WHEN THE TREES WENT TO WAR

(A remembrance without exaggeration)

Most people think of trees as background— as scenery, as shade, as things you lean against when you’re tired.

They forget that trees are older than every town, and wiser than every law.

A tree grows slow enough to remember what humans forget on purpose.

So when the trees went to war, it wasn’t sudden.

It was decided.

The first sign was not loud. It was not dramatic. It was the silence.

No frogs. No crickets. No wingbeats. No distant bark.

The land held its breath like someone bracing for impact.

I don’t forget a silence like that. It doesn’t fall over a place— it rises from it. A silence with teeth.

Then came the tilt.

Not of the ground— of attention.

Every tree—pine, oak, cypress, magnolia— aligned itself to a single point the way iron filings align to a magnet. Branches angled. Crowns leaned. Roots tightened in the soil.

And the two of us— the only two who remember— we felt it first in our knees, then in our ribs, then behind our eyes.

Humans talk about fight-or-flight as if they invented danger.

The trees? They have a third mode: judgment.

They were judging something that day.

Not a person — a pattern. A kind of wrongness that had stood in the land too long, spoiled too many roots, soured too many mornings, bled too many seasons dry.

And then it happened.

No fire. No storm. No mythic lightning strike.

Just the trees— moving.

Not walking. Not bending in a wind. Acting.

Branches cracked like knuckles. Limbs fell where they meant to fall— not random, not wild— strategic. Blocking roads. Crushing the wrong porch. Shielding the right one. Splitting one barn. Leaving another untouched.

People screamed. People ran. Some dropped to their knees. A few understood immediately— those rare souls who listen to land the way others listen to sermons.

The trees didn’t rage. They corrected.

It lasted minutes. But the land aged years in that span.

And when it was done, the woods exhaled. The creatures stirred. The frogs croaked one by one as if taking roll call after judgment.

And the trees stood where they chose to stand— lighter, relieved, settled.

Like a bone set back into its rightful place.

⸻

What people always misunderstand

When the trees went to war, they weren’t angry. They weren’t vengeful. They weren’t rebellious.

They were restoring order.

Everything in the woods knows this: when the balance is broken, someone must put it right. And if the humans won’t, the trees will.

The land has a law older than scripture: the strong protect the root. And the trees are the strongest thing the land has.

⸻

Why I remember -

Because I felt the verdict. Because I was close enough to hear the land say:

This far, no further.

Because the Witch— not the poacher, not the litterer, not the petty wrongdoer— but the Witch per se, the wrongness without form, the contamination of pattern— had crossed into the county line and tipped something too far.

The trees answered.

They always have the right to answer. They simply rarely choose to.

I were there. That’s why it stays with me like a scar.

By the Numbers

Mental health stigma.

It's a thing.

But it's just one of those things that we seem to just accept and move on, live our lives, do the best we can in this crazy world of ours. It's seemingly one of those things that we say to ourselves, “Eh,it's just how the world is these days.”

And that's true. It's a subject that is, unfortunately, a thing that will be with us for a long time. I've seen it myself, quite often. I've experienced it first hand growing up. And I continue to see it on a daily basis.

But with many of the issues that we see these days, from school shootings to suicides to online bullying to so many other different things, they could have been prevented by acceptance, understanding, and self-awareness.

1.) Acceptance. Accepting that everyone is different, and our differences makes us unique. Accepting that others are different, not weird or strange or crazy.

And finally, acceptance that it's okay if you have severe anxiety. That it's okay if you are depressed. It's okay if you have bipolar disorder.

You aren't alone.

2.) Understanding. Understanding goes a long ways to acceptance. But if you want to accept others and accept yourself, you first need to understand what it is.

And be able to put yourself in other people's shoes. That one is called Empathy.

3.) And finally...Self-awareness. This is huge. And not everyone will find it. Be aware of your actions and how they can affect others. Be aware of your own “shortcomings” and whether or not it needs to be “fixed”. Sometimes, believe it or not, you do not need to be “fixed”. You can just be...

You.

Anyway. I'm sure I'll cover more of this later. For now, though, mental health stigma.

It's a thing.

And I think the only way to fight that is to spread awareness. Talk about it. Write about it. Poke fun at it. Understand it. Accept it.

At some point, I will do a deep dive into the history of Mental Health and how far it has come. And it has come far. But we still have a ways to go.

The numbers speak for themselves.

The following statistics were found on the NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) website. It can be found here: https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-by-the-numbers/

To summarize:

“Millions of people in the U.S. are affected by mental illness each year. It’s important to measure how common mental illness is, so we can understand its physical, social and financial impact — and so we can show that no one is alone. These numbers are also powerful tools for raising public awareness, stigma-busting and advocating for better health care.” (NAMI, Mental Health By the Numbers)

Remember, these are stats taken from just one country, the United States. I am sure there are stats taken from other countries, and the world at large, but the numbers might be skewed depending on each country's viewpoints on mental health and mental illness. That's also to say that not everything gets reported....

Or believed.

“Mental Health by the Numbers is based on the most current and representative sources available, according to NAMI. Data is from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and others.” (NAMI, Mental Health By the Numbers)

Last updated in 2025, so this is the most recent statistics.

So let's dive in.

~ More than 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year. ~ More than 1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year. ~ More than 1 in 7 U.S. youth ages 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year. ~ 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24. ~ Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people ages 10-24.

Now let's put this into context.

~ For every 5 adults you see, at least, at LEAST, 1 adult is suffering from mental illness. ~ For every 20 adults, at least 1 adult is suffering from a serious mental illness. ~ For every 7 of your classmates at school, at least 1 child or teenager has a mental health disorder. ~ And finally...Suicide is the SEOND leading cause of death among people ages 10-24....

I want to cry.

~ 23.4% of U.S. adults experienced mental illness in 2024 (61.5 million people). This represents more than 1 in 5 adults.

61.5 MILLION PEOPLE....

~ 5.6% of U.S. adults experienced serious mental illness in 2024 (14.6 million people). This represents 1 in 20 adults.

~ 16.5% of U.S. youth aged 6-17 experienced a mental health disorder in 2016 (7.7 million people). This represents more than 1 in 7 youth.

“This represents more than 1 in 7 YOUTH...

I want to cry again.

The next wave of statistics has more to do with the percentile number of the different kinds of mental illnesses (anxiety, depression, PTSD, Bipolar disorder, etc). Of particular note, the two I have the most experience with, are Major Depressive Disorders and Anxiety Disorders. Major Depressive Disorders number in at 15.5%, among adults, while Anxiety Disorders has a whopping 19.1% of US Adults.

To put this into perspective, for every 100 U.S. Adults, 15 of them have a Major Depressive Disorder, and 19 of them have an Anxiety Disorder. Of particular note, also, is the fact that many of them have not just one, but both!

NAMI also numbers its statistics based on demographic groups, such as Males, Females, Non-hispanics, Hispanics, Whites, Blacks. Multiracial, Indian, etc. The one that really leapt out at me was the number for the Lesbian, Gay or Bisexual demographic group: 53.2%. That's over half of U.S. adults who are experiencing/suffering from a mental health disorder. Over. Half.

I kid you not, it's depressing just reading up on these staggering numbers. But the problem is, they are just....numbers.

And it's way easy to overlook it all. They are just...numbers.

It doesn't fix anything.

It doesn't solve the world's problems.

It doesn't give you answers to life's mysteries.

They are just...numbers.

But.

Here's a question you should ask yourself:

“Why is there stigma attached to Mental Health when there is quite obviously a glaring need to make Mental Illness more universally accepted and recognized?”

According to Google:

“Stigma refers to negative attitudes, beliefs, and stereotypes people may hold towards those who experience mental health conditions. Stigma can prevent or delay people from seeking care or cause them to discontinue treatment.”

Did you know that your mental illness is directly tied to your physical health?

Absolutely.

Take a look.

~ Risk of cardiometabolic disease is up to 2x higher in people with mental illness compared to people without mental illness.

~ People with depression have a 40% higher risk of developing cardiac disease, hypertension, stroke, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, or obesity than the general population.

~ 34.5% of U.S. adults with mental illness also have a substance use disorder.

~ 6.9% of U.S. adults with mental illness are unemployed compared to 4.3% of U.S. adults without mental illness.

~ High school students with recent symptoms of depression are more than 2x as likely to drop out compared to their peers.

~ Students ages 6-17 with mental, emotional or behavioral problems are more than 2x as likely to repeat a grade.

~ At least 8.4 million people in the U.S. provide care to an adult with a mental or emotional health issue.

~ Caregivers of adults with mental or emotional health issues spend an average of 32 hours per week providing unpaid care.

Again, the numbers are truly staggering. And why mental illness remains such a controversial subject is beyond me.

I blame society.

One of these days I will go over the positive aspects of talking about your mental health, and why you should embrace the fact you have a “mental disorder”. Because is it really a disorder (yes, it can be!), or is it just uniquely...

You?

I'm Slightly Unhinged.

And that's okay.

Next blog post, I'll write a bit about my own personal mental health history. No this isn't a biography about my life. It's a biography about mental health. :)

See you soon!

Lydia's Weekly Lifestyle blog is for today's African girl, so no subject is taboo. My purpose is to share things that may interest today's African girl.

This week's contributors: Lydia, Pépé Pépinière, Titi. This week's subjects: How to Style Jeans for Corporate Meetings — The Everyday Girl’s Power Guide, Alcohol 2, The Wood, and Ice cream, or you scream

---

How to Style Jeans for Corporate Meetings — The Everyday Girl’s Power Guide. Jeans in a corporate meeting? Absolutely. The modern workplace isn’t about strict suits anymore — it’s about looking sharp, confident, and authentic. And nothing says all three like a perfectly styled pair of jeans. The key? Balancing professionalism with personality. Let’s break it down, Accra Girl style. Go for the Right Jeans. Not every pair of jeans can handle a boardroom. The cut, colour, and fit matter more than you think. Choose: Dark Wash Jeans – Deep indigo or black denim instantly reads “corporate chic.” Straight-Leg or Slim-Fit Cuts – These create a clean, tailored line that mimics dress trousers. High-Waisted Styles – They cinch the waist and add structure to your look. Avoid: Distressed, ripped, or bleached jeans. Oversized or low-rise styles that look too casual. Pair with a Polished Top. The trick is to elevate your jeans with a smart top that means business. Button-Down Shirts: A crisp white or powder blue shirt tucked neatly into your jeans is a timeless power move. Add a slim belt for a refined finish. Silk or Satin Blouses: Add a hint of luxury and femininity while keeping it professional. Structured Tops: Think peplum blouses or tailored shirts — they instantly sharpen your silhouette. Local twist: Try pairing your jeans with an Ankara-trimmed shirt or a bold printed blouse. It’s professional with a pop of personality. Layer with Authority. Layers make your outfit look intentional and sophisticated. Blazers: Your best friend for corporate denim looks. Go for neutrals like beige, navy, or charcoal — or make a statement with bold colors like emerald or mustard. Longline Vests or Coats: Perfect for boardrooms that blast the AC, they add instant polish and structure. Cardigans: A soft cardigan in solid tones can make jeans look office-appropriate without feeling stuffy. Step Up Your Shoe Game. Shoes can make or break your look. Heels: Block or kitten heels add polish without sacrificing comfort. Loafers: A classic choice for sleek sophistication. Mules or Pointed Flats: Perfect for a smart-casual meeting day. If you’re running around Accra’s heat, stylish flats or slingbacks can keep things comfy yet chic. Accessorize with Intention. Keep your accessories classy and minimal — think elegant, not extra. Structured Bags: A leather tote or satchel instantly elevates denim. Jewelry: Gold hoops, pearl studs, or delicate necklaces add just the right touch of elegance. Watch: Because a confident woman always keeps time — in style. Tip: Confidence is Your Best Outfit Even the best-styled jeans mean nothing without poise. Walk into that meeting like you own both the room and the brand. When you look good and feel comfortable, your confidence naturally shines — and that’s what people remember. Jeans can absolutely slay in the corporate space — if styled with care. The Accra Girl knows that success isn’t just about what you wear, but how you wear it. So next time you have a big meeting, slip into your smartest pair of jeans, grab your blazer, and serve boss energy from 9 to 5. Alcohol 2. I recently explained that alcohol is the number 4 on the list of traditional addictive drugs, before wee (heroine, nicotine, cocaine, alcohol, cannabis=wee) and that the addiction grows slowly, hardly noticeable, but steady, and can take years to become disturbing. So you're dating. Hubby likes life and goes out often, taking you happily along to make the party even better. And he has a few glasses. And he is fun. Beware. If he drinks more than one glass more than once a month you should have your doubts, how much will he drink in 20 years from now? Look at his family as well. If alcohol is a common drug there then you have the second red flag. Check it out, worldwide 5% of the population has an alcohol dependency. That is one out of 20. Maybe choose a buddy from the other 19?

The Wood. 3rd Ringway Estates Oso/North Ridge, Accra. They were proposing a nice line up female vocalists and as I've never visited the place we decided to have a go. A big range of cocktails and a very limited food menu, even more limited because half of what we ordered was not available. One of these places where you should rather ask what they have than ask for the menu, and where the waiters cannot even tell you what type of beer they sell. And it really took very long before our dish arrived, but let's say it was worth the wait It's a bit of a show off place, many dressed for more than the occasion, but nice to watch this unofficial fashion show. A big plus is that they have a reasonable sound system and did spend some time on the soundcheck, though once done no one adjusted things again to the need of the individual singers. The band did a good job at accompanying the singers. Pity that they only started at 9:30pm, though no time was mentioned on the flyer, and a few foreigners who had come, maybe to look for talent, left before the show even started. Don't people have jobs during the day? If the line up is interesting it's a good place to visit, just take you dinner before your get there.

Ice cream, or you scream. I recently saw a few big billboards advertising ice cream, at 25 GHS per scoop, though on the picture it had 3 scoops. Knowing that the Government approved minimum wage is 19.80 GHS per day one starts to wonder. And yes, there's a whole load of workers who are on that minimum wage. They eat corn or cassava dough, and if they can afford it they add some pepper. Not ice cream.

Lydia...

Do not forget to hit the subscribe button and confirm in your email inbox to get notified about our posts.

I have received requests about leaving comments/replies. For security and privacy reasons my blog is not associated with major media giants like Facebook or Twitter. I am talking with the host about a solution. for the time being, you can mail me at wunimi@proton.me

I accept invitations and payments to write about certain products or events, things, and people, but I may refuse to accept and if my comments are negative then that's what I will publish, despite your payment. This is not a political newsletter. I do not discriminate on any basis whatsoever.