To raise awareness on mental health concerns in Nigeria, the Methodist Church Nigeria and the Amaudo Integrated Mental Health Foundation, along with the Abia State Government, the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Enugu, and Amaudo UK, have collaborated to arrange a workshop for media practitioners across the South East. The workshop was attended by media professionals from Abia and Imo states and aimed to educate them on fundamental mental health concerns and their part in raising awareness for effective and human rights-based mental health services in the nation.
The purpose of the conference was to highlight to Nigerian media organisations how they might help change the country’s stigmatising social, cultural, and religious views on mental health. In addition, it was deployed in the campaign against prejudice and bias against people with mental disabilities. Participants praised the event’s organisers for holding such an informative seminar at a time when many Nigerians are experiencing economic hardship due to anti-people policies that have the potential to create mental problems among the public.
Economic condition of the country can trigger mental illness.
Prof. Monday Igwe, the Managing Director of the Federal Neuropsychiatrist Hospital in Enugu, represented by Dr. Okwudili Obayi, delivering the keynote speech, stressed that every individual has, at some point or another, been confronted with mental stress, that, if it isn’t handled properly, may grow into bigger issues. He continued to say that the country’s precarious economic situation and general state of insecurity were likely contributing factors to the growing number of cases of mental illness.
In addition to this, he encouraged those working in the media to make use of their profession in order to protect the rights of those suffering from mental challenges. He stated that one person somewhere in the world dies every forty seconds, owning to suicide. Tobacco usage, alcoholism, cocaine use, caffeine abuse, tramadol misuse, and “mkpuru mmiri” were among other causes that he cited as contributing to the mental health issues that are prevalent in the population.
64 mentally challenged people are being rehabilitated at the Amaudo centre.
On his path, Rev. Kenneth Nwaubani, the Amaudo Integrated Community Health Foundation Director, during his remark at the seminar, stated that 64 mentally challenged people are being rehabilitated at the Amaudo centre at the moment, with the majority of them soon to be discharged to go home to their families. He utilised the occasion to denounce the poor treatment of those with mental conditions in Nigerian culture, asserting that many of these individuals have been subjected to sexual abuse, physical assault, extortion, and stigma due to their impairments.
Moreover, Reverend Nwaubani further revealed that there were no fees associated with any of the services that were provided for people at the facility. In light of this, he made a plea to the government of Abia State, corporate organisations, and other concerned individuals to aid the foundation by the construction of good roads, providing electricity as well as funds because the cost of purchasing groceries and drugs for those receiving treatment continues to rise every day.
Primary healthcare facilities should be equipped adequately.
To alleviate the labour shortage in the mental health industry, they demanded at the workshop that the government make mental health and associated fields more appealing. In addition, they asked for incentives for medical professionals and media, as well as additional funding to address issues. Participants also advocated for primary healthcare facilities to be equipped to handle instances involving mental health and for all levels of government to provide sufficient resources to this area of healthcare.
Related Link
Amaudo: Website
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Group advocates for proper mental health care – Awareness of effective and human rights-based mental health services is needed. – Express your point of view.
I strongly believe that mental health is just as important as physical health, and it’s essential that people have access to the care they need. Unfortunately, there is still a lot of stigma surrounding mental health issues, which can make it difficult for people to seek help. That’s why it’s so important that we advocate for proper mental health care and raise awareness about effective, human rights-based mental health services. By doing so, we can help reduce the stigma around mental health issues and encourage people to seek help when they need it. We also need to ensure that everyone has access to the services they need, regardless of their background or financial situation. This is a complex issue, but by working together, we can create a brighter future for mental health care in Nigeria.
For a good and overall health, the mental state of mind is part of it. There is need for us to have mental health clinic. These clinics will help us to examine and diagnose a lot of people who have problem with their mental health.
It is crucial that we promote for appropriate mental health treatment and spread knowledge about efficient, human rights-based mental health services since mental health is equally as vital as physical health associated with mental health conditions and encouraging individuals to get the assistance they require when they need it.
The mental state of mind is important for general wellness. We must establish a mental health care to help with mental state of mind Additionally, we must make sure that everyone can get the services they require.
Since mental health is just as important as physical health in relation to mental health conditions and encouraging people to get the help they need when they need it, it is essential that we advocate for appropriate mental health treatment and disseminate information about effective, human rights-based mental health services