The Emotional Puppy (TEPPY) is a non-governmental organization geared towards providing emotional support to the public, given the gap in the mental health needs of the society and the availability of affordable professionals. We believe that mental health of the populace needs to be of more focus as it forms the base of all social wellness, societal prosperity, and individual fulfilment.

Your wellbeing greatly depends on your mental health. How you are able to function psychologically, emotionally, and socially, among other things, depends on this component of your welfare. There are various situations that could impair one's capacity for dealing with life's curveballs. Daily activities and the ability to handle these changes may also be disrupted by these circumstances. Your biological makeup may impact how well you are doing. It has been discovered that some mental health conditions run in families and can be passed on to family members.

Our mission is to use technology to deliver talk therapy to people who need it, acting as a first line of support for traditional forms of therapy. You can learn more effective coping skills and methods to interact with others in the world through talk therapy. You can address some of your own problematic habits in therapy, and it can give you the tools you need to make some adjustments in your own life.

The state of your mental health can have a significant effect on every aspect of your life. If you're finding it difficult to address mental health concerns on your own, don't hesitate to contact us via TeppyTherapy on telegram or 080280118-eight-six on WhatsApp (no calls please)

To support us, please contact us also. Thank you

1) Have a private, honest conversation. Be supportive and non-judgmental, while giving specific examples of behaviors or actions you find troubling.

2) Refuse to enable. Be assertive, and set boundaries. Do not make excuses for missed work, school, or other responsibilities, don’t allow drug use in your home, don’t give them money, don’t bail them out of legal problems. Encourage them to take responsibility for their actions.

3) Express your belief in them. Let them know you believe they are capable of recovery, and that you will support them in that goal.

4) Provide treatment information. Talk to your physician or addiction specialist for guidance. Check out treatment options, as well as local support group meeting information. Support groups have both online and in-person meeting options. Have a solid plan to present to your loved one.

5) Allay fear concerning detoxification. The fear of detox may stop some from seeking recovery treatment. Reassure your loved one that medically supervised detoxification is the safest, and most comfortable approach, especially if they are taking other drugs or alcohol. Health professionals may prescribe medications to make the process more comfortable.

6) Be patient. Do not get discouraged if they are not ready to admit they have a problem. You have started the conversation, and it is likely they will be thinking about what you said. Stay firm with the boundaries you have set, and revisit the issue at a later date.

7) Focus on your own health. It is stressful to worry about an addicted or substance dependent loved one. Whether they accept there is a problem or not, do not let your own health suffer. Practice stress management, which may include deep breathing, meditation, positive thinking, reading inspirational books, journaling, or more. Eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly. Attend a 12-step or other support group for families.

https://www.midwestrecoverycenters.com/how-to-help-someone-quit-marijuana/

Marijuana first became popular in the United States as a recreational drug in the early 20th century. Although use of the drug was criminalized in the 1930s, it quickly became the most popular illegal drug in the country.

The 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported approximately 22.2 million people used marijuana in the month prior to the survey. Of those, about 4 million users fit the criteria for a marijuana use disorder, meaning they are unable to stop taking the drug even in the face of negative consequences.

The fact that many states have legalized marijuana use for medical purposes, and in some cases for recreational use, does not mean use of the drug is without risk. There are physical and psychological health risks associated with marijuana use, as well as the potential for abuse and addiction.

If you want to help someone stop using marijuana, it is important to first understand how marijuana affects the brain, and how these effects can make it difficult for users to stop on their own.

Physical and Mental Effects of Marijuana
Whether or not marijuana makes the user “high” depends on the levels of THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) or CBD (cannabidiol) in the product. THC delivers a psychoactive effect, while CBD does not. Medical marijuana may contain little or no THC, posing little risk for adverse effects.

THC affects areas of the brain that initiate the pleasure response, as well as control movement, memory, and sensory perception. Effects include impairment of judgment and motor functions, and slowed reaction time. Users typically experience a deep relaxation along with a sense of euphoria and wellbeing.

As marijuana use continues, the brain adapts to its presence. Once the brain comes to rely on the presence of the drug, it begins to demand increasingly higher doses to deliver the desired effect. This is called tolerance, and at this point, if marijuana use stops, withdrawal symptoms will likely occur, as the brain struggles to seek balance.

Withdrawal symptoms may include irritability, sleep difficulties, mood fluctuations, decreased appetite, strong cravings, and other discomforts. Withdrawal from marijuana can be uncomfortable but is rarely life-threatening. If a person is using other drugs or alcohol concurrently with marijuana, it is especially important they are monitored by health professionals as they undergo withdrawal.

Today’s marijuana is much more potent than it was a few years ago. Plants are often cultivated to contain up to 3 times the levels of THC once present, which can have dangerous effects on the brain and other body systems.

Multiple studies have found a connection between the use of high potency marijuana and psychotic episodes, including hallucinations and delusions. Other studies have associated regular marijuana use with a greater risk for:

Chronic bronchitis
Pneumonia or lung disease
Stroke, heart failure
Several types of cancer
Depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders

Most studies agree that factors such as genetic predisposition, how often and how much drug is typically used, age at first use, concurrent use of other drugs or alcohol, and other factors may contribute to a marijuana dependency.

Marijuana use is especially dangerous for teenagers. Research shows those who start using marijuana in their teens risk damage to areas of the brain responsible for memory, thinking, and learning, and that damage may be permanent. Studies have also found damage to the developing brain may result in a loss of an average of 8 IQ points.

7 Tips to Help Someone Quit Marijuana

Have a private, honest conversation. Be supportive and non-judgmental, while giving specific examples of behaviors or actions you find troubling.
Refuse to enable. Be assertive, and set boundaries. Do not make excuses for missed work, school, or other responsibilities, don’t allow drug use in your home, don’t give them money, don’t bail them out of legal problems. Encourage them to take responsibility for their actions.
Express your belief in them. Let them know you believe they are capable of recovery, and that you will support them in that goal.
Provide treatment information. Talk to your physician or addiction specialist for guidance. Check out treatment options, considering cost and insurance coverage, as well as local support group meeting information. Support groups like Marijuana Anonymous have both online and in-person meeting options. Have a solid plan to present to your loved one.
Allay fear concerning detoxification. The fear of detox may stop some from seeking recovery treatment. Reassure your loved one that medically supervised detoxification is the safest, and most comfortable approach, especially if they are taking other drugs or alcohol. Health professionals may prescribe medications to make the process more comfortable.
Be patient. Do not get discouraged if they are not ready to admit they have a problem. You have started the conversation, and it is likely they will be thinking about what you said. Stay firm with the boundaries you have set, and revisit the issue at a later date.
Focus on your own health. It is stressful to worry about an addicted or substance dependent loved one. Whether they accept there is a problem or not, do not let your own health suffer. Practice stress management, which may include deep breathing, meditation, positive thinking, reading inspirational books, journaling, or more. Eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly. Attend a 12-step or other support group for families.

Because marijuana use impairs the area of the brain responsible for motivation, it is often challenging for users to be sufficiently self-motivated to quit using the drug. For this reason, motivational enhancement therapy (MET), which rewards abstinence with money for goods or services, and motivational interviewing principles are two approaches often incorporated into the recovery plan.

Individual and group counseling, including cognitive behavioral therapy, along with family counseling, and participation in 12-step or other support groups are also typically part of the treatment plan.

https://www.midwestrecoverycenters.com/how-to-help-someone-quit-marijuana/

At some point we all tend to close in on ourselves, and generally that happens when we are bad, or we are not happy. There are some moments in the life when our problems can overcome us, times when we don´t know how to deal with them or how to get rid of them.

Our mind in these situations closes and does not see the solution to what is happening to us, no matter how hard we try. In most cases we don´t have enough emotional experience to know how to act in each situation.

Receiving advice from someone who has experienced similar problems will make us change perspective on our problems, look at them from a different point. Give yourself that opportunity to change your point of view and maybe you will find the way to free yourself from certain worries. As you tell someone what is happening to you, you are, at the same time, developing your ability to reorganize the thoughts that weigh you down. You can listen to other perspectives of your problems and together you can evaluate the pros and cons of the situation. While you expose your problems clearly, you distance yourself from it to find a possible solution that you had not thought about until now.

When you are stuck in your thoughts remember that an extra pair of ears never hurts

https://medium.com/the-daily-writing-habit/talking-about-our-problems-with-someone-else-is-a-form-of-therapy-2997154b1206

President, Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, Prof. Taiwo Obindo, says that more than 60 million Nigerians are suffering from mental illnesses.

Obindo, the Chairman, Faculty of Psychiatry, West African College of Physicians, Nigeria Chapter, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Abuja.

“Mental healthcare is in a sorry state given that we have more than 60 million Nigerians suffering from various mental illnesses and the fact that only about 10 per cent of them were able to access appropriate care.

“We are left with more than 90 per cent who are unable to access care and this group is called the treatment gap for mental illnesses,” Obindo said.

He said the gap was as a result of various factors like the knowledge gap in which people do not have appropriate information about the causes and treatment for mental illnesses.

Obindo said some factors hindering the management of mental illness in Nigeria included myths and traditional beliefs; inadequate mental health facilities and number of mental health professionals.

According to him, the few available mental health facilities were located in the city centres.

“Knowing that 60 per cent of Nigerians live in the rural areas, they do not have access to appropriate care and have to travel long distances to access facilities,” Obindo said.

He also said that the number of mental health practitioners was low as it fell below the ratio recommended by the World Health Organization.

According to him, the few that were trained were often eager to leave the country.

“The environment in which we practice, the security situation and the remuneration that people were given in the country tend to push them out.

“And then of course, the pull factor from the developed countries where they tend to poach on the already trained medical practitioners in the country, particularly the psychiatrists,” he said.

Obindo said that the cost of hiring practitioners in low medium income countries was low; so ”it was easier for developed countries to poach the already made products rather than training such professional locally.”

He said there was the need for Nigeria to implement its Mental Health Policy on the practice of psychiatry.

Obindo added that although the document was last reviewed in 2013, it was not being implemented.

He said one major component of the policy was the integration of mental health into primary healthcare, which was yet to be achieved after nine years.

The psychiatrist added that the law operational in the country was the “lunacy act”, which was first enacted in 1916 and reviewed in 1958.

”The Mental Health Bill by the mental health stakeholders led by the Advanced Practice Nurse , in conjunction with the National Assembly and the Ministry of Health was yet to be assented to by the President.

”This is the most recent effort in 30 years,” he said.

(NAN)

https://punchng.com/60-million-nigerians-battling-mental-illnesses-psychiatrist/

One aspect of your well-being that you shouldn’t neglect in these hectic times is your mental health. You should know that even if you cannot see a mental health professional in person, you could always find a therapist online and give teletherapy a chance.

What is teletherapy?
Teletherapy is precisely what it sounds like — therapeutic services a provider delivers to a patient using virtual technology like video conferencing. It can include mental health services as well as speech and occupational therapy.

Teletherapy sessions are similar to traditional therapy sessions with one major exception—instead of sitting in the same room, patients and therapists interact via live video connection.

Using a secure platform, clinicians connect with clients virtually and converse just as they would in an in-person session. Each virtual session is private, and clinicians are required to use approved software that complies with the HIPAA Privacy Rule, which ensures the data is confidential and secure and that all medical information is safeguarded, including therapy session notes.

Is it effective?
Many people have raised concerns about whether digital communication can provide skills, tools, and healing power to individuals staring at a screen.

One of the biggest concerns about online therapy is that therapists don’t have an opportunity to observe the patient, which is usually integral to assessing and diagnosing. The tone of voice, body language, and overall demeanor provide insight into an individual’s well-being.

However, research consistently shows that online treatment can be beneficial for many mental health issues. Besides, it has numerous advantages that in-person therapy sessions cannot offer. Read about them below.

It offers greater accessibility
Online therapy offers access to mental health information and treatment to people in rural or remote areas. Those who live in such areas simply might not have access to any other mental health treatment form because there are limited or no mental health practices in their geographic location.

Also, some people may benefit from therapy that addresses their experiences as veterans, women, or members of the LGBTQ community. With teletherapy, people have greater access to therapists who can meet their specific needs, regardless of location. Increased access may result in a better therapist match and better long-term results for the client.

Thirdly, teletherapy provides accessibility to individuals who are disabled or housebound. Mobility can be a big issue when it comes to accessing mental health care. A therapist practicing out of their own home, for example, may not be set up to accommodate all potential clients.

Greater anonymity
Teletherapy services offer a higher degree of anonymity than traditional therapy, allowing patients to express their emotions without worrying about judgment.

Being honest with your online therapist—whether in person or using teletherapy—allows patients to feel listened to and understood. It’s important to remember that you’re doing yourself a disservice if you hold back during therapy. Although live video conferences or phone calls with your counsellor may feel uncomfortable at first, it’s essential to let out your emotions in the same way you would during an in-person therapy session.

You need to be able to trust your counsellor, and that takes time, but if you’re already in a safe space where you feel like you can be yourself, you’ll be able to open up. It can be challenging to get comfortable enough to open up when you’re in a physical office on someone else’s turf. You’re eliminating some of the anxiety that you might feel when you have control over the location, such as the comfort of your living room.

Flexibility
Many people are overworked and overcommitted, and it can be hard to schedule a therapy session during limited office hours. When a therapist is available at a time convenient for the patient, it offers greater flexibility and allows more people to get the support they need when they need it.

With teletherapy, patients don’t have to sit in a waiting room, and they can often get an appointment sooner than if they were going into the office.

You can simply go to a private room, turn on the computer, and engage with a clinician – a much more appealing and viable option for many.

Different forms of communication
Text messages, phone conversations, email, video conferencing, and chat rooms are all types of communication telehealth services currently use. It offers the freedom and flexibility to choose the most appropriate form of communication. In-person counselling usually limits communication to brief phone calls and in-office appointments.

You should know that telehealth providers will go to great lengths to keep their client’s information safe.

https://wellbeingmagazine.com/health/6-reasons-why-you-should-try-teletherapy/


At Teppy, we try as much as possible to provide a listening ear and guidance in this present world that is in desperate need of it.

I have to agree with the people who says you should sell bread. You need cash flow now because that ₦30k won't sustain you.

Where you are selling bread, you can start marketing car trackers also. And then later create time for the skills you want to use of Fiverr and Co.

Remember that Fiverr may take months to start paying off. Car tracker is a luxury. But food? Food is a necessity and you are better off seeing that. Cheers. It can only get better

On the day General Abacha died, I injured myself celebrating and developed this huge keloid on my back that defied all treatment, both traditional and modern.

I just decided to ignore it eventually and when people ask, I say it's a knife wound from confronting thieves, when they say "wow", I then tell them the truth.

Thing is, scars make you interesting. If you now gym and add muscle mass, you'd even look more intimidating to guys and enticing to the ladies.

My keloid? During Covid-19 lockdown, it just decides to melt on its own.

Your scars are a reminder that you are a man of miracles. Own it.

I think they are missing their parents is the problem. They are at the age where they are comparing themselves with their school mates and seeing the differences in their lives.

Don't worry. Try and ask them if they miss having your dad around. Then let them understand that life is all about using the hands fate deals you to achieve the best you can be. Tell them that the best way to acknowledge their father is to be the best.

The problem is not the female child. The problem is the double standard in raising the female child.

You may not want to admit it but if your sisters are having issues in life, it's most likely due to traumatic experiences they had growing up which you boys either participated in or were shielded from.