By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju
Dr Isaac Alakeji, a Senior Registrar at the Department of Psychiatry at the University College Hospital (UCH) on Friday the emotional wellbeing of Nigerians should be a priority for the government.
Alakeji said this while giving a lecture on the theme “Emotional Well being For National Prosperity“ organised by Junior Chamber International (JCI) Ibadan Chapter on Mental Health Awareness
“The government at all levels needs to come up with an all inclusive programme to cater for the needs of Nigerains in the aspect of their mental health.
“A good government should concentrate on the mental health of its citizens but unfortunately African government is not doing so.
“Health is a state of complete physical,mental and social wellbeing. Health is not only in the physical domain as many think. Mental health is a state if wellbeing in which an individuaonrealises his or her own abilities.
“How theybcan cope with normal stress if life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.
“Mental health is fundamental to our collective and individual ability as human to think, express emotions, interact with each other, learn a living and enjoy life.
“Mental health is nor merely the absence it mental disorders or symptoms but also a resource supporting overall well being and productivity.
“Mental health creates mental capital which is very vital,” he said.
He added that economic crises have mental health effects, mental health problems have increasingly significant economic effects as well.
“About 14 per cent if the global burden of disease has been attributed to neuropsychiatric disorders mostly due to the chronically disability native if depression and other common mental disorders, alcohol use and substance use disorders,” he said.
Alakeji said that good population mental health contributes to economic productivity and prosperity making it crucial for economic growth.
“Good sleep is required. Our brain needs to replenish itself and reboot for it to function optimally. Invest in human relationship,our social network should be strong.
“Exercising regularly will release chemicals and that’s good for mood. Avoid drug abuse is also very important,” he said.
He, however, advised that people should seek for help when needed.
“ Do not hesitate to seek for help if you are not coping well emotionally of for your family,” he said.
The president JCI Ibadan, Adeola Adelabu enjoined everyone to take their mental health with utmost priority.
Adelabu said that its only when someone is in a good state of mental health they can function well in all aspects of their life.
“This is an aspect of our life that needs to be taken seriously and I want everyone to give it all the attention needed,” he said.
The Internation Vice-President, JCI Tetiwe Nzimah from Zambia said that COVID-19 has further worsen peoples mental health.
Nzimah said that the mental health of people is very vital.
“If leaders are not in good state of mental health they can’t lead right. Mood swings, eating disorders and personality disorders are among mental health issues.
“We will continue to work with organisations that are willing to make the community where peoples mental health is in good shape.
“Coming from Zambia where I came from I can say that COVID-19 has brought about a high rise in suicide. If we don’t work on this we would wipe out the youths who are the leaders of tomorrow,” she said.
NAN reports that in attendance was Abiola Olorunnisola the 21st president of JCI Nigeria. (NAN)