but because they lack belief in themselves. I have seen brilliant people shrink because of fear, trauma, rejection, and negative experiences.

I also understand what it means to go through difficult seasons and still choose growth.

That journey gave me a deeper passion for helping people rediscover themselves and rebuild their confidence. Eventually, my goal is to create a global movement that empowers people, especially women and young people to live boldly, intentionally, and purposefully. I want to see people break mental limitations, heal from internal struggles, and step fully into the lives they were created for.

What is your organisation all about and what is the idea behind its formation?

Our organisation is focused on personal transformation, leadership development, mental wellness, and empowerment. We are passionate about helping individuals move from limitation to possibility and from fear to confidence.

The idea behind its formation came from the need to create a safe and empowering platform where people can grow mentally, emotionally, professionally, and personally.

There are many people who simply need guidance, community, support, and the right environment to thrive. We are committed to raising people who are not only successful externally, but also whole internally.

Our mission is to inspire people to become the best versions of themselves and to create lasting impact in their communities and beyond

In what ways has your organisation assisted women to move from adversity to audacity?

We have helped women by creating platforms for growth, visibility, mentorship, healing, and empowerment. Many women carry silent burdens such as self-doubt, societal limitations, emotional pain, financial struggles, and fear of being seen or heard.

Through our programmes, conversations, coaching sessions, and community initiatives, we help women rediscover their voice, rebuild confidence, and recognise their worth. We encourage them to stop shrinking and start showing up boldly in their purpose, careers, businesses, and leadership spaces.

One of the most powerful transformations is seeing women move from merely surviving to confidently taking up space, owning their stories, and pursuing their dreams unapologetically. That is what moving from adversity to audacity truly means.

Report has shown increase in the cases of mental health among women in the country.  What do you think is responsible and what is the way out?

Women often carry enormous emotional, mental, and societal responsibilities. Many are expected to nurture everyone while neglecting themselves. They deal with pressures from family, career, relationships, finances, motherhood, societal expectations, and sometimes emotional or psychological abuse often in silence

In many cases, women are conditioned to endure rather than express. Over time, suppressed emotions, burnout, trauma, and lack of support can take a serious toll on mental health.

The way forward begins with awareness and support. We must normalise conversations around mental health and encourage women to seek help without shame. Women need healthier support systems, safe spaces, access to therapy and counseling, emotional education, and environments where they feel heard, valued, and supported.

We must also teach women that self-care is not selfish. A healthy woman mentally and emotionally is better equipped to thrive, lead, nurture, and contribute positively to society.