Stakeholders move to stem mental illness, depression

Mental illness, depression and suicide are spreading at an alarming rate and require concerted efforts of all stakeholders parents, caregivers, government to stem the tide

The conditions are said to be treatable with early detection as studies have shown that many people with symptoms of depression and mental illness hardly go for test.

To this end, Olashore International School (OIS) is set to gather experts including psychiatrists, community physicians, psychologists, among others for a mental health awareness initiative to mark the Mental Wellness Day on October 10.

The chairman, Board of Directors of Olashore International School (OIS), Prince Abimbola Olashore, said mental health and depression is a very serious issue and is growing at an alarming rate.

As an academic institution, he said it behoved on it to stir up the discussion in order to keep parents, caregivers and the children aware of the increasing tide of mental illness.

Olashore said mental health issues lead to drug abuse and suicide.

He said OIS was poised to key into the global movement against mental health through the annual seminar where experts would dissect the magnitude of challenges posed by mental health and how the tide could be stemmed.

According to him, the Nigerian society is already full of stress with people struggling day and night to eke a living. This, he said, is putting enormous pressure on the people resulting in depression and even the temptation to commit suicide.

Prince Olashore explained that the seminar would feature breakout sessions on ‘Understanding the Suicide Mindset’; Understanding the Substance Use’ and ‘Suicide Among School Age Children’.

“There is an increasing trend of drug abuse, depression and suicide. These issues have always been there but they are not as prevalent as we have now.

“People should not live in denial because the rate at which it is increasing, you can never tell who it can affect. But like I said there is help if you seek it. Mental health is not a death sentence. Early detection can save a lot,” he said.