Meet Stella Eyabi, a passionate Mental & Behavioural Health Therapist from Cameroon and founder of DIBA Holistic Wellness Care. With over six years of experience as a certified Mental Health Counselor from the Centralized Training Institute in Texas, Stella is on a powerful mission—to change the narrative that equates mental illness with witchcraft and to promote a more educated, compassionate approach to mental health care across Cameroon and Africa.
Redefining Mental Health in Africa
In an exclusive interview with Just4WomenAfrica, Stella was asked to define mental health and why it is just as important as physical health. She explained:
“Mental health is how we think, feel, and act. One definition I love is the one from the World Health Organization (WHO). They define mental health as a person’s ability to realize their potential, cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively, and contribute to their community.”
Stella stressed that mental health is just as vital as physical health due to the mind-body connection. She gave the example of someone suffering heartbreak and instantly experiencing physical symptoms like a headache. “If your body is well, so will your mind be—and vice versa,” she emphasized.
Mental Health Challenges in Cameroon
According to Stella, the most common mental health challenges in Cameroon today are:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Substance abuse, including drugs and alcohol
This aligns with data from the WHO, which shows that over 116 million people in Africa suffer from mental health conditions, with depression and anxiety being among the most prevalent.
The Stigma That Silences
Stella spoke passionately about the destructive role of stigma, especially in African societies where mental illness is still often associated with spiritual punishment or witchcraft.
“Stigma destroys the foundation of an individual. It tells them they’re not worthy of love or support. It convinces them that if they show their true selves, society won’t accept them.”
She believes stigma is one of the biggest reasons people don’t seek help—even when it’s available. It isolates individuals, reinforcing silence and shame.
Mental Health Education in Schools: Starting Early
Stella believes mental health education must begin as early as primary school, but it needs to be tailored to students’ developmental levels.
During a recent tour of schools in Cameroon, Stella and her team used play therapy, music, and drama therapy to engage primary students.
“Children don’t understand mental health like adults. But when we teach them through songs and skits, it sticks. They go home knowing how to express sadness or anxiety in healthy ways.”
For secondary and university students, Stella recommends first assessing the dominant mental health challenges in their communities. From there, her organization offers free group therapy sessions based on identified needs.
Signs Parents and Teachers Shouldn’t Ignore
Stella highlighted several red flags adults should watch for in children and teens:
For Anxiety:
- Irritability
- Frequent panic or fear
- Fear of being alone or in crowds
For Depression:
- Withdrawing from activities they once enjoyed
- Isolation
- Poor hygiene (e.g., not bathing)
- Lack of appetite or sleep
For Psychosis:
- Delusions (e.g., believing someone is chasing them)
- Talking to themselves
- Hearing voices that others can’t
The Social Media Dilemma
Social media is a double-edged sword, especially for African youth. Stella shared her concerns:
“Social media can be useful, but it also leads to unhealthy comparisons. Young people feel pressure to match unrealistic lifestyles, which can fuel anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression.”
A recent survey by UNICEF found that more than 1 in 3 young people in Sub-Saharan Africa feel social media has a negative effect on their mental health, primarily due to comparison and cyberbullying.
Her Final Message
“Mental illness is not witchcraft. It is a real health condition—just like malaria or diabetes—and it can be treated.”
Stella Eyabi’s advocacy is a bold call to action for Africans to rethink outdated beliefs and embrace compassionate, evidence-based mental health care. Through her work with DIBA Holistic Wellness Care, she continues to educate communities, empower children, and support individuals battling the silent pain of untreated mental health conditions.
Want to connect with Stella or learn more about DIBA Holistic Wellness Care? Follow us on Instagram @Just4WomenAfrica for updates and interview clips.
