Mental Health in Focus at APPOEMN Conference

Mary Nnah

The Association of Professional Party Organisers and Event Planners of Nigeria (APPOEMN) is sounding the alarm on the importance of prioritising mental health, especially in the fast-paced world of event planning.

At the 7th Annual Event Industry Conference, held in Ikeja, Lagos, APPOEMN President Mrs. Olufunbi Akinyosoye emphasised the need for a culture of care, shared values, and communal understanding to tackle job-related challenges.

In her opening remarks, Mrs. Akinyosoye explained that the event was aimed at giving back to the community that had positively impacted their lives.

She noted that the session sought to address the often-overlooked aspects of their profession, particularly stress and mental health issues.
According to her, the pressure of meeting deadlines and delivering to clients’ satisfaction often takes a toll on their mental well-being.
The conference’s theme, “Taking Care of Your Mental Health and Mind Decluttering,” highlighted the often-overlooked aspects of stress and mental health issues in the profession.

Guest speaker Mrs. Ese Ayaebene, a therapist, noted that depression is a real concern, particularly in today’s economic climate, and that finding ways to overcome it promptly is crucial.

To address mental health issues, Mrs. Ayaebene advised Nigerians to limit their needs to what they can afford and avoid overextending themselves.

Speaking on the topic “Resilient Mind,” the medical expert explained that while depression is real, it is not abnormal for anyone to experience it. What is crucial, she added, is finding ways to overcome it promptly.

She advised people not to let depression overwhelm them, noting that women are twice as likely to suffer from it compared to men.
She also urged Nigerians to break the habit of reaching for their phones first thing in the morning and instead start their day with prayer before pursuing their daily activities.

Mrs. Ayaebene identified several signs of depression, including loss of appetite, insomnia, loss of interest in usual activities, loss of energy, lack of concentration, and suicidal thoughts, which need to be addressed.
Earlier, the association organized a masterclass as part of its annual industry conference, aimed at equipping event professionals with the latest skills, trends, and strategies to enhance their event management capabilities.

According to participants, the session was an eye-opener, as it addressed key challenges and provided practical solutions in areas such as event planning and execution, client management, marketing and branding, digital tools and technologies, crisis management, and more.

She also encouraged starting the day with prayer instead of immediately reaching for phones. Additionally, she identified signs of depression, including loss of appetite, insomnia, and suicidal thoughts, which require attention.

APPOEMN’s call to action is particularly relevant, considering the event planning industry’s high-stress nature. In fact, event coordinators rank fifth among the most stressful professions, according to CareerCast ².

By promoting mental health awareness and providing resources, APPOEMN is taking a proactive step towards supporting its members and the broader community. As a leading organisation in Nigeria’s event management sector, APPOEMN’s efforts will hopefully inspire others to prioritise mental well-being.