A mental health organisation under the auspices of Secure D Future Int’l Initiative (SDF) has called on Nigerians to change their attitude and responses to mental health issues, to avoid depression that could lead to suicidal attempts.
The founder of Secure D Future Int’l Initiative, Dr Sa’adatu Adamu, who made the appeal at the 5th Annual Mental Health International Conference, tagged: “Celebrating the Power of Community Kindness”, with the theme: “The voices in me”, stressed the need for Nigerians to be kind to one another, adding that they should learn to share it and respond to it when kindness is offered.
Adamu said for ages now the globe has been in the middle of a mental health crisis, saying that mental health has been taken for granted by family, co-workers, and the government, adding that it is now the right time to bring mental health to spotlight. He noted that it is important to learn and understand the struggles people go through as a result of mental health issues.
“Nigeria’s mental health services are in a time of transformation and transition, from the old institution model of hospital-based care to new holistic community-based services. Notwithstanding the current economic difficulties the government needs to note that it is crucial to stay committed to mental health budget to not undermine the risk and work ahead.
“The reality of the world and Nigeria in specific is that more people will be experiencing mental health issues. The global mental health market research statistics show that by 2030 mental health stores will be nearing about USD 560.33billion market forecast.
“Mental health is at the heart of so many of the issues I am passionate about. I have been opportune to be around people who have been victims of prejudice and misunderstanding when what they needed was help, advice, guidance, care, love, and hope again,” Adamu said.
The acting country director of Nigeria, Dr. Mohammed Audu, who lamented the high rate of suicidal attempts in Nigeria, called on other nongovernmental organisations to support the initiative of SDF by ensuring that Nigerians take care of their mental health and speak out when there is a need to do so.
“In Nigeria, over 10,000 youth commit and tend to commit suicide annually, because of economic depression, and family issues. When I say family issues, a lot of people come from dysfunctional families, where if not well tackled early enough, some of them fall into depression and go into substance abuse.
“This year is yet to end, but you have seen a whole lot of suicidal activities on the third mainland bridge, and other places, especially in Abuja where there are a lot of people that have committed suicide. I was in a conversation with someone yesterday, and she told me she had to pack out of the house, because one of her house helps, committed suicide.”
The chairman organising committee, Joseph Ibeh, while delivering his address, said that in a world that often seems defined by its challenges and crises, they must come together to celebrate the incredible power of kindness within their communities.
“Today, we gather not just as professionals but as advocates for mental health, champions of compassion, and stewards of empathy. We must realise that our theme today is in line with World Mental Health Day 2023’s theme which is ‘Our minds, our rights’.
“This World Mental Health theme for 2023 and our theme which is ‘Celebrating the Power of Community Kindness’ both focus on promoting and protecting the well-being and rights of individuals within the context of mental health and community support.
“While the two themes have different specific focuses, they share common goals related to mental health, human rights, awareness, and community support,” he said.
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