More needs to be done to address mental health issues in the country, a journalist and mental health advocate has challenged the Nigerian government.
Speaking at the weekend after a mental health awareness walk in Minna, Niger state, Aisha Wakaso said government needs to set up trauma centres and private wards for people suffering mental health challenges.
The walk was supported by TheCable newspaper.
“I call on the government to do more in providing adequate services to people with mental health challenges and also well-meaning individuals and organizations who can afford to sponsor people with mental health challenges to come out and do more,” Wakaso said after the walk which took off at Shiroro Roundabout.
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“We do not have trauma centres in Niger state or adequate experts to deal with a large number of people with mental health challenges and the situation of mental health ward and medical assistance at the Minna General Hospital is not encouraging.
“The government should try to get a private ward and environment for people because people with mental health challenges are shy and embarrassed to come out publicly. With this, you do not expect people going to public hospitals where people will see them crying during their sessions. Privacy is needed when offering privacy and seeking help,” she said.
Wakaso is the founder of King’s Initiative, a non-governmental organisation raising awareness on mental health issues such as as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, personality disorders and trauma.
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Below are photos from the event.
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