Welcome to the Ibi Ayo Blog
A space for insight, reflection, and growth. Mental well-being is a journey, and we’re here to provide guidance, support, and practical tools to help you along the way.Through thoughtful discussions on self-awareness, relationships and mental health, our blog offers a place to explore, learn, and find clarity.Whether you’re looking for expert insights from therapists, coping strategies, or simply a fresh perspective, this is a space to pause, reflect, and navigate life’s challenges with greater understanding.Wherever you are on your journey, you are not alone.
Blog Post
“See Your Mates”: Breaking Free from the Comparison Trap
"See your mate." If you grew up in Nigeria, you’ve probably heard this phrase and felt the sting of comparison. This post explores why we compare ourselves to others, how it harms our mental health, and practical steps to break free from the trap of constant comparison.
Different Types of Therapy & How They Work
Thinking about starting therapy, but unsure which approach is right for you? At Ibi Ayo, we understand that stepping into therapy can feel tender, especially when there are so many different paths to healing. We’ll explore what each one looks like, the kind of support it offers, and who it may be most helpful for.
Signs you might need therapy and how to take the first step
Ever find yourself asking, “Why do I feel this way?” or “Is something wrong with me?” You’re not alone and you don’t have to carry it all by yourself. This gentle guide walks you through common signs that therapy might help and offers compassionate, practical steps to begin your healing journey. Whether you're navigating sadness, anger, confusion, or a desire for clarity, this read is a safe place to start.
Why It’s Hard to Set Boundaries in Nigerian Families
If saying “no” makes you feel like you’re failing your family, you’re not alone. In many Nigerian homes, boundaries are mistaken for disrespect and choosing your emotional well-being can trigger guilt, fear, or shame. We unpack why boundary-setting feels so hard in culturally traditional families and how to do it gently, clearly, and without losing yourself in the process.
Men’s Mental Health in Nigeria: Breaking the Silence
In Nigeria, many men are taught to “tough it out”, but at what cost? From cultural pressures to emotional isolation, we explore why men’s mental health often goes unnoticed, and why opening up is not weakness. If you or a man you care about is silently struggling, this is a call to pause, reflect, and start the conversation that could change everything.
Ghosting Your Therapist: Why It Happens and What to Know
Ghosting isn’t just something that happens while dating, it happens in therapy, too. You might cancel a session and never reschedule. You stop replying to emails. You disappear.
If you’ve ever thought about ghosting your therapist (or have already done it), you’re not alone. It’s more common than most people realize. But while it might feel easier in the moment, ghosting can leave important work unfinished and create more confusion than closure.
Here’s why people ghost their therapists, what it means, and what to consider before cutting off contact.
Understanding Trauma Dumping: Signs, Impact, and Healthier Alternatives
When we’re hurting, sharing our emotions can be a powerful way to heal. But sometimes, in our urgency to be heard and supported, we might unknowingly cross emotional boundaries both our own and others’.
This is where the concept of trauma dumping comes in.
In this blog post, we’re unpacking what trauma dumping is, why it happens, how it can impact others, and healthier ways to share difficult experiences.
Understanding Attachment Styles: A Path to Healthier Relationships
When it comes to forming relationships, we’re often unaware of the invisible forces that influence how we connect with others. Our attachment style plays a crucial role in shaping the way we interact with those around us. It’s a concept rooted in childhood experiences, but it extends throughout our lives, impacting friendships, romantic relationships, and even work dynamics.
The Grief of Missed Dreams: Mourning the Life You Imagined
Grief is often associated with losing a loved one, but there’s another kind of mourning that isn’t talked about enough “the grief of missed dreams”. This is the pain of realizing that something you deeply hoped for may not happen. It could be a career goal that didn’t work out, a relationship that ended, or a life plan that no longer feels possible.