Dr. Ife Akanegbu has a trio of books for children focusing on promoting positive mental health – the colourful picture book series is ‘Motivating Our Champions’.
“It is something certainly more prevalent since the pandemic,” says Dr. Akanegbu from Tumbler Ridge to the Mirror.
“It is important for children, youth, and adults to talk about mental health,” he adds.
“Patients when they used to bring the subject up – thought they were the only ones – the truth is they are not, and mental health issues are dealt with much more in the day to day now,” he says adding issues can stem from other issues such as weight gain, neglect, or simply too much TV.
“There are also more tools to help deal with mental issues compared to before.”
One tool Dr. Akanegbu has committed to creating - is authoring three short story books for children and youth.
“It is time to bring these books to the public, and get them in into libraries and start some discussions.”
It is on that very note that Dr. Akanegbu will be hosting an open house and meet the author afternoon at the Tumbler Ridge Library on March 4.
The idea is to begin to address and then manage some of these issues. If they are not addressed – this is one of my greatest fears,” he says.
“It’s time to open some doors.”
Dr. Akanegbu cites video game addictions, and less connectivity with the real world as some real obstacles as well.
“What I have is three picture books written with motivational characters and addressing issues children and youth may encounter in their regular day to day lives,” he says.
“Parents and children can read these and connect to some concepts.”
Dr. Akanegbu expects to have the books in libraries throughout the Peace region, and another meet the author event in Dawson Creek. Dr. Akanegbu’s meet the author afternoon at the Tumbler Ridge Library on March 4.
