The recent MindsandBeyond webinar held on 3rd September 2026, brought together mental health advocates, professionals, and community members for a powerful conversation on one of the most persistent challenges in mental health care: stigma. Hosted by the organisation’s co‑founders, Dr. Omotola Ajayi and Dr. Adebusola Adegbola, the session added to their growing catalogue of over fifteen educative and engaging webinars aimed at improving mental health literacy across communities.
A Conversation Led by Advocacy and Experience
The guest speaker, Dr. Simeon Ategbese, Founder and CEO of HealthyMinds Wellness Initiative, delivered an insightful and deeply engaging session on the theme “Stigma: A Barrier to Mental Health Care.” Drawing from clinical experience and years of advocacy, he unpacked how stigma continues to shape attitudes, delay help‑seeking, and reinforce silence around mental health challenges.
Dr. Simeon highlighted how stigma operates at multiple levels—individual, family, community, and healthcare systems—and how each layer contributes to the barriers people face when trying to access care. His message was clear: breaking stigma requires collective effort, intentional education, and compassionate engagement.
Stories That Reveal the Reality
One of the most striking moments of the webinar came from an attendee- a medical doctor who shared the experience of a colleague who left psychiatry residency training after two years because his family members did not support his choice of specialty. This story captured the emotional and professional toll of stigma, showing how deeply societal beliefs can influence even those within the healthcare field.
It was a reminder that stigma is not just an abstract concept—it affects real people, real careers, and real lives.
A Space for Dialogue and Reflection
The session was highly interactive, with attendees sharing their insights, experiences, and strategies for navigating stigma in their own environments. The question‑and‑answer segment was particularly fulfilling, offering practical guidance and encouraging participants to become advocates for change within their families, workplaces, and communities.
Looking Ahead
The hosts expressed heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Simeon for his impactful contribution and emphasised their excitement for future collaborations between HealthyMinds and MindsandBeyond. Both organisations share a commitment to mental health education, community empowerment, and dismantling the barriers that prevent individuals from accessing care.
This webinar was more than a conversation—it was a call to action. A reminder that breaking stigma begins with awareness, continues with dialogue, and grows through collective responsibility.
