Nonye Ekpe is the CEO and founder of Balm.ai, a startup that helps working professionals become the best version of themselves. She has a background in Sociology from the University of Lagos, and she understands deeply the societal and lifestyle factors that impact our mental health, she is committed to creating an equitable system that ensures quality care for all.
Her personal experience with mental health challenges inspired her to start Balm.ai. She realized that there was a need for a more accessible and equitable way to provide mental health care, and she decided to use her skills and experience to make a difference.
A few years ago, she was struggling with mood swings. She would feel very low one day and then very high the next. This was affecting her relationships and her productivity. She was starting to withdraw from people and she wasn't getting much done at work. She didn’t know she needed help, until much recently.
Nonye’s husband is very health conscious and we did some research on several activities to stay physically and mentally fit. She started to make some lifestyle changes. She started having some prayer walks, and she also started to meditate. These changes helped her to feel more relaxed and in control of her emotions. She is still not perfect, but she is much better than she was a few years ago. She is not afraid to talk about her mental health, and she is committed to helping others who are struggling. That's why she started Balm.ai. She wants to make mental healthcare more accessible and effective so that everyone can get the help they need.
There are many things that you can do to manage your mental health, and you don't have to go through this alone. If you are struggling with mood swings, here are some things that you can do: Talk to a trusted friend or family member, see a therapist or counsellor, join a support group, practice relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga and make lifestyle changes, such as exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet. Remember, you are not alone. There is help available, and you can get better.
Her vision for Balm.ai is to become the first AI therapy platform that will revolutionize the way we interact with our mental health. With real-time access to our confidential, intuitive conversational agents and human experts, Balm.ai personalizes your therapy experience for a lifetime. Balm.ai takes into account the person's unique needs, goals, and preferences, and it provides recommendations for therapy and other self-help resources. Balm.ai also offers real-time support and guidance, 24/7. This means that people can get the help they need when they need it.
We have helped several employers who care about their employee's well-being with Employee Assistance Programs. She is grateful for the opportunity to help businesses create a healthy work environment for their employees. She believes that everyone deserves to have access to quality mental healthcare, regardless of their location, income, or background. She is committed to making that a reality.
Here are the tips for taking care of your mental health;
Talking to someone you trust:
One of the best things you can do for your mental health is to talk to someone you trust about how you're feeling. This could be a friend, family member, therapist, or anyone else you feel comfortable talking to. Talking about your thoughts and feelings can help you to process them and make sense of them. It can also help you to feel less alone and more supported.
Getting regular exercise:
Exercise is a great way to improve your physical and mental health. It can help to reduce stress, improve your mood, and boost your self-esteem. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
Eating a healthy diet:
What you eat can have a big impact on your mental health. Eating a healthy diet can help to improve your mood, energy levels, and overall well-being. Make sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Getting enough sleep:
Sleep is essential for good mental health. When you don't get enough sleep, you're more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
Avoiding alcohol and drugs:
Alcohol and drugs can have a negative impact on your mental health. They can worsen symptoms of anxiety and depression, and they can make it difficult to cope with stress. If you're struggling with your mental health, it's best to avoid alcohol and drugs altogether.
Practicing relaxation techniques:
Relaxation techniques can help to reduce stress and improve your overall mental health. There are many different relaxation techniques, such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing. Find one that works for you and make time to practice it regularly.
Finding healthy ways to cope with stress:
Everyone experiences stress from time to time. However, if you're feeling overwhelmed by stress, it's important to find healthy ways to cope. Some healthy ways to cope with stress include exercise, spending time in nature, and talking to someone you trust.
Taking care of your mental health is important for your overall well-being. By following these tips, you can improve your mental health and live a happier, healthier life.