The Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board (RSPHCMB) has called on residents to pay attention to their mental well-being, speak openly about mental health challenges and seek professional help when necessary.
The board made the appeal in a message to commemorate World Mental Health Day, celebrated annually on October 10 to raise awareness about mental health issues.
It advised residents to adopt healthy habits, including taking breaks from daily activities, discussing their feelings with trusted friends and family members, and seeking professional assistance when experiencing emotional or psychological difficulties.
The board also encouraged individuals to regularly assess their emotional well-being and take steps to address concerns affecting their mental health.
It stressed the need for collective action to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health conditions and ensure that everyone has access to appropriate support services.
The board said society must encourage open conversations about mental health rather than judge people experiencing psychological challenges.
“Let us move from speaking about people, to speaking with people. Let us move from silence to dialogue, and let us move from lived experience to real change,” the RSPHCMB stated.
It assured residents that mental health support was available at its designated facilities and urged those experiencing difficulties to seek assistance.
World Mental Health Day is observed globally every October 10 to promote awareness, encourage understanding and strengthen efforts to improve mental health care for individuals and communities.
