Mental health advocacy often begins quietly, with personal lived experiences, moments of vulnerability, and the courage to speak up when silence feels easier. For many advocates, the work is born not out of theory, but out of survival.
In this edition of the Wellness Champion Spotlight Series, we speak with Dare Asobele, a mental health advocate whose journey into advocacy was shaped by lived experience and a deep commitment to community support. Through his work with ASADS (Anti-Suicide and Depression Squad), Dare has been involved in creating spaces for support, connection, and healing for people navigating suicidal thoughts and depression.
In this interview, he speaks about his journey, the realities of helping in mental health spaces, and the habits that help him stay grounded.
1. Wellness Champion Spotlight: Meet Dare Asobele
Can you tell us about yourself?
“My name is Dare Asobele. I am a lawyer, a project manager, the founder of the Executives Helping Initiative, and a mental health advocate.”
Beyond his professional titles, Dare represents a new generation of multi-hyphenate advocates in Nigeria. His background in law and project management allows him to approach mental health with a unique blend of empathy and structured logic. In this Wellness Champion Spotlight, we see how professional discipline can be used to organize and scale emotional support systems that save lives.
2. Wellness Champion Spotlight: Turning Pain into Passion
What made you passionate about the path you are on today?
“In 2017, I used to be suicidal and depressed. Thankfully, I was able to come out of it. After surviving and coming out of that phase, I decided to make a move. One day, I posted on my WhatsApp, asking about people who were suicidal or had intentions of committing suicide. I then created a WhatsApp group for these people to join, and surprisingly, in six hours, about 250 people had already joined the group.”
“After that, the advocacy began. ASADS advocacy started in late December 2017. From there on, we’ve had events and programs, provided community support, and offered virtual support to one another. We’ve made very reasonable progress so far. Despite the ups and downs, I am grateful to God for the ability to go on and for how far the project has come.”
3. Wellness Champion Spotlight: The Capacity to Help
In your line of work, what’s something people often misunderstand, and what’s the truth you wish everyone knew?
“There is a difference between wanting to help and having the capacity to help.”
“People often misunderstand how important it is to have the skills required to help. Many people want to help but are not well informed about how to go about it. Sometimes, to help effectively, you need training and the capacity to help better. This is something I really wish people knew.”
Suggested read: Wellness Champion Spotlight: 5 Mental Health Insights from Chente, the Emotions Doctor
This is a vital takeaway from our Wellness Champion Spotlight. While passion is necessary to start an initiative, “capacity” is what keeps it safe. Dare advocates for a culture where helpers are also learners, ensuring that the support provided to vulnerable individuals is grounded in safe, informed practices rather than just good intentions.
4. Wellness Champion Spotlight: Habits for Staying Grounded
What is one habit or ritual that keeps you grounded outside your work?
“I love swimming. It helps me relax. I also enjoy hanging out with my friends, enjoying my free time, eating good food, exploring, connecting with people, and having fun.”
For an advocate dealing with heavy topics like suicide and depression, self-care is a non-negotiable survival skill. In this Wellness Champion Spotlight, Dare highlights that “grounding” doesn’t always have to be a formal therapeutic exercise. Sometimes, it is as simple as the weightlessness of water or the joy of a good meal with friends. These moments of “fun” are what prevent burnout in high-pressure advocacy roles.
5. Wellness Champion Spotlight: Final Thoughts on Community Progress
Reflecting on the progress made since 2017:
The journey of ASADS and a single WhatsApp group to a structured squad of support is a testament to the power of community. As Dare concludes this Wellness Champion Spotlight, the message is clear: the road to mental wellness is not a solo journey. Whether through virtual support or in-person events, progress is made when we move together.
If you are navigating a dark phase today, remember Dare’s story. Survival is possible, and your lived experience might just be the light that guides someone else home.
Enjoyed this interview? Read our previous Wellness Champion Spotlight with Chente, the Emotions Doctor, where we discuss debunking mental health myths in Nigeria.
