The District 404B3 of Lions Clubs International has organized a workshop as part of activities to raise awareness about mental health and wellness which has become global issues.
The workshop was held at PGG Yinka Bolarinwa House, Oyinola Street in Akowonjo, Lagos.
The one-week programme with the theme: ‘Caring for the carer: Mental wellness health for humanitarian volunteers,’ had in attendance Lions across the clubs under the District, and it featured distribution of mental health advocacy fliers, visitation to hospitals, trainings/workshops among others.
The speakers include: Global Trainer/Project Manager, Global Initiative on substance abuse, Dr Adetola Isaac Olatunde; Deputy Commander of Narcotics/Lagos State Coordinator of ISUUP, Titilope Ogunluyi; Rtd Commander of Narcotics, Mrs Felicia Ikechukwu and Founder, Phenomenal Strides Foundation, Lion Ibiba Odidi.
In his welcoming address, the District Governor, Lion Adelaja Adeleye, said the exercise focused on educating communities, breaking stigma, and promoting wellbeing through activities like online discussions and in-person events.
“These campaigns align with Lions’ mission to address both visible and invisible needs within their communities and promote holistic health through their motto, “We Serve”.
“Mental health initiative is an expansion of service to include areas that advocate for positive change and connect with those in need, such as the elderly and youth.
“Lions International promotes mental health awareness because they see it as a critical and often overlooked part of overall community well-being, aiming to combat the stigma around mental illness, support those in need, provide resources for resilience, and create more compassionate communities worldwide,” Lion Adelaja.
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In his paper presentation, Dr Adetola said: “Mental wellness is a state of your mind being in order and functioning in your best interest. A situation where you are able to think, feel and act in ways that create a positive impact on your physical and social well-being.
“The state of our mind affects the effectiveness of our body and vice
versa. Sometimes, in the process of our daily activities, we may experience circumstantial changes, our mind needs to adjust to adopt new practices or strategies to handle the appearing stress, improve resilience, and deal with the adversity. Otherwise, those stress factors may affect productivity and fruitfulness.
“Caring for Carers’ Mental Wellness for Humanitarian Volunteers, is about prioritizing the wellbeing of those who give help, their time, energy and compassion to others. They show empathy and offer practical solutions to those who are in distress.
“They care for others, but often neglect themselves or nobody cares or
have the thought that they also need to be cared for. As a matter of fact, people erroneously have the feeling that the medical professionals are immune to medical challenges and so don’t need help or care.”