NGO mobilises stakeholders to address mental health challenge

A Kaduna-based Non-Governmental Organisation, Thinkers Children Foundation (TCF), says it is mobilising relevant stakeholders to address the challenge of mental health in Kaduna State. The Founder and Programme Director of the NGO, Mrs Itama Okhuelegbe, stated this during a one-day stakeholders’ consultation forum on mental health in Kaduna on Thursday.

Okhuelegbe said that the forum, organised with the theme, “Empowering Minds: Fostering Collaboration for Mental Health in Kaduna State”, was supported by Turning Point Psychiatry Wellness, an NGO. She explained that mental health encompasses a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. She added the condition influences how individuals think, feel, and behave, including their ability to cope with stress, relate with others, and make meaningful choices in life.

Quoting a World Health Organisation (WHO) report, Okhuelegbe said that one in four individuals across the world was affected by mental health, adding that the is predicted to become a leading cause of global mortality by 2030.

“Depression and anxiety are the most prevalent mental disorders, with an estimated 264 million people living with depression in the world.

“To address mental health issues, WHO emphasised the need for increased investment and improved access to quality mental health services,” she said.

She said that the objective of the stakeholders’ consultation forum was to increase awareness among stakeholders about mental health issues in the state. She added that the forum was also organised to identify and understand the specific mental health challenges faced by different populations of the state, including vulnerable and marginalised groups.

“It is also organised to facilitate collaboration among stakeholders from various sectors, including health and education, as well as government officials, civil society organisations and community groups.

“This will enable us to develop actionable plans and strategies to improve mental health services and strengthen support systems and policies in Kaduna State.

“We will equally develop strategies to advocate for increased investment in mental health, including the development of relevant policies for maximum impact,” she said.

In a paper entitled, “Impact of Mental Health in the Society”, Mr Peter Ebeh, Senior psychologist, at Child Centre, said that addressing mental health issues requires a comprehensive approach. Ebeh said the approach should include destigmatising mental illnesses, promoting mental health literacy, ensuring access to quality mental healthcare services, and creating supportive environments in communities, schools, and workplaces. “By prioritising mental health, societies can enhance overall well-being, promote resilience, and mitigate the adverse impact of mental health on individuals and the society,” he said.

Also, the Director of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Dr Aisha Abubakar, said that the government was looking into prioritising mental health issues in the state. Abubakar, who was represented by Mr Yahaya Sani, Assistant Non-Communicable Diseases Focal Person in the ministry added that the government would partner with relevant stakeholders to adequately respond to the issue.

Mr Martins Dangwa, of the Coalition of Association for Peace, Empowerment and Development (CALPED), stressed the need for both preventive and curative interventions to address mental health issues.

NAN/S.S