This Mental Health Awareness Month, The Brief Network is proud to present an exclusive interview with Funmi Ayowole, the inspiring founder of TheVirtualSoulClinic (TVSC). In this heartfelt conversation, Funmi shares her personal experiences overcoming mental health challenges, revealing the profound battles that fueled her mission to create a transformative mental wellness platform.
Funmi’s journey is a testament to resilience and the power of self-discovery. At just 17 years old, she endured a traumatic sexual assault. Reflecting on this period, she says, “Despite the religious and family coverings, it took me over 10 years to overcome the emotional pain and the sting of shame that accompanied the experience.” This harrowing ordeal, combined with subsequent adversities like her home flooding and resulting financial crises, pushed her to the brink. She recalls, “Contemplating suicide, struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, and self-hate, the face of my baby was the only vision that prevented me from taking my life.“
However, a turning point came when she discovered a Mom-Coach on Instagram who offered her a coaching scholarship. Funmi explains, “I sucked the absolute juice out of it. It was my lifeline.“ This support catalyzed her recovery and inspired her to help others facing similar struggles.
Driven by these experiences, Funmi founded TheVirtualSoulClinic, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to making mental health resources accessible to everyone. “TheVirtualSoulClinic proffers a solution to the mental health crisis by nipping the onset of mental challenges before they escalate to diagnosed disorders,” she says. TVSC offers innovative tools like the QuickScan and free coaching sessions, challenging the misconception that mental health support is only for extreme cases.
In addition, Funmi emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes of mental health issues, such as negative media consumption, and advocates for daily mental well-being practices. She notes, “What we ingest, by way of our eye and ear gates, has such a powerful influence on our mental health,” stressing the need for intentional content consumption.
Moreover, her message extends beyond individual well-being, tackling the stigma faced by BIPOC communities. “A lot of us refuse to ask for help because we are ashamed and/or feel that people of certain spiritual standings shouldn’t experience anxiety or depression,” she observes. Funmi underscores that mental health is about overall well-being and the ability to navigate life’s complexities, reminding us that “you can’t pour from an empty cup.”
This interview dives deep into:
- Overcoming adversity: How Funmi’s personal journey shaped her unique #SoulCoaching method, designed to empower individuals through self-discovery.
- Breaking the stigma: Why addressing the root causes of mental health issues, like negative media consumption, is crucial for overall well-being.
- Accessible mental health: How TVSC’s innovative QuickScan and free coaching sessions are dismantling misconceptions and making critical resources available to all.
- Building resilience: Practical tips and strategies for daily mental well-being, along with expert advice for employers on fostering a supportive workplace environment.
To delve deeper into Funmi Ayowole’s powerful story and gain practical insights into mental wellness, we invite you to read the full interview in the interactive flipbook below. This engaging format brings her journey and wisdom to life, offering a truly immersive experience.
Contact & Support TVSC’s Mission:
TVSC provides Mental Health First-Aid. While this can’t replace professional, medical help, TheVirtualSoulClinic can be a helpful first step.
Visit www.thevirtualsoulclinic.com to take a QuickScan and book a free 15-minute session. Support TVSC’s mission by donating through https://bit.ly/GiveTVSC.
Join us in celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month by reading Funmi Ayowole’s powerful story and learning how you can contribute to a world where mental wellness is accessible to all.