In September 2019, Adejoke Adedeji embarked on a mission to transform mental health care in Lakeville, Minnesota. She founded “Nexus of Hope,” a psychiatric clinic offering a comprehensive range of services, including talk therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), medication-assisted treatment, and telehealth to tackle mental health stigma among black Minnesotans.
Little did she anticipate that her clinic would become a lifeline for many, especially during the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the pandemic unfolded in 2020, Adedeji, a psychiatric nurse practitioner, initially believed that her clinic’s business might slow down. However, the reality proved quite the opposite.
The pandemic brought with it a surge in anxiety and stress, compelling individuals to seek mental health support. Adedeji observed a notable increase in demand, particularly from people of color who were grappling with heightened levels of distress.
Mission To Tackle Mental Health Stigma Among Black
During the peak of the COVID-19 crisis and the social justice movement following the tragic murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer, Adedeji encountered individuals from diverse backgrounds who felt agitated, had pressing questions, and were actively searching for someone who could truly understand their experiences and cultural nuances.
Adedeji, who was born in the United States but spent her formative years in Nigeria, recognized that while strides have been made in reducing mental health stigma, many African immigrant communities still face significant barriers when it comes to seeking help.
Adedeji highlighted that even health privacy laws failed to ease the concerns of these individuals. She explained, “They are still concerned that things are too close to home, so sometimes that is not what they seek out. If they do seek out help, they aren’t seeking out somebody within their culture.”
Adedeji’s personal journey has uniquely equipped her to connect with and support the people she serves. Originally pursuing a career as a creative writer, her life took a different turn when she experienced the profound impact of mental illness.
In 2010, she tragically lost a cousin to suicide, followed by the sudden death of her youngest brother later that year. These devastating experiences exposed the lack of support within her community when it came to addressing mental health challenges.
Determined to remove the stigma surrounding mental health, Adedeji made it her mission to validate people’s experiences.
She encouraged individuals to acknowledge their emotions and emphasized that their feelings are valid, dispelling the need to repress or hide them.
Her journey led her to pursue a master’s degree in public health from Florida International University, followed by a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Tennessee.
Today, she is on a mission to help patients across the country find their voices and develop personalized treatment plans.
Colin Skerrett, a 28-year-old from Eden Prairie, Minnesota, attested to the transformative impact of Adejoke Adedeji’s clinic. Skerrett, whose heritage includes both Black and white ancestry, shared that seeking treatment for his addiction and anxiety had been a challenging journey until he found Nexus of Hope.
The clinic’s approach, coupled with Adedeji’s commitment to breaking down mental health stigmas, made a profound difference in his life.
Adejoke Adedeji’s Nexus of Hope stands as a beacon of hope in the Lakeville community and beyond, offering compassionate care that transcends cultural barriers.
Her dedication to addressing mental health disparities, especially among marginalized communities, has proven to be a vital resource during times of crisis, ultimately reshaping the way people perceive and access mental health care in Minnesota and beyond.
In a world where mental health awareness is increasingly crucial, Adejoke Adedeji’s journey serves as an inspiring example of how one individual’s determination can make a profound impact on countless lives.