Toyosi used to be the loudest in any room. Her laughter had a way of filling the air; her energy was contagious. But lately, even her shadow seemed quieter. Each morning felt heavier than the last. Her alarm rang, but she just lay there, staring at the ceiling, wondering what the point was. The job she once loved now felt meaningless. Friends’ calls went unanswered. Her phone gathered notifications like dust — untouched, ignored. She was battling depression!

According to the World Health Organization, suicide is among the leading cause of death among adolescents aged 15 to 19. In Africa, where more than 60 percent of the population is under 25, this reflects a deeper crisis that cannot be ignored. Youth across the continent are under immense pressure. They deal with academic stress, rising unemployment, financial hardship, family demands, exposure to trauma, and the influence of social media.