Priority for Abbey Mobolade

COLORADO SPRINGS — Promoting mental health in Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region is a priority for Abby Mobolad, wife of Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolad.

Before Yemi Mobolade was elected mayor, and perhaps before he even considered running for the seat, Abby’s intuition told her it was possible.

She said: “Over the years there have only been a few side comments or, you know, passing remarks from friends and people in the community.”

The mayor’s bad reputation spread to the rest of the family more than expected.

A self-described introvert, Abby decided to use this as an opportunity and platform to improve mental health in the community.

“It’s not one person, it’s not one organization,” Mobolade said, “it’s literally a city.” This is a community. This is our country, which brings together the pieces that they can offer.”

She believes that mental health affects everyone in society.

She talks about her difficult days of counseling and the support that helps an adopted child adjust to a new country with a new family.

“I have resources and connections, but it’s still difficult.”

She collaborates on things like the new Pikes Peak Rising 360 website through El Paso County Public Health.

This is a resource with many different approaches to assessing and treating your mental health.

She also teaches about the simpler things that can improve the mental well-being of the entire community.

“Being part of nature, art, music, reading, spending time with friends, yoga, exercise, there are just so many different ways we can improve our mental health.”

During the summer, there was an initiative to gather a thousand residents across the city.

It was about creating a community with a major impact on mental health.

“When you leave this conversation, nothing is fixed. As if the problem remains a problem. The situation is the same but the moment you are seen and the moment you are heard matters,” said Mobolade.

There is no single solution to mental health problems.

It is complex with subtleties on a case-by-case basis.

Mobolade takes a step-by-step approach and believes it can be improved in the community.

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