Experts, Stakeholders call on gov’ts to address mental health challenges

A Non-governmental Organisation, Initiative for Mental Health and Peace Sustenance said there was need for awareness on the dangers of mental health in Nigeria.

Speaking at an event which was organised by the Initiative, titled: “Mental health, a panacea for sustainable peace and development”, in Abuja, the Convener, Mrs Samantha Simeon said the essence of the event was to create an awareness on mental health as it engender peace stability.

She noted that if the trend was not checked, it posed a generational challenge for both government and the society hence the need to tackle it.

A keynote speaker at the occasion Professor Kunle Olawumi called for more funding from development partners and regional integration to help reduce incidence of mental health in Africa.

He maintained that environmental pollution in the Niger Delta was also responsible for some cases in the region.

He advocated for more women in decision making to help them voice out there problem as that would help to reduce the problem

Other experts in mental health have urged the Federal and State government to come up with policies and programmes that could address cases of mental health disorder in the country.

A mental health expert, Dr Oji Ejike highlighted some causes of mental health disorder to include poverty.

Dr Ejike stressed that environmental problem also increase the chances of one having mental health disorder

He advised people to seek for early medical attention when they noticed any sign and symptoms for quick response.

The astakeholders conference was organised to brainstorm on ways to tackle the menace.