As Nigeria joins the globe to mark World Mental Health Day, the need for adequate support and care for the less privileged people in society has been emphasized.
World Mental Health Day, which is celebrated on 10th October every year, aims to raise awareness of what could be done to ensure that people with mental health problems live with dignity.
According to statistics by the World Health Organization, WHO, over three hundred million people suffer depression around the world..
Mental health is defined as a state of an individual’s well-being in realizing his or her ability to cope with the normal stresses of life, in order to contribute meaningfully to society.
The struggle to afford necessities like food, transportation, basic health care, and shelter is the leading cause of much anxiety and stress for many.
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Also, the rising inflation and unemployment in the country have further worsened these concerns, leaving many people feeling helpless and hopeless.
A Professor of mental health and an addiction Physician, Professor Princewill Stanley, who noted that Mental disorders could stem from a combination of genetic, biological, environmental factors, and economic challenges, also attributed depression and anxiety disorders as common mental conditions that harm the ability of individuals.
Professor Stanley, while pointing out that Nigeria’s current economic situation has caused stress, affecting the mental health of many, especially young adults, called for the provision of jobs and economic stability to reduce the pressure that leads to mental health struggles.
Also, a Neuropsychiatric in Port Harcourt, Dr. Fedinard Ogbe, while speaking on the theme of this year’s mental health day, which is “Strengthen Mental Health and psychosocial support for Populations Affected by Natural Disaster’ called for more interventions towards mental-related cases in the country.
Some residents of Port Harcourt interviewed explained that they avoid whatever could lead them into depression, which they described as one of the major factors that affects one’s mental health if not checked.
