Editor
By Fatima Saka
Professionals from the medical field have advised individuals suffering from mental health issues to perceive their condition as equivalent to any other health challenges, underscoring the availability of solutions to address mental illness.
The experts noted that the average physician is equipped with mental health competencies, highlighting the interconnectedness of mental health and overall medical well-being.
This was revealed during the Two-Day National Stakeholders Conversation on Decriminalization of attempted Suicide in Nigeria held in Abuja, Professor Atilola Olayinka, a Medical Practitioner and a Psychiatrist at State University College of Medicine, emphasized the importance of viewing mental health through a comprehensive lens.
Professor Olayinka stressed the necessity of integrating mental health services into workplace health insurance policies, as it is often overlooked or omitted.
He advocated for the inclusion of mental health coverage in employee health insurance plans, alongside the promotion of mental well-being within work environments.
Elaborating on the concept of mental health and its implications, Professor Taiwo Obindo, President of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria (APN), defined mental health as a state of optimal well-being where individuals can fulfill their potential, effectively cope with life’s challenges, maintain productivity, and contribute to society.
He emphasized that failure to achieve these criteria indicates a lack of mental well-being.
Additionally, he differentiated between mental health and mental disorders, highlighting conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, and psychotic disorders as examples of mental health disorders that can manifest in various life stages.
“In essence, mental health conditions encompass a spectrum of challenges that can affect individuals across different demographics, necessitating a nuanced understanding of mental health and the importance of seeking appropriate care and support.”
He further caution that such disorders can manifest at any stage of life, from childhood to pregnancy and beyond.
