*One in 10 Nigerians show signs
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Chuks Udo Okonta
As cases of depression and impact becomes a global concern, Funmi Babington-Ashaye Foundation has implored organisations, individuals and households to manage mental health for betterment of the society.
The Foundation at its maiden mental health awareness event held in Lagos identified mental illness to include loneliness, stress, anxiety and depression.
Others are phobias, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, eating disorders and panic attacks among others.
According to the Foundation, there are various ways of managing day-to-day mental health such as mini exercises, practical strategies, creating a Wellbeing Action Plan at work.
Dr Funmi Babington-Ashaye, Founder Funmi Babington-Ashaye Foundation in her remarks at the event said rganisations should focus on the wellbeing management of their staff.
“Happy staff equals healthier, more productive, and more successful organisation. Put simply, good mental health is a win-win for every employee and their organisation.”
Ashaye said the goal of mental health awareness is to help people with mental illnesses understand that they are not alone in their struggles, and that getting treatment can make all the difference.
“Many people who have mental health conditions aren’t sure how to cope with their symptoms and resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms to push away their emotional discomfort.”
According to her, mental health awareness will help people to understand their symptoms like suicidal thoughts, impulsive decision-making, and loss of appetite among others.
“Also, another significant benefit to mental health awareness is that the more people know about the need for mental health treatment, the more mental health resources will become available. Without mental health resources, people would not be able to recover.”
“With more awareness and the right mental health care, you will realize that you are not alone. Having mental health support gets you one-step closer to mental health recovery, Ashaye said.
Dr. Daramola Y.R, speaking on the theme: ‘Recognition and Prevention of Depression and Anxiety Disorder’ noted that just as it is in America and other parts of the world, so it is also prevalent in Nigeria.
According to her, while one in 10 Americans show prevalence of mental health, 3 out of 10 Nigerians shows, while in terms of anxiety, while 18 percent of U.S adults are affected, 12 percent Canadian, it is 31.9 percent for adolescent Nigerians.
Daramola said recognising that one is depressed or anxious is essential to getting the right help. She also noted that no matter the path of treatment chosen, asking for professional help is the first step to feeling like oneself again.
