Nneamaka Faith Umeokeoma

AFRICA’S FIRST FREE MENTAL WELLNESS PLATFORM ● Understanding the market, Validate the problem, and establish foundations USERS RESEARCH ON MENTAL WELLNESS NEEDS ● Findings from 20 Interviews to Guide Africa’s First Free Mental Wellness Platform Presented by: Nneamaka Umeokeoma 01/10/2025 MENTAL WELLNESS PAIN POINT SUMMARY REPORT INTRODUCTION ● This report summarizes the key pain points identified during 20 Users Interviews conducted to understand Mental Wellness needs in Africa. The insights will guide the design of Africa’s first Free Mental Wellness platform, ensuring it meets the real needs of its users. TOP PAIN POINTS IDENTIFIED 1. Stigma and Fear of Judgement ● Many participants expressed reluctance to seek help due to fear of being judged.The insights reveal that stigma and fear of judgement form a hidden but powerful barrier to mental wellness. ● Any intervention must therefore not only provide access to support systems but also normalize conversations around mental health, promote confidentiality, and educate communities to dismantle stigma. Sample Quote: “I don’t want anyone to know that I’m struggling”. 2. Cost of Therapy and Professional Support. ● Professional Mental Health Services were seen as too expensive for most participants. The findings demonstrate that the cost of therapy and professional support is not just a financial issue but a systemic barrier to equitable mental wellness. ● Without affordable, accessible, and sustained interventions, many individuals remain underserved and at risk of deteriorating mental health. Sample Quote: “Therapy is something only the wealthy can afford”. 3. Lack of Time and Accessibility. ● Busy schedules and Limited access to mental health facilities prevent people from getting help. The insights show that time and accessibility constraints are major obstacles to sustained mental wellness. ● Even when individuals are willing and financially able to seek help, logistical barriers often prevent follow-through. ● Expanding flexible, digital-first, and community-based solutions could bridge this gap and make support more individuals. Sample Quote: “I don’t even know where to start or who to talk to”. 4. Limited Awareness and Education ● Many participants lacked knowledge about mental wellness resources or coping strategies. The findings reveal that limited awareness and education is a root cause underlying many other barriers to mental wellness. ● Without adequate mental health literacy, individuals cannot recognize their needs, access support, or engage in preventive practices. ● Addressing this requires international public education campaigns, workplace wellness programs, and school-based awareness initiatives to normalize mental health as a vital component of overall well-being. Sample Quote: “I just bottle things up because I don’t know what else to do”. 5. Need for Anonymity and Privacy ● Users strongly valued anonymous, judgement-free spaces for sharing and recieving support. The findings underscore that anonymity and privacy are non-negotiable for effective mental wellness support. ● Without assurance of confidentiality, many individuals will continue to avoid or underutilize available services. ● Building trust through strict privacy measures, secure digital platforms, and culturally sensitive approaches is essential to breaking this barrier. Sample Quote: “If i could talk without anyone knowing who i am, I’d feel safer. USER PERSONA CARDS NAME: Miss Mary James NAME: Mr Desmond Okeke AGE: 35 years old AGE: 27 years old OCCUPATION: A Teacher OCCUPATION: Business Man LOCATION: Uganda LOCATION: Nigeria GOALS/NEEDS: Safe space to talk GOALS/NEEDS: Privacy PAIN POINTS: Not knowing where to go PAIN POINT: Stigma PREFERRED SOLUTION: Accessibility PREFERRED SOLUTION: Confidentiality USER PERSONA CARDS NAME: Mr Michael Khumalo NAME: Miss Lily Kwabena AGE: 30 years old AGE: 24 years old OCCUPATION: Entrepreneur OCCUPATION: Model LOCATION: South Africa LOCATION: Ghana GOALS/NEEDS: Judgement-free Zone GOALS/NEEDS: Confidentiality PAIN POINTS: Cost PAIN POINT: Not knowing where to go PREFERRED SOLUTION: Free Outreach PREFERRED SOLUTION: A chat-based Therapy RECOMMENDATIONS ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Find Support in Family, Friends, and Online Help Support Speak up/seek help Therapy Coaching Resources Group Sessions Meditation Rest Create a balance between work life and personal life HEALSPACE; Africa’s First Free Mental Wellness Platform . AT HEALSPACE Your Voice; Matters “There is no health without mental health” Dr. Brock Chisholm, first Director-General of the World Health Organization[WHO] Thanks! Contact us: HEALSPACE Admin/Operation Virtual Assistant Nneamaka Umeokeoma-LinkedIn