ASSP Calls On FG To Prioritise Mental Health Reform

American Society of Safety Professionals Nigeria Chapter, has called on the Federal Government to prioritize mental health reform in the country.

President of the association, Mrs Mercy Omoifo-Irefo made the call in a statement on Monday to mark World Mental Health Day which was held on Sunday, October 11, 2020.

Mrs. Omoifo-Irefo said that Nigeria was under funding the mental health system and thus starving mental health practitioners funds needed to take care of people with mental challenges.

She appealed to the Federal Government to pay more attention to mental health and improve mental health care and medical facilities.

While saying that mental health is preventable, Omoifo-Irefo noted that some of physical causes like neurological condition such as epilepsy, head injury that would influence the mood and behavior of an individual are manageable with good health care system.

“We plead with Federal Government of Nigeria to prioritize mental health care reform, provide more medical facilities and take full responsibility for medical care and drugs, rehabilitation centers and programs, sponsor counseling, pay medical practitioners and care givers well for metal health patients”.

“Though according to experts, it’s difficult to know the cause of mental health but there are some factors that could contribute to poor mental health state”.

She highlighted the potential factors responsible for mental health challenges to include; “severe or long-term stress, having a long-term physical health condition, being a long term career, unemployment or job loss, homelessness or poor housing, drug and alcohol misuse among others”.

Besides, the ASSP President noted “experiencing discrimination and stigma, social isolation or loneliness, childhood abuse, trauma, or neglect, social disadvantage, poverty or debt, bereavement (losing close relatives), domestic violence, bullying or other abuse as an adult could also inflame mental health challenges.

“There are several areas, people ignore, that affect individuals far more than they know. These areas contributive mostly to the mental health. They are drugs, lifestyle factors including work, lack of sleep and many others.

“Pay attention to lifestyle and improve on your fitness, exercise, diet and identify what makes you happy and do them. Accept yourself and your identity. Nobody knows you more than your self.

“Should you find yourself having a mental health challenge, remember that its not a death sentence. Nothing had gone wrong!!! Seek medical attention always and stick to your medication, exercise and routine being prescribed by experts. Don’t deny your story. Facing and accepting yourself makes you unique and that defines you. Prioritise your tasks and seek help.

She further explained in the statement that mental health patient can be managed and put under control through counseling, change of lifestyle, observing enough rest, exercise, medical care, constant monitoring and paying attention to feelings of such person.

She warned against abuse, discrimination and mockery of people with mental health challenges, saying that mental health patients need adequate support to deal with their situation for positive and improved mental health state.