Blush & Bloom Podcast Ep. 1 - Mental Health Tips for African Women

🎙 Welcome to Blush & Bloom, the podcast where we have real, heartfelt conversations about women's health, self-care, and everything in between!

In this first episode, your host Gigi sits down with Bolatito Afun, an experienced clinical psychologist and mental health advocate, to discuss a deeply important topic, mental health for African women.

For many African women, mental health struggles are often dismissed as overthinking, a lack of faith, or something to be endured in silence. With cultural expectations, family pressures, and the constant need to appear strong, many women struggle alone, but it doesn’t have to be this way.

In this episode, we cover:

💡 Recognizing emotional burnout – How to spot signs of stress, fatigue, and emotional exhaustion.

💡 Unlearning guilt & prioritizing self-care – Breaking free from the belief that putting yourself first is selfish.

💡 Navigating cultural expectations – How African women can protect their mental health despite societal pressures.

💡 Dealing with stigma – Why mental health is often misunderstood as a spiritual problem and how to change the narrative.

💡 Boundaries & balance – How to set healthy boundaries in relationships, work, and family.

💡 Social media & mental health – Practical ways to protect your well-being in a digital world.

💡 Childhood & relationships – How early life experiences shape the way we approach friendships, dating, and marriage.

💡 First steps to better mental health – Simple, actionable things you can do today to improve your well-being.

This conversation is filled with practical tips, expert insights, and culturally relevant advice for African women navigating mental health challenges. 🌸

About Our Guest: Bolatito Afun

Bolatito Afun is an HCPC-registered practitioner psychologist (Health) and licensed clinical psychologist (NACP) with expertise in psychotherapy, research, and mental health advocacy.

She is a graduate of Clinical Psychology from the University of Ibadan, a University of Washington-trained coach and leader, and an Excellence Scholarship awardee at Nottingham Trent University (MA Public Health).

She is a member of:

• The British Psychological Society (BPS)

• The Health and Care Professional Council (HCPC)

• The Nigerian Association of Clinical Psychology (NACP)

• An Associate Fellow of the International Strategic Management Institute (ISMI)

🔗 Connect with her:

📌 LinkedIn: Bolatito Afun

Resources & Next Steps

🔹 Mental Health Support: If you or someone you know is struggling, consider reaching out to a licensed therapist or mental health professional.

🔹 Practical Self-Care: Even small habits like journaling, setting boundaries, or taking mindful breaks can make a difference in your mental well-being.

🔹 Want to hear more?

✨ Subscribe to Blush & Bloom on Spotify and YouTube.

🎧 See you in the next episode!