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Tag: Mental health

  • Mental health

    •With two or three out of 10 Nigerians affected, we are close to an emergency

    There is no reason to doubt the alarming statistics on mental health in Nigeria highlighted by the Federal Ministry of Health. The permanent secretary of the ministry, Abdulaziz Abdullahi, said at a Mental Health Action Committee and Stakeholders’ Workshop in Abuja on November 12:  ”In Nigeria, an estimated 20 to 30 per cent of our populations are believed to suffer from mental disorders. This is a very significant number considering Nigeria has an estimated population of over 200 million.”

    This figure implies that Nigeria has a high rate of mental illness, with about 60 million persons with mental illnesses. Abdullahi shed light on the range of mental afflictions and their manifestations: “There are many different mental disorders, with different presentations. They are generally characterised by a combination of abnormal thoughts, perceptions, emotions, behaviour and relationships with others. Mental disorders include: Depression, bipolar affective disorder, schizophrenia and other psychoses, dementia, intellectual disabilities and developmental disorders, including autism.”

    Given that there are a variety of factors that cause mental illness, it would be useful to have a clarification of categories. Experts have identified physical, social, environmental, psychological and genetic factors. It is unclear how many Nigerians are mentally ill as a result of social and environmental factors, but it may well be that such factors account for the highest number of the mentally ill.

    Experts offer an explanation on how social and environmental factors can affect mental health: “Where someone lives and their living conditions along with family and community support networks can play a part along with employment status and work stresses. Living in poverty or social isolation, being unemployed or highly stressed in your work can all put pressure on an individual’s mental health.”

    In Nigeria today, it is easy to point at serious stress, harsh economy, unstable power supply, perennial fuel crisis, massive unemployment and immense poverty, among unfavourable factors that could contribute to mental illness. The truth is that too many Nigerians are experiencing hell on earth at this time. The situation calls for a decisive intervention by the authorities.

    It is noteworthy that the director of public health, Dr. Evelyn Ngige, who also spoke at the forum, played up the effect of bad socio-economic conditions: “Considering the current economic situation in the country, the above statistics are damning and in the light of the recent suicidal episodes recorded in parts of Lagos (which are obviously a tip of the iceberg), it forces a rethink in our general attitudes to mental health and questions our current maintenance of the status quo.”

    Indeed, the unhelpful socio-economic context suggests that the estimated percentage of mentally ill Nigerians is conservative. It is a reflection of the hard times that the figures are believed to be understated. There may well be a far greater number of people with mental illness.

    It is obvious that the country needs to pay greater attention to mental health. Abdullahi observed:  ”Unfortunately, the attention given to mental health disorders in Nigeria is inadequate. The level of awareness of the Nigerian public on mental health issues is also understandably poor, and with lots of misconceptions.”

    No doubt, it is useful to identify the number of mentally ill people and why they are mentally ill. But that isn’t enough. The solution includes improving prevention, treatment and recovery services, expanding the mental health workforce and educating the public.

    The figures are troubling. The authorities should be troubled because it makes no sense to have a government that governs mentally ill people. In particular, the negative socio-economic conditions that trigger mental illness must be addressed and changed. Mental health is important.

  • Rivers to tackle mental health

    Rivers Deputy Governor Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo has called for collaboration with relevant stakeholders in tackling mental health issues in the state.

    Banigo spoke in Port Harcourt on Wednesday during the 2018 World Mental Health Day celebration organised by the Department of Neuropsychiatry/Mental Health, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.

    Represented by the Director, Administration in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Ben Roberts, Banigo said the rising cases of youth involvement in anti-social activities had become worrisome.

    She said that stakeholders must work together to curb the rising cases as drug abuse, cultism, gangsterism and rape in the society.

    Banigo said the state government had through the Ministries of Youth and that of health put measures in place to address mental issues, especially as it concerned youths.

    October 10 is used annually to commemorate the World Mental Health Day. The theme for this year celebration is “Young people and mental health in a changing world.’’

  • WHO tasks African leaders on mental health care

    The World Health Organisation ( WHO ) has urged African leaders not to relent in the training of Primary Health Care workers on how to detect and manage common mental health problems.

    Dr Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, made the call in her message to mark the 2018 “World Mental Health Day” celebrated yearly on October 10.

    She also called on parents, caregivers and teachers to build life skills of children and adolescents to help them in coping with everyday challenges as those early years was a time of change for most young people.

    She said that this period could come with stress and anxiety which often led to serious mental illness if not recognised and managed on time.
    According to the regional director, worldwide, 10 to 20 per cent of children and adolescents suffer from mental disorders.

    She said that depression was the third leading cause of mental illness and disability among adolescents globally while suicide was the second leading cause of death among 15 to 29 year old.

    “Adolescence and the early years of adulthood are a time of change; moving, schools, leaving home and starting work.
    For many, these can be times of stress and anxiety and these feelings can lead to serious mental health if they are not recognized and managed well.

    “In the African region, it is estimated that five per cent of the population aged below 15 years suffer from a mental disorder.

    “Half of all mental illness begins by the age of 14 years but most cases go undetected and untreated with serious long term consequences for mental health.

    “Children and adolescents in humanitarian settings are particularly vulnerable to mental distress and illness.

    “The harmful use of alcohol and illicit drugs among adolescents contributes to risky behaviors such as violence, unsafe sex, and dangerous driving.

    “Children and adolescents with mental health disorders often face stigma and limited access to health care and education in violation of their human rights.

    “I therefore, call on governments in the region to develop and strengthen evidence-based programmes for young people with the support of national policy makers and programme managers.

    Moeti said that although countries in the region were making progress in addressing the problems of mental health, much more could be done to build mental resilience from an early age.

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    She said this would help prevent mental distress and illness among adolescents and young adults and manage recovery.

    The regional director maintained that mental health remained fundamental to overall health and for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    Moeti also called on governments, interested partners and civil society to continue collaborating with WHO to improve response to adolescents’ health needs.

    Every year the world observes World Mental Health Day to draw attention to the importance of mental health. The theme for this year is “Young People and Mental Health in a Changing World”.

  • Half of mental health disorders start at adolescence – WHO

    Half of all mental illnesses begin at the adolescent age – before the age of 14 – but most cases go undetected and untreated, the World Health Organisation (WHO), has said.

    The global health organisation said this in a report: ‘Coming of age: Adolescent health’ to mark the World Mental Health Day commemorated on Wednesday.

    Worldwide, it is estimated that one in five adolescents experience mental health challenges, though most remain under-diagnosed and untreated.

    WHO is focusing on the psychological well-being of young people aged 10 to 14, to stave off conditions that can impact their lives deep into adulthood.

    Dr. Tarun Dua, mental health expert at WHO explained: “Half of mental health disorders arise before the age of 14.

    “If these are left untreated, they extend into adult life, thus impacting educational attainment, employment, relationships or even parenting.”

    According to WHO, depression is one of the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents and suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15 to 29 year-olds.

    The harmful use of alcohol and illicit drugs among adolescents is a major issue in many countries and can lead to self-destructive behaviour such as unsafe sex or dangerous driving.

    Eating disorders are also of concern, the global health agency warned.

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    WHO noted that “evidence is growing that promoting and protecting adolescent mental health benefits not just adolescents’ health, in the short- and the long-term.

    “It also promotes economies and society as a whole, with healthy young adults able to make greater contributions to the workforce, their families and communities.”

    Among the various actions that governments can take, WHO recommended investing in greater integration of mental health into broader health and social care systems, under the umbrella of universal health coverage.

    It also recommended investing in mental health resilience-building through parents and teachers; and psycho-social provision in schools and community spaces, especially in hardship contexts such as conflict and natural disaster settings.

    UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in his statement marking the Day, urged adolescents to start nurturing their mental health “at an early age”.

    World Mental Health Day is observed annually on Oct. 10, with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilising efforts in support of mental health.

    Guterres said: “Poor mental health during adolescence has an impact on educational achievement and increases the risk of alcohol and substance use and violent behaviour.

    “A great deal of mental health conditions are both preventable and treatable, especially if we start looking after our mental health at an early age”.

    The UN chief stressed that many children and teenagers caught up in conflicts and disasters worldwide, were particularly at risk of psychological distress.

    Noting the commitments of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, he regretted that, while Member States agreed collectively to “leave no one behind”, “those struggling with mental health problems are still being marginalised”.

    “The United Nations is committed to creating a world where by 2030 everyone, everywhere has someone to turn to, in support of their mental health, in a world free of stigma and discrimination.

    “If we change our attitude to mental health – we change the world. It is time to act on mental health,” the UN chief said.

  • Ban on codeine: Lagos unveils strategy to address mental health

    The Lagos State Government on Friday, revealed comprehensive plans to address drug abuse under the mental health policy of the state, adding that a law to that effect has been updated.

    The Federal Government had on Tuesday directed the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to stop further issuance of permits for the importation of Codeine as active pharmaceutical ingredient for cough preparations, to curtail its abuse in the country.

    Speaking at the annual Ministerial Press Briefing to mark the third anniversary of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration, held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa, Commissioner for Health, Jide Idris, said the state government had been engaging with key stakeholders to address mental health issues and affiliated matters, before the ban was announced.

    “I must tell you that the Drug Control Unit in the Ministry is very active. We are also operating in conjunction with NAFDAC. The ban principally is a NAFDAC initiative but as a State Government we did not wait; we are more proactive and ever since this issue came into light, the Ministry has been engaging and very soon, we will come out with a more comprehensive programme.

    “This is because we will not look at Codeine alone. We are going to look at it under drug abuse. Codeine is just one substance out of many that are being abused.

    “In line with this, we have updated our own mental health law as against what is happening at the federal level; we have a mental health policy and we are currently now implementing our mental health programme to cover all tiers – primary, secondary and tertiary health care systems. This is a comprehensive thing and there is no doubt about the fact that there is a major mental health problem in our country and this Codeine is just a tip of the iceberg,” the Commissioner said.

    Idris enthused that the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) successfully performed its first open-heart surgery on a 32-year-old patient, solely by an indigenous cardiac surgery team, as well as its fourth successful cochlear implant and kidney transplant surgeries.

  • Abuja’s first mental rehab centre opens

    Abuja’s first mental rehab centre opens

    The first rehabilitation centre for mental health patients has been inaugurated in Abuja.

    The rehab centre, Olive Prime, is a well-equipped, tastefully-furnished first mental health and drug rehabilitation 24-hour out-patient facility in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The design of the Centre was done by patients and clinicians.

    Wife of former Vice President, Hajiya Amina Namadi Sambo, and a former Senator Grace Bent were among the early dignitaries who inspected the facility.

    They both said the Centre which is the first of its kind in area of mental health and drug rehabilitation centre in the country would help in restoring the wellbeing of drug addicts and persons suffering from mental disorders.

    Mrs Sambo said drug abuse and mental ailments had been rampant in the country, especially in North. She added that her home state, Kano, is most notorious for drug and substance abuse in the region, and that many females are involved in the act.

    “As we are all aware, drug abuse or substance abuse is an issue now that is disturbing not only part of the North but the whole country, but it is saddening to say that the cases are more rampant in northern part of Nigeria, especially in Kano state; the state where I come from. We feel, as concerned citizens, we should all come together and see how we can arrest the situation. The most saddening part about it is the way the women are taking the drug, especially our young ones. I hope with such facility, they could come here and get desired attention they need,” she said.

    She said more of such facility should be built across the nation to assist persons with addiction to drugs and those who suffer from other mental health conditions. Mrs Sambo also called on the public and government to join hands together and stop the menace of drug and substance abuse in the country.

    A former Senator from Adamawa State, Grace Bent said public health facilities have failed Nigerians.

    “I don’t want to say that I’ve lost hope in the government health care system because this is very instructive for us today that the private sector is taking the bull by the horn because the government health care system has failed this country,” the former lawmaker said. She added: “Whether anybody likes it or not, when it comes to mental health care, it is appalling when you go to the (public) institutions. The private sector has taken it over. Nigerians must understand that it is not when you see people going naked that you say they have mental cases.  It will surprise you to know that 70 percent of Nigerians have mental cases, stress related problem, anxiety disorder, and depression. It is overwhelming. “Everybody is so afraid when you say ‘I am going to see a psychiatrist doctor.’ So many people are kitted, are well dressed. You will be shocked at their state of health. Their mental state of health is a disaster. So, Nigerians must wake up. You see a lot of people slump and die of stress-related diseases. You take them for all sort of tests, you cannot find anything… “I don’t have hope in Nigeria mental health care system. It is a disaster. It is only the private sector that is helping us. You have the consultants there. You have doctors that are sound…Our health care system is a disaster. Maternal health care system, mental health care system, everything is comatose. Nigerian government must wake up.” She expressed delight with the facility and said people in the country read meanings to visiting psychiatrists. Speaking on the centre, the former lawmaker said: “It is mind-boggling. It is out-of-the-box innovation on mental health care in Nigeria. It is a total departure from the usual one-angle perception on how you treat patients that have issue with addiction, mental health problem and so on. This is what you will liken to, in the world of beauty therapy, maybe like a spar, because it is going beyond what you call medical treatment for mental health cases. After the medical, what comes next? How does the patient continue to live a normal life? This is where you come to. And, it gives you a sense of wholesomeness. You are not seen as addicted to what you call medication. “In mental health care, you talk about, for example, depression. Depressed patients use anti-depressant. Here, you don’t have to. This place gives you a more natural way of coming through, pulling the addiction, pulling through anxiety disorder, pulling through depression. “It is not every patient that wants medication. With the machine I have seen here, it is a world-class setting, state-of-the-art equipment. Patient can come from all over the country, seek refuge, come here, get a whole feeling of wellness. Believe you me, this is the first of its kind in Nigeria.”

    Adedoyin Badejo, a Clinical Psychologist with the Centre stressed that the Centre is set to improve the physical, spiritual and emotional health of individuals and families affected by addiction and mental illness and to provide a bespoke service tailored to specific needs of every client utilising a unique evidence based, patient-centred approach, through outpatient care, education and counseling.

    ”We intend to provide support for our service ushers where we engage them in various psychological therapies and other complimentary activities which in the long term equips them with a more realistic and flexible form of recovery,” she said.

  • Health: Bagudu promises to promote sports in Schools

    Health: Bagudu promises to promote sports in Schools

    Kebbi State Government says it would continue to promote sporting activities among schools by encouraging zonal competitions to enhance physical and mental health of students.
    Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu affirmed this at the opening of Atiku Bagudu International Schools Sports Competition at the Haliru Abdu Stadium Birnin Kebbi. He said preparations were in progress for the participation of Kebbi State athletes in the Lagos marathon.
     The Governor made it clear that the State would partake in all sports competitions at national and international levels.
     Senator Atiku Bagudu said his administration would revive extra curriculum activities in schools towards the physical wellbeing of pupils and students.
    He announced that the State Government would stage, Marathon race in Zuru, preparatory to the Lagos Marathon to select runners to represent the state.
     He donated one Million Naira each to the Six Zones that participated in the inter schools sports competition comprising Birnin Kebbi, Argungu, Bunza, Jega, Yauri and Zuru to enable them buy schools sporting equipment such as jersey, boot and other materials.
    The Commissioner for Education, Alhaji Mohammadu Magawata Aliero told the Governor, that, the competition commenced from various schools to zonal level and subsequently to state level as grand finale.
     Prizes were presented to the winners at various categories including overall best position which Birnin Kebbi won, Zuru came second while Argungu took the third position.
     The Deputy Governor of Kebbi State, Col. Sama’ila Yombe Zuru, former Jigawa State Governor, Ibrahim Saminu Turaki, State APC Chairman, Barrister Attahiru Maccido Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Babale Umar, Commissioner of Education Muhammadu Magawata Aliero and that of Finance Alh. Ibrahim Muhammadu Augie as well as Permanent Secretaries, Local Government Chairmen and other top government officials attended the event.

  • ‘Pay attention to children’s mental health’

    Psychiatrist, Dr Funto Owolabi has advised parents to pay more attention to their children’s mental health as well as their physical well-being.
    Owolabi, a Resident Doctor at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital (LAUTECH) Ogbomoso, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
    According to him, mental health of a child is as important as physical health, as it determines how a child behaves and acts throughout the journey of life.
    “Just as you can help prevent a child from falling sick, you can help prevent a child from having mental health problems.
    “Mental fitness includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It helps to establish how we cope with stress and adversity, handle success, connect to others and make choices.
    “Right from childhood, through adolescence and throughout adulthood, mental health is crucial,’’ he said.
    According to him, promoting a child’s mental health means helping a child feel secured, loved, to relate well with others and foster his growth at home and at school.
    Owolabi said: “As parents, we have the responsibility to build the foundation of our children’s mental health to ensure they become mentally-healthy adults.

    “Early intervention is the most effective way to address childhood and adolescent mental health concerns.
    “However, it is quite unfortunate that many parents are in denial of the mental health problems and difficulties a child may develop.
    “They would rather attribute such mental disorders to extraordinary circumstances and take the child to prayer houses,’’ he said.

  • WHO: Mental health care and treatment

    In the context of national efforts to develop and implement mental health policy, it is vital to not only protect and promote the mental well-being of its citizens, but also address the needs of persons with defined mental disorders.

    Knowledge of what to do about the escalating burden of mental disorders has improved substantially over the past decade. There is a growing body of evidence demonstrating both the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of key interventions for priority mental disorders in countries at different levels of economic development. Examples of interventions that are cost-effective, feasible, and affordable include:

    • treatment of epilepsy with antiepileptic medicines;
    • treatment of depression with psychological treatment and, for moderate to severe cases, (generically produced) antidepressant medicines; treatment of psychosis with older antipsychotic medicines and psychosocial support;
    • taxation of alcoholic beverages and restriction of their availability and marketing.

    A range of effective measures also exists for the prevention of suicide, prevention and treatment of mental disorders in children, prevention and treatment of dementia, and treatment of substance-use disorders. The Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) has produced evidence based guidance for non-specialists to enable them to better identify and manage a range of priority mental health conditions.

    Mental health is an integral and essential component of health. The WHO constitution states: “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” An important implication of this definition is that mental health is more than just the absence of mental disorders or disabilities.

    Mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.

    Mental health and well-being are fundamental to our collective and individual ability as humans to think, emote, interact with each other, earn a living and enjoy life. On this basis, the promotion, protection and restoration of mental health can be regarded as a vital concern of individuals, communities and societies throughout the world.

     

    Determinants of mental health

    Multiple social, psychological, and biological factors determine the level of mental health of a person at any point of time. For example, persistent socio-economic pressures are recognised risks to mental health for individuals and communities. The clearest evidence is associated with indicators of poverty, including low levels of education.

    Poor mental health is also associated with rapid social change, stressful work conditions, gender discrimination, social exclusion, unhealthy lifestyle, risks of violence, physical ill-health and human rights violations.

    There are also specific psychological and personality factors that make people vulnerable to mental disorders. Lastly, there are some biological causes of mental disorders including genetic factors which contribute to imbalances in chemicals in the brain.

     

    Mental health promotion and protection

    Mental health promotion involves actions to create living conditions and environments that support mental health and allow people to adopt and maintain Rather, they would have done professionally well, and commended. The place where they treat should also be hygienic. When they do not refer to the appropriate hospital promptly, some serious damages would have been done to the patient and they come in, highly damaged. Trado-healers should see us as working together because of the patient involved and not as rivals,” said Prof Adewuya.

    He noted that there are different forms of mental disorders, that required different treatments but it has been observed that healers apply the same format in handling their patients, “There are many different mental disorders, with different presentations. They are generally characterised by a combination of abnormal thoughts, perceptions, emotions, behaviour and relationships with others.

    “Mental disorders include: depression, bipolar affective disorder, schizophrenia and other psychoses, dementia, intellectual disabilities and developmental disorders including autism. There are effective strategies for preventing mental disorders such as depression. There are effective treatments for mental disorders and ways to alleviate the suffering caused by them. Access to health care and social services capable of providing treatment and social support is important,” he explained.

    Prof Adewuya said: “As a professor of psychiatry I have analysed these herbal plants and other ingredients used by the healers, I know what works therapeutically. I can only advocate on regulation of the dosage so no damage is done to other organs As scientists we are promoting what we have around here, we are not throwing out the bath water with the baby”.

    He said Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder, affecting about 21 million people worldwide. Psychoses, including schizophrenia, are characterised by distortions in thinking, perception, emotions, language, sense of self and behaviour. Common psychotic experiences include hallucinations i.e. hearing, seeing or feeling things that are not there and delusions fixed false beliefs or suspicions that are firmly held even when there is evidence to the contrary. The disorder can make it difficult for people affected to work or study normally.

    “Stigma and discrimination can result in a lack of access to health and social services. Furthermore, people with psychosis are at high risk of exposure to human rights violations, such as long term confinement in institutions. Schizophrenia typically begins in late adolescence or early adulthood. Treatment with medicines and psychosocial support is effective. With appropriate treatment and social support, affected people can lead a productive life, be integrated in society. Facilitation of assisted living, supported housing and supported employment can act as a base from which people with severe mental disorders, including Schizophrenia, can achieve numerous recovery goals as they often face difficulty in obtaining or retaining normal employment or housing opportunities,” said Prof Adewuya.

    End.

     

     

  • Challenge of mental health

    Challenge of mental health

    •Mental ill health is no crime. It needs treatment, not stigma

    In a message delivered at this year’s World Mental Health Day on October 10, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, said  statistics showed one out of every six African suffers from mental disorder.

    The disclosure draws attention to the crucial need to ensure that the dignity of mental patients are preserved in all aspects, ranging from the care of patients, to the attitude of the general public to people suffering from mental disorder.

    Dr. Moeti is definitely not happy — and neither are we — with the mode of treatment of mental patients. According to him, it is unfortunate that “in the course of treatment, some patients are subjected to undignified treatment, such as being chained to trees or beds, locked in a cage, left without food for many hours, deprived of family support, and subjected inadequate personal hygiene”.

    On the basis of this inhuman treatment, he went on to say that mental health patients deserve respect and compassion, as they cope with their disease. However, he noted further that some African countries had implemented a range of measures “to improve awareness, restore dignity and access to mental health services at all levels of the health care system”.

    This, according to him, includes revision of their mental health legislation so as to protect the rights and dignity of the persons affected by the health condition. He noticed that in spite of these measures, the promotion of good mental health and understanding of its challenges, early detection, treatment and patients’ dignity, are still a concern in many African countries.

    Because of cultural hindrance to psychiatric treatment and care, we notice that there is the penchant to live in denial as mental illness appears to be more a thing of shame, even if treatable, as other health challenges.

    We also notice that here in Nigeria, for example, there is superstition and even spiritual belief in the treatment of mental illness, which probably explains the cruelty involved in the treatment regime, as noticed by Dr. Moeti, in the homes of traditional mental healers.

    The harsh traditional method of healing has fuelled the age-old stigmatization of patients with mental illness. That reinforces the discouragement of people to seek medical help, even in orthodox hospital like the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital in Yaba, Lagos, which has been referred to, in the local parlance, as “Yaba apa osi” (literally meaning,”Yaba of the left side”), where some or right-thinking people should not go!

    Even, Yaba’s famous pioneer neuro-psychiatric facility at Aro, Abeokuta, Ogun State, has developed a rather odd connotation, if not outright stigma.  If students bawl Aro! on some university campuses, they probably insinuate the person they hail needs to see a shrink — and fast!

    On mental health stigma, therefore,  there is an urgent need to further enlighten the people.  Mental illness is like any other: malaria, ear or eye problem, which can be treated and cured.  The patient should not be stigmatized.  Stigma only complicate things: the patient is depressed; the society is hostile and everyone loses.

    Be all these as they may, it is better to prevent cases of mental illness.  We, therefore, advise that African countries should put in place policies that would greatly reduce the day-to-day stress of people, as stress often triggers mental ill health.

    Poverty, however, is at the root of stress.  So, government policies should fundamentally aim at eliminating poverty.  With the basics taken care of, there is the probability of less general depression, which often leads to nervous breakdowns.

    Some churches and mosques are also involved in the care, if not treatment, of mental disorder. However, unlike what obtains in Europe and the United States of America, only a few of our priests involved in this area are trained as clinical counsellors; and thus tend to rely on prayers alone.

    But while prayers are okay, we advise the churches and mosques to persuade their affected members to seek proper medical care; and while getting treatment, these faith-based orgwnisations should render the patients full institutional support, oozing love, compassion and empathy — again stressing that a mental illness patient is no outcast that must be stigmatized and discriminated against.

    It is nothing to cheer that WHO statistics suggests mental health might just be becoming an epidemic in Africa.  But the statistics should hallmark a vigorous call to action.

    A stitch in time, saves nine.