By Doris Obinna
In continuation of its efforts towards creating awareness and sensitizing the public on health issues, Nigerian telecom brand, 9mobile, has held the fifth edition of its health talk series with a theme focused on mental health, the myths, challenges and recovery.
The session, which was live-streamed on the @healthertainer Instagram handle, featured Africa’s leading mental health advocate and coach, Dr. Maymunah Yusuf Kadiri, as facilitator.
Highlighting the myths around mental health challenges and more, Kadiri disclosed what the recovery process entailed, while describing mental health as the ability to be productive, fruitful and be able to give back to the society.
Dispelling some of the myths, she remarked that mental illness does not have any spiritual undertones, as people are made to believe, particularly in this clime. In her submission, mental health belongs to the category of non-communicable diseases.
She noted that one in every five persons in Nigeria has mental illness, with data showing that mental illness starts before the age of 14 in some instances.
“Everybody has mental health but not everybody has mental illness, which is a medical condition, as it were. It would be correct to conclude that nobody has immunity against mental health disorder.”
Enumerating some of the stress factors that could trigger mental illness, she said, “Some of the risk vulnerability factors include death of one’s parents or loved ones, divorce in families, domestic violence, positive history of mental illness and societal pressure, which can be attributed to the harsh socio-economic realities in the country.”
She concluded with a strong appeal for timely intervention stating, “It is important to appreciate the fact that mental illness is real and therefore seek for ways to address the challenges than living in self-denial.
“There is good news and there is bad news about mental illness: The good news is that it is beatable, treatable and manageable with help readily available for quick recovery. While the bad news is that the longer it takes to seek medical help the more complicated it can become.”
Commenting on the session, executive director, regulatory and corporate affairs, 9mobile, Abdulrahman Ado, who was represented by 9mobile’s public relations lead, Chineze Amanfo, reiterated that mental health challenges should be paid more attention, particularly among the productive population.
He said “Mental Health is a critical issue that needs attention. 9mobile will continue to bring the issue to the fore to promote a healthier and safer society for all. Therefore, we are excited that the health-talk series for 2022 has kick-started on a very impactful note, with emphasis on mental well-being which is paramount for optimal productivity. This is one of the reasons why we focus on health as one of our strategic corporate social responsibility (CSR) pillars.”