In other to help sensitize individuals on the need to maintain a good mental health, a non governmental organization, Hand Stretched out Love Charity Initiative (HSLC), has been able to impact many in creating awareness towards understanding their mental health at all times in an event held recently in Lagos.
According to the organizers, there is need to have good body rest after each day activities as to help the body rejuvenate, along with exercising and eating the needed vitamins to ensure that the body has what it needs to build back.
Speaking at the event, the patron Dr. Sola Pitan, Managing Director Orile Agege General Hospital (OAGH) represented by the Head of Department, Social Welfare, Mrs Adeluyi Aderinke, stated that there is need to for individuals to pay attention to their health as mental health cut across emotions, feelings and more.
She explained that not having adequate rest, it can lead to stroke and that is because the mind is extremely occupied and stressed up which can also cause high blood pressure in the process.
Mrs Adeluyi further explained that the desire to meet up with needs and the means is not available has led many into depression and it is part of what has also transcend into many choosing to commit suicide.
She urged individuals who find themselves in such situation to seek counseling and support rather than isolating themselves thinking nobody will help out or listen to them. Adding that hoarding personal challenges is very dangerous to the health because it kills slowly.
Convener of the programme, Mrs Abohi Clementina, disclosed that the festive season is actually the right time to hold the programme because of what people are possibly going through this period.
In her words, “When you look around us today, many people are victims of mental health. Many people have been abused in one way or the other and coupled with what is happening in the economy with people thinking of what they are going to eat, thinking about kids, a lot anxiety, depression and all. If you notice, when you walk on the road, you have more sad people than happy people, so I looked at this season we are in now people needs to be aware of their mental health so that was what prompted the event.
“This mental health issue is not just an NGO thing as the NGOs cannot do it alone because even from homes, this mental health starts and some people are not even aware. In the churches we have it too some people are going through a lot and yet nobody to speak to. Do if the religious bodies as well as the government come together to create awareness I think everybody will be aware of their mental state.”
BrandSpur Nigeria reports that the Hands Stretched Out Love Initiatives mental health awareness was sponsored by Africa Port Services Ltd.
