[ad_1]
Segun Kasali – Lagos
Mental Health Experts have said that Federal Government is not doing enough in reducing mental illnesses in the country.
They lamented over this at the launch of a Mental Health book entitled: Living Mindfully: A Journey to being, yesterday in Lagos.
A Psychiatrist, Dr Ayo Oyedeji complained that many doctors are leaving in droves and such is not good for the country.
Oyedeji stated that this is making the doctor to patients ratio very low; Hence, few doctors attend to many patients.
Dr Ayo, therefore, advised the government to increase their level of commitment to ameliorating mental health issues in the country by providing enabling environment for people to thrive.
Another Psychiatrist, Dr Ifeoma Akwogu noted although government is not doing enough on mental health issues while stating that it should be a collective responsibility.
She stated that suspicion is welcome but stigmatization should be forbidden.
“Although government is not doing enough on mental health issues but there should be a collective responsibility.
“We should have suspicion but stigmatization of those with mental illness should be discouraged.
Meanwhile, Consultant Psychiatrist, Neuropsychiatrist Hospital in Abeokuta, Dr. Emmanuel Abayomi stated that government has done a lot in terms of mental health as against the general belief.
Dr. Abayomi explained that doctors are leaving the practice because it is no longer lucrative, stating that this is not peculiar to Nigeria.
Speaking on the rationale behind the book, The Author, Oluwatunmise Oladapo said it is to create a conversation around mental illness particularly bi-polar disorder.
Oluwatunmise, who is a mental health coach, noted this would bring awareness of the issues to the public and take necessary precuationary measures to address it.
The Mental Health Coach urged partners not to shut themselves down when in low moods but rather have a conversation and be empathetic towards each other.
She also charged the government to make the value chain to mental healthcare more accessible and dignifying and treat the doctors right.
“I decided to do this so that people can become more aware and have conversations around mental illnesses.
“If your partner has low moods, dont shut it down. Have a conversation. Everyone of us has reasons to be off charged. Empathy is not walking in other person’s shoes but sitting down with the other person and allow the person to lead.
“Government should make the value chain to mental healthcare more accessible and dignifying and treat the doctors right.
“For instance, we do have the sleep hospitals in the country but right now it is shut down.” She said.
[ad_2]
