HFDI Osun Sensitizes Orisunbare Market Traders on Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness
Hope for Family Development Initiative, HFDI Osun, has carried out a public sensitisation outreach on Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness at Orisunbare Market in Osogbo.
The outreach was facilitated by HFDI Osun staff with the active participation of Osun State University, UNIOSUN IT students who engaged directly with market traders and other members of the community.
The purpose of the outreach was to educate community members on the importance of mental health, encourage people to take emotional difficulties seriously, and promote seeking appropriate support when needed.
Discussions during the engagement covered factors that can contribute to emotional distress, including family difficulties, financial challenges, relationship problems, loneliness, bullying, and academic or work-related pressure.
The team also emphasised the importance of listening to and supporting people who may be experiencing serious emotional difficulties.
The main aim of the outreach was to increase awareness about suicide prevention and mental health, and to encourage community members to support those experiencing emotional difficulties.
The outreach sought to promote awareness of mental health challenges, encourage people to recognize when someone may be struggling emotionally, reduce stigma and negative attitudes towards mental health problems, encourage people to seek appropriate professional help when necessary, and promote care, understanding, and support within the community.
During the outreach, the team engaged community members through a presentation and discussion, explained the importance of listening without judgment and encouraging people who are struggling to speak with trusted individuals or appropriate healthcare and mental health professionals.
As part of the engagement, the team also interviewed three market women who shared their perspectives and experiences related to emotional wellbeing and the importance of community support.
Some community members listened attentively, participated in the discussion, and asked questions. The team approached people respectfully and shared key messages with those who were available and willing to engage.
The outreach helped increase awareness of mental health and suicide prevention issues, encouraged open and respectful conversations about emotional wellbeing, and helped community members understand the importance of supporting people who are struggling. It also promoted the idea that seeking help is not a sign of weakness.