Mental Health In Transit

By Bryan Okwuba

United People Global (UPG) is a global movement dedicated to empowering individuals to create meaningful change. With its mission to equip ordinary people with extraordinary tools, UPG’s initiatives reach across continents, fostering a sense of purpose, collaboration, and impact.

Founded on the belief that positive change starts with empowered individuals, UPG operates with two key frameworks: the Four Pillars—Awareness, Belief, Collaboration, and Community (ABCs)—and its comprehensive Action Guidelines, which shape its mission and programs.

UPG’s global reach is exemplified through its flagship initiative, the UPG Sustainability Leadership Program, which trains individuals worldwide to champion sustainable development and social impact. This program has cultivated a diverse network of changemakers, each committed to addressing pressing global challenges, including mental health advocacy.

UPG’s Action Guidelines: A Framework for Impact

UPG’s Action Guidelines offer a structured yet dynamic approach to tackling complex societal issues. These principles guide every action, interaction, and initiative undertaken by UPG and its community:

Freedom: Respect for autonomy and voluntary participation.

Independence: Upholding self-reliance and protecting the autonomy of others.

Diversity: Valuing varied perspectives and embracing individuality.

Dignity: Ensuring respect and safeguarding human worth.

Positivity: Focusing on constructive, solution-driven approaches.

Possibility: Exploring optimal outcomes and engaging stakeholders.

Community: Building and nurturing collective action for greater impact.

Courage: Taking bold action in the face of fear.

My Truth Before My Power: Prioritizing honesty over personal gain.

Accountability: Owning responsibilities beyond tasks.

Structure: Using organization and discipline to empower creativity.

Excellence: Pursuing the highest standards in every endeavor.

Love and Integrity: Acting with compassion and consistency.

Mental Health Advocacy Through the Lens of UPG’s Guidelines

UPG’s Action Guidelines align seamlessly with the principles of mental health advocacy. For instance:

Freedom and Independence underscore the importance of respecting personal choices in mental health care. Community fosters support networks for individuals battling stigma and isolation. Courage inspires open conversations about mental health, breaking barriers of silence. Diversity ensures inclusive approaches that consider varying cultural and societal contexts.

As we mark Men’s Mental Health Month, these guidelines remind us that mental health advocacy is not just about raising awareness—it’s about taking tangible steps to build supportive, understanding, and resilient communities.

Mental Health in Transit: A UPG-Inspired Initiative

Drawing from UPG’s principles, Pharm. Adekunle Adeleke launched Mental Health in Transit in 2023 to address mental health gaps in underserved Nigerian communities.

World Mental Health Day 2023 marked the initiative’s debut outreach at Biode Motor Park, Ojota, where over 250 individuals received free health checks, medications, and mental health resources. Sponsored by Fidson Healthcare and PSN-YPG Lagos, the event impacted a wide demographic, including traders, drivers, and mothers.

The initiative expanded in 2024 with more outreaches and the biggest one yet is the outreach at Lawanson Motor Park, doubling its reach to over 500 participants. A vibrant rally complemented the health services, emphasizing the importance of accessible mental health care. Partnerships with Emzor Vaccines, Salonpas, and Fidson Healthcare further amplified the event’s success.

UPG’s Call to Action

UPG’s frameworks—its ABCs and Action Guidelines—show that systemic change begins with individual empowerment and collective action. By prioritizing dignity, community, and excellence, UPG and its network of changemakers are addressing some of the world’s most urgent issues.

Whether through sustainability leadership or mental health advocacy, UPG invites everyone to join the movement.

Learn More and Join the UPG Movement

Website: https://unitedpeople.global

Connect with Mental Health in Transit

Instagram: @mentalhealthintransit

Email: mentalhealthintransit@gmail.com

Bryan Okwuba is a distinguished author with publications in multiple peer-reviewed journals. A passionate advocate for mental health, he contributes to initiatives like Mental Health in Transit, where his expertise informs impactful discussions on mental wellness and community resilience.