Mental Health: Medical Experts Says SPEAK UP, Calls For Improved Treatment, Government Policy, Lauds NAWOJ
Medical experts in Osun state has called on Nigerians to Speak Up on Mental Health issues, and they also called on government to enhance improved treatment services for patients, adding that having a government policy on anti-discrimination laws, in place as guidelines for such category of health, will enhance accessibility and affordability of treatment.
The Medical experts which include, Chief Medical Director, UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital Osogbo, Dr. Babatunde Afolabi, Dr Mrs Folasade Dare Psychiatric Consultant Osun State Teaching Hospital Asubiaro, Dr Emmanuel Afolami UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital, and Dr Hakeem Bello Director Public Health Ministry of Health averred that ignoring mental symptoms is dangerous.
The Osun state Commissioner for Women Affairs, Children and Social Welfare Hon Ayobola Awolowo and the Commissioner for Health, Barrister Jola Akintola, aand Dr Callistus Akinyele Senior Lecturer UNIOSUN also added their voice to the Mental Health awareness programme.
The group of Medical professionals spoke at the one day public lecture organised by the Osun state Chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists NAWOJ, tagged: “Breaking the Culture of Silence On Mental Health, Embracing Life”, held at NUJ Press Center in the state capital.
The Consultant Psychiatrist at State Teaching Hospital Asubiaro, Dr. Folasade Dare, in her lecture highlighted that mental illness spares no one, stressing that anybody with a brain can experience a breakdown, and described mental health as an integral part of overall well-being, noting that no one is immune to mental illness.
She identified it as genetic, environmental, social, and emotional factors, that lead to effect such as mental disorders, causes stigmatisation and misconceptions, where some people believe that mental illness is a spiritual attack or personal weakness, or that it is contagious, or that people living with mental illness can never recover or live a normal life, thereby the misconceptions preventing victims from seeking help.
The psychiatrist, who urged Nigerians to shun the miscommunication around Mental health, decried the culture of silence driven by shame and fear of judgment, emphasized the importance of early diagnosis, which could safe life by preventing victims from committing suicide or other vices, or even death.
Also, the CMD UNIOSUNTH speaking through Dr. Emmanuel Folami, Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, emphasized the importance of open dialogue for mental well-being, highlighting how cultural beliefs and behaviors can significantly impact mental health, both positively and negatively.
Referencing the World Health Organisations definition of health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being,” Dr. Folami stressed that life’s challenges often push individuals into silence, driven by fear of stigma. He emphasized the necessity for compassion, understanding, and open dialogue, stating, “Silence isolates and kills hope. It is time to break the culture of silence surrounding mental health.”
The discussion included coping strategies for life’s challenges, such as maintaining a balanced diet, ensuring adequate sleep, and utilizing relaxation techniques. He also encouraged participants to engage in positive thinking and open communication with trusted individuals or mental health professionals.
Dr. Folami commended NAWOJ for leveraging media to heighten mental health awareness. He noted that journalists play a crucial role in educating the public and combatting stigma, asserting, “When we open our hearts and talk about mental health, we don’t just save lives—we help people truly live.”
In her goodwill message, the Osun State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Children and Social Welfare, Hon. Ayobola Awolowo, represented by Director Gender Ms Lola Adewale commended NAWOJ for its bold advocacy on mental health, noting that too many people, especially women and vulnerable groups, suffer in silence due to societal stigma.
She said the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke remains committed to promoting the well-being of women and children through counselling, support centres, and welfare programmes, adding that the ministry is deeply committed to breaking the silence culture through its gender-based violence interventions, support at succour centres, and social welfare programmes that offer psychological support and counselling for survivors.
Awolowo urged women journalists to use their platforms compassionately to drive public enlightenment, encourage all to speak up, use help-seeking behaviour, and tell “stories that heal, not harm,” emphasizing that every life is worth saving.
The commissioner for health in the state, Barr. Jola Akintola, who was represented by the Director Public Health Dr. Hakeem Bello emphasized that mental health concerns affect both parents and children, urging families to strengthen communication.
Akintola advised the women, teenagers and students to speak up when they experience emotional distress, noting that silence often worsens mental health problems. “Parents must learn to listen. The days of fear-based parenting are over; children should be able to express their feelings without being judged or punished.”
He added that modern families must embrace open dialogue and mutual respect to help reduce the growing rate of depression among young people. “When children and parents talk freely, we build homes where peace and understanding replace tension and fear.”
Earlier in her address, the NAWOJ State Chairperson, Comrade Abisola Ariwodola, said the sensitisation programme marks the beginning of a renewed effort to break the silence, promote awareness, and build a supportive culture of understanding toward mental health issues.
Saying that the Mental Health programme will be replicated in communities of the three senatorial districts of the state, she reaffirmed the association’s commitment to advocating for mental health through media coverage and collaborations with health institutions, ensuring that these important conversations continue to gain momentum.
“For too long, the female gender in the state are victims of culture of silence, thereby encountering mental illness, becoming stigmatised, suffering in silence, facing neglect, committing suicide because of shame of talking about their challenges or even death, this has got to stop, stakeholders need to protect this sensitive gender, choose to embrace life – Ariwodola stated.”
The Mental Health programme organized by the Osun State Chapter of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) brought together women groups, tertiary institutions female students, secondary school students, journalists, medical professionals, and citizens of Osun state.