Don advocates quality mental health care to break stigma
A renowned psychiatrist has charged the state and federal governments to initiate policies that promote and prioritize quality mental health care so as to break the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
Associate Professor Olose Emmanuel of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital made this advocacy Monday in Calabar during an interactive session with newsmen.
Speaking on the theme “Access to Service, Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,” after Friday’s rally to commemorate World mental health day, Olose stated that he and his team of mental health experts decided to take to the streets in a rally to raise awareness and promote mental health care.
He emphasized that mental health is a fundamental human right that affects every individual stressing that issues of mental health should not be toyed with.
Olose stated that with over 1 billion people worldwide suffering from different mental disorders, there was need for government at all levels to initiate policies that provide succour for people with mental health challenge.
He urged the citizens and governments to work in one accord in the promotion of culture of empathy and understanding.
“Let’s us walk together to promote quality mental health care for our citizens.
“Let us be determined ever than before like today is as if it’s before seen that we can do all this.
“We can promote the culture of empathy, and understanding for this.” He spoke.
The mental health expert emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to prioritize mental health care, particularly in times of crises.
He said that if the citizens and the governments can work together in finding a solution to solving problems in the area of mental health, Nigeria can become a better place to co-exist notwithstanding the challenges faced.
By: Archibong Emmanuel
(Snr. Reporter)
