Group wants FG to integrate mental health in PHCs

Group wants FG to integrate mental health in PHCs
By Olasunkanmi Onifade
Healthcare
Abuja, June 19, 2019 (NAN) Trauma Awareness and Resilience (TAR) Initiative has appealed to the Federal Government to integrate mental health into Primary Health Care (PHC) in general hospitals to improve community-based health services.
The National Coordinator, Mr Francis Onyekwue, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday.
He said it was not enough to provide care in large psychiatric hospitals.
“Mental health problems can affect anyone so many people are still leaving in denial, when it comes to the issue of mental health.
“To some, it is a taboo, to talk about it, while others do not want to talk about it. It is a well-known fact that culture of silence has eaten deeply into the fabrics of our society.
“It is also pertinent to know that in life, everybody have something they are battling with.
“It is important we try to identify whatever we are battling with, or what someone we know is battling with, in order for us to assist or provide the necessary support,” he said.
Onyekwue said there was need to educate the public on the need to talk about depression and other mental health related issues, saying the mental health policy of Nigeria is key and apt.
He said depression was one of the most common mental illnesses which was characterised by persistent sadness as well as loss of interest in activities that you normally enjoy.
“It could be accompanied by an inability to carry out daily activities, for at least two weeks.
“Some of the symptoms of depression are loss of energy, a change in appetite, sleeping more or less, anxiety and reduced concentration.
“Others are indecisiveness, restlessness, feelings of worthlessness, guilt or hopelessness and thoughts of self-harm or suicide,” Onyekwue said.
He said depression affects people of all ages, from all walks of life, in all countries, adding that it causes mental anguish and impacts on people’s ability to carry out even the simplest everyday tasks.
Onyekwue said depression may be caused by past physical, sexual or emotional abuse can cause depression later in life.
“Other causes of depression are unhealed childhood trauma, certain medications, conflict, death, genetic, other personal problems and serious illnesses,’’ said the expert.
He, however, said depression can be prevented and treated if the stigma associated with the condition is eliminated, and encouraged more people to seek help.
“It can be treated, with talking therapies or antidepressant medication or a combination of these.
“You can also try to talk to someone you trust about your feelings. Most people feel better after talking to someone who cares about them.
“Seeking professional help from your local health-care worker, social worker, psychologist or doctor is a good place to start,” Onyekwue said. (NAN)
OEO/ACO/MST
Edited by Abiodun Oluleye/Muhammad Suleiman Tola