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Health

Family Day: Psychologist harps on functional families to curb anti-social behaviours

Family Day: Psychologist harps on functional families to curb anti-social behaviours
By Olasunkanmi Onifade
Family
Abuja, May 15, 2019 (NAN) Mr Adedotun Ajiboye, Principal Clinical Psychologist with Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, says good and functional families contribute to the emotional health and well-being of its members.
Ajiboye made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja in an interview to commemorate the International Day of Families.
He said that families with good relationship qualities served as protection against negative vices and illnesses like depression, anxiety disorder, suicide, and drug and alcohol addiction.
He also said other anti-social behaviours include suicide, drug or alcohol addiction, sexual immorality and truancy.
“Family is not just about blood relation. Family consists of people who support and love you, and the people you can confide in and trust.
“For example, family may include classmates, alumni, co-workers, professional colleagues, church members and so on.
“Vices such as sexual immorality and truancy are usually as a result of a dysfunctional family,’’ the psychologist said.
Ajiboye said that family helps to give utmost protection and security, give basic value for life, shape a child’s future as well as help build an ideal society.
He, however, said that due to globalisation and some other factors, the purposes of family are no more entrenched in our society.
“Some of the challenges families do face includes divorce, parenting issues, illnesses or disability of a family member, death of a family member, drug, alcohol and gambling addiction.
“Others include children anti-social behaviours such as truancy, promiscuity, theft and bad gangs,’’ the psychologist said.
He advised that families should not allow rift among its members, adding that one should not bottle up emotions rather to ventilate their feelings.
“Recognise every member of the family as important. Don’t look down on people in the group.
“Schedule a time to talk as a family to resolve the challenges, decide on solutions together, show empathy not just sympathy and seek professional advice where necessary,” Ajiboye said.
He said dysfunctional families could be prevented in the society, if all played their roles well and on time.
NAN reports that the observance of the International Day of Families was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly, and is celebrated May 15 every year.
The day highlights the importance of families as basic units of society and reflects the importance that the international community attaches to families. (NAN)
OEO/COF/MST
Editing by Oluyinka Fadare/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

World Happiness Day: Sadness causes premature ageing – Psychologist

World Happiness Day: Sadness causes premature ageing – Psychologist
By Olasunkanmi Onifade
Happiness
Abuja, March 20, 2019 (NAN) Mr Adedotun Ajiboye, a Principal Clinical Psychologist with Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, says happiness prolong life while sadness could lead to premature ageing.
Ajiboye said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja to commemorate the International Day of Happiness.
This year’s theme is: “Happier Together: Focusing on what we have in common, rather than what divides us’’.
He said from a mental health perspective, happiness could be classified as positive or healthy emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy.
“An individual will experience good mental and emotional wellbeing when happiness or joy is given a chance consistently.
“Many studies have linked positive emotions like happiness with better health, longer life and better quality of life.
“On the other hand, negative emotions such as chronic anger, worry, and hostility increase the risk of developing heart disease, as people react to these feelings with raised blood pressure and stiffening of blood vessels,” Ajiboye said.
He said it was highly necessary for all individuals to priorities happiness above sadness or any negative or unhealthy emotions.
Ajiboye however advised Nigerians to cultivate a life full of joy, adding that one should start every day with positive intention.
“Choose to be joyous despite all odds. Joy is a function of yourself not your environment.
“Foster healthy living practices. Don’t eat or do or drink what will negatively impact on your health. When you are not healthy you become sad.
“Live a purpose driven life. Determine your character strength and explore ways to use them to help others,” he said.
Ajiboye also said individuals should ventilate their feelings, saying one should get rid of what make you sad and share burden with someone that could help.
“Develop healthy financial activities. When you lack money, naturally happiness may leave you. Be creative and use your God given potential to make money.
“Create and maintain strong and supportive relationships in your home, school, workplace, religious settings and community, among others.
“Be connected to God, the real source of joy,” he said.
NAN reports that International Happiness Day is celebrated worldwide every March 20 and conceptualised and founded by UN Special Advisor, Jayme Illien, to inspire, mobilise and advance the global happiness movement. (NAN)
OEO/BOLA/MST
Edited by Bola Akingbehin/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

General news

Mental Distress: Psychologist recommends mentorship

Mental Distress: Psychologist recommends mentorship
By Ummul Idris
Distress
Abuja, Feb. 1, 2019 (NAN) Dr Chibube Afam, a clinical psychologist, has canvassed for mentorship to arrest the rising scourge of mental illness among youths in the country.
Afam made the call while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.
He said that one of the best ways to address the menace of mental distress among youths was to engage a role model.
According to him, Nigerian youths need a role model to influence their lives positively in curbing the vices associated with unrest and mental distress.
“You know mental distress as it concerns youths are very sensitive, and the need to monitor this stage of their development is key,” he said.
He described the youth as a young adult that is trying to find balance in life, noting that between age 15-24, they will be trying to find their ways in life.
He advised parents to note that at such age they had not left childhood and they were not yet in adulthood; hence, they were at a very special stage and must be mentored.
According to him, at this age, they will be trying to find balance and could be influenced by their peers, families, friends and the society they grow with.
“So these set of people, because of where they fall developmentally, they are prone to becoming distress a little bit more than others.
“Youths are very likely to become mentally distress if they are not well guided from their homes, schools and churches.
According to him, such things like bereavement, lack of economic power, what they watch can easily influence them.
The psychologist stated that because the youth watch a lot of movies and pick from the media and music, they could easily be influenced by those things, causing them not to do well in school.
He said it could lead to distress and lack of sleep, adding that when they tried to please their peers or feel among, they then tend to experiment a lot and even drug that their peer introduce to them and this could lead to distress. (NAN)
UMD/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Severe cases of domestic violence can lead to death, Psychologist warns

Severe cases of domestic violence can lead to death, Psychologist warns

By Joshua Olaosebikan /Hauwa Amali
Violence
Abuja, Nov. 13, 2018 (NAN) Mr Abraham Naibo, a Clinical Psychologist, has warned that domestic violence in severe cases could lead to death.

Naibo, a psychologist with Synapse Services in Awka, Anambra, made this known in a phone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to him, 20 to 60 per cent of women worldwide have experienced some form of domestic violence in their life time.

Naibo said domestic violence can have both physical and psychological effects.

“Domestic violence which is common among women can leave victims with bruises, broken bones, head injuries, swollen eyes, Arthritis, miscarriage and other conditions like internal bleeding.

“Psychologically, studies have shown that depression is very common among women who have been victims of domestic violence which can lead to high rate of suicide and post-traumatic stress disorder,” he said

He noted that women who have suffered domestic violence tend to lose trust for men in general, have low self-esteem, high level of suspicion when faced with similar scenarios even when not abusive.

According to him, victims of domestic violence may also have regular nightmares, panic attacks and self isolation.

Similarly, the expert said when cases of domestic violence were reported they are either neglected or not handled through appropriate means and methods.

Naibo recommended that in curtailing the high rate of death from domestic violence, victims should be in very good support environment that would encourage and help them through traumatic periods.

He emphasised that women who suffer from domestic violence by drunken husbands should seek solace in churches, mosque, neighbour’s house and other safe houses away from their abusive husbands when they get drunk.

Naibo also advised that young women should acquire self-defence skills like martial art and self-defence instruments like pepper spray and teaser.

According to the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV), an NGO, three women die because of domestic violence each day. (NAN)
OJ/AUH/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Friendship Day: Psychologist recommends positive peer influence among friends

Friendship Day: Psychologist recommends positive peer influence among friends
By Olasunkanmi Onifade
Friends
Abuja, July 30, 2018 (NAN) Ms Aisha Bubah, the Head, Psychological Services, Network for Psychosocial Support, Africa (NPS-Africa), an NGO, has advised Nigerians to have positive peer influence rather than negative ones.
Bubah said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja to commemorate the International Day of Friendship.
She said the essence of friendship was to serve as a positive support network for a person, saying it can be a stress relief, being surrounded by positive people.
“We need to have or make positive relationships with friends because it helps you grow positively.
“Friends that are non-judgmental in the sense that if, for example, you are seeking treatment for a mental health issue, they can be supportive and helpful.
“Friends can be family. Sometimes our friends are the family we wished we had. Sometimes we have difficulty with our own family. We may feel misunderstood, judged, ridiculed or even ignored,’’ the expert said.
She said some friends often fill in what is not provided by our own family, adding that family members can also be good friends.
Bubah noted that the bond that links true family was not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other’s life.
“One loyal friend is worth 10,000 relatives.
“When a peer relationship is negative, that is where we see issues like adolescent drug use, delinquent behaviours, drunk driving, bunking classes.
“It is extremely essential to be capable of making proper choices in life especially when we are interested in choosing the group of friends we want to support and be with for the rest of our lives,” she said.
Bubah said it is necessary to have a group of friends who are disciplined and punctual individuals, saying one tends to imitate unconsciously.
“No company is better than having a friend by your side in times of need.
“You will remain happy in your one room apartment if you are surrounded by your friends; on the other hand, you cannot find happiness even in your mansion if you are alone,” she said.
NAN reports that the first World Friendship Day was proposed for July 30, 1958, by the World Friendship Crusade, an international civil organisation that campaigns to foster a culture of peace through friendship.
Many years later, the General Assembly of United Nations declared July 30 each year as the International Day of Friendship. (NAN)
OEO/KOLE/MST
Edited by Remi Koleoso/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Psychologist harps on mental well being

Psychologist harps on mental well being
By Olasunkanmi Onifade
Mental health
Abuja, July 14, 2018 (NAN) The Conuselling Psychologist, Network for Psychosocial Support Africa (NPS-Africa), an NGO, Ms Aisha Bubah, has advised Nigerians to take care of their mental well being.

Bubah in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja enjoined Nigerians to learn stress management skills.

She urged individuals to take care of their emotional well being and avoid substance abuse.

“Some of psychological factors that may contribute to mental illness include severe psychological trauma suffered as a child, such as emotional, physical or sexual abuse

“Others could be an important early loss, such as the loss of a parent, neglect and poor ability to relate to others,” Bubah said.

She said environmental factors also contribute to mental Illness,saying certain stressors can trigger an illness in a person who is susceptible to mental illness.

Bubah said the stressors include death or divorce, a dysfunctional family life, feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, anxiety, anger, or loneliness, changing jobs or schools, social or cultural expectations.

She however advised Nigerians not to be ashamed to seek professional help immediately to be checked, adding that early detection enhances prognosis.

Bubah said there is no known cause of mental illness but there are risk factors that can serve as triggers or predispose one to having a mental illness.

“It can be managed using specific medications for the specific type of mental illness, psychotherapy to help the person gain insight into their illness and ensure compliance with treatment, and also help them with coping skills to ensure optimal functionality,” she said. (NAN)
OEO/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

World Family Day: Psychologist warns of children exposure to violence

World Family Day: Psychologist warns of children exposure to violence
By Olasunkanmi Onifade
Families
Abuja, May 15, 2018 (NAN) The Conselling Psychologist, Network for Psychosocial Support Africa (NPS-Africa), Ms Aisha Bubah, has warned families against exposing their children to violence at home.
Bubah said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja to commemorate the World Families Day.
According to her, peaceful families reflect positively to the country, stressing that parents and other members of the family must decrease the exposure and direct experience of violence.
The theme for this year’s day is: “Families and Inclusive Societies’’, with the aim to explore the role that families and family policies can play in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 16.
Goal 16 seeks to promote peace, justice and strong institutions in the society.
It said that “without peace, stability, human rights and effective governance, based on the rule of law – we cannot hope for sustainable development’’.
She said the family have to believe in peace, adding that providing enabling environment is key to having a peaceful family.
“To communicate and reinforce the values that parents and adults in the home think are important, it is critical to have a peaceful family with relationships that are respected.
“Values are not taught to children by talking about them,” she said.
Bubah said children learn to be nice by having someone being nice to them.
She added that they learn to be peaceful and non-violent by having other people demonstrate what it is to be peaceful, saying the home is the most important place for a child.
Also a Senior Clinical Psychologist with Ado Ekiti Teaching Hospital, Mr Adetoun Ajiboye, said the family was the bedrock of any society as everyone is a product of a family.
“When you build a family, you build a society but if there are deficiencies in one family, it can affect the family that does not have deficiencies.
“A good family is expected to instil values, norms and culture in their children, so as to ensure positive impacts on the society,” he said.
Ajiboye said instilling good values in the children as a parent, does not only protect a child but also create a civilised conscious citizen and help move society towards a better tomorrow.
The National Coordinator, Child and Youth Protection Foundation (CYPF)), Mr Kolawole Olatosimi, said the role of family cannot be overemphasised.
“What start in the family changes the world; so if the world desires peace and tranquillity, we need to pay more attention to that institution where it all started.
“There is need to be a balance in campaigns, policies and advocate to ensure the family is not sidelined from adequate consideration,” he said.
Mrs Joy Elisha-Oyelere, a mother advised parents to teach their children healthy norms and culture, saying there is need to go back to the basics.
NAN reports that the World Family Day is commemorated on May 15 every year. (NAN)
OEO/HS/MST
Edited by Halima Sheji/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Chibok girls: Psychologist recommends biopsychosocial assessment

Chibok girls: Psychologist recommends biopsychosocial assessment

NAN-H-100
Biopsychosocial
By Olasunkanmi Onifade
Abuja, May 8, 2017 (NAN) Mr Adedotun Ajiboye, a Senior Clinical Psychologist, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, has recommended a special biopsychosocial assessment for the 82 rescued Chibok school girls to enable them function well.

Ajiboye gave the recommendation in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

According to him, biopsychosocial assessment refers to a series of questions asked at the beginning of treatment of an individual that obtain information about the major physical (bio), psychological and social issues of the individual.

Ajiboye said that the traumatic events the girls had gone through can lead to mental health problems such as adjustment disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), psychotic symptoms or depression.

“Based on individual differences and coping skills found in an individual, responses to traumatic events may differ from one person to the other.

“Some may be greatly affected while some may cope well. In order to engage effective therapeutic measures, holistic assessment like biopsychosocial assessment should be made on anyone that encounter traumatic events to investigate if there are or will be physical, mental/psychological, social problems before, during and after the traumatic event,’’ the expert said.

He said the biopsychosoical treatment for traumatised patients includes chemotherapy-biological, psychotherapy-psychological, family therapy and stress management.

Ajiboye said others include social skills training, social adjustment training and social integration.

He said relevant stakeholders were needed for the proper recuperating of the girls to the society, adding that the government, military, medical personnel, mental health personnel, women and children NGOs, and ministries, should synergised to holistically handle the case of Chibok girls.

“Moreso, the treatment approach should not be a ‘quick fix type’ but should be sustainable and meet their long term needs or medical and mental conditions,’’ Ajiboye said.

The 82 rescued girls were handed over to the Federal Government by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on May 6.

President Muhammadu Buhari received the girls before leaving for London later in the night for medical check-up. (NAN)
OEO/MST

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola