University Don seeks support for mental illness patients
A professor of Counseling Psychology at the University of Ilorin, Alfred Adegoke, says people with mental illness need the support of the community and society rather than being stigmatised.
READ ALSO: NGO calls for inclusion of mental health education in schools
Adegoke spoke at the four-day national convention of the TheStillWaters Mental Health Foundation, held on the campus of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
The don said, “In Nigeria, the prevalence of mental illness among adolescents ranges between 13.4 per cent to 49 per cent. A study in Nigeria found that the prevalence of depression among adolescents ranges from 4.2 per cent to 13.6 per cent.
“In sub-Sahara Africa, one out of every seven children and adolescents (14.3 per cent) suffers from major psychological problems, with nearly 10 per cent qualifying for a psychiatric diagnosis.”
He also advocated the need for communities and societies to create an environment that is supportive and inclusive for those with mental health conditions, including reducing stigma.
He also advised early visits to the hospital once symptoms of mental illness are noticed.
Adegoke stressed that mental health and wellness can be promoted by adopting healthy lifestyle habits such as, “Eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and engaging in physical activity, social support- develop positive relationships, engage in activities that bring joy and fulfillment, have a flexible and realistic reading schedule as a student, and be self-aware, so you know when mental health symptoms are starting and then go to the hospital.”
In his welcome address, the founder of TheStillWaters, a final year medical student (LAUTECH), Oyewole Olutunmise said, “The entire vision was birthed four years ago on November 3, 2019, which is our vision day. We really couldn’t have pulled this off without the dedication that several of you have put in.”
