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From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
The Director, Federal Neuropsychiatrist Hospital, Enugu, Prof. Monday Igwe, has said one person commits suicide every 40 seconds around the world as a result of mental challenges.
Prof. Igwe disclosed this in his keynote address during a one day seminar organised for media practitioners in Abia State, by the Amaudo Integrated Community Mental Health Foundation, Itumbuzor, Abia State.
The seminar, which was put together by the management of the foundation, was not only aimed at raising awareness about mental health of Nigerians, but, also, used to draw attention of governments at all levels to the challenges of people living with mental illness.
Prof Igwe, represented by Dr. Okwudili Obayi, cautioned the media against applying derogatory language against people with mental problems. Prof. Igwe stated that the new Mental Health Act, signed by former President Muhamadu Buhari, has changed the narrative about how mentally challenged or distress issues are handled in the country.
He regretted that factors which make mental illness rampant are increasing in the society. He listed factors driving mental illness to include stress, tobacco abuse, alcoholism, cocaine, tramadol and caffeine abuse, among others.
The Director of the foundation, Very Rev. Kenneth Nwaubani, decried the attitude of Nigerians to persons with mental challenges. He said it was unfortunate that people with mental disorders are either discriminated against, sexually abused, extorted and exploited.
The director appealed to journalists to help in driving the crusade for a better place for people with mental problems through fair reportage, stressing that they should project and protect the rights of mentally challenged people. He revealed that the facility has been transformed from Amaudo Itumbuzor Centre for Mentally Ill Persons to an integrated community mental health foundation, where student nurses from different states come for academic learning.
“Apart from this, thousands of mentally ill persons have been rehabilitated, empowered and integrated back into society by the foundation since its inception.
He disclosed that presently, the centre has 64 residents who are receiving rehabilitation and care. He appealed for more funding from Abia State government, corporate organisations and able individuals, just as he called for the reconstruction of the Bende-Itumbauzo Road that leads to the area.
Rev Nwaubani commended the people of Amaudo Itumbuzo, the host community of the foundation, for their contributions in the growth of the foundation.
Chairman of Amaudo Integrated Community Health Foundation, Emma Ndukwe, disclosed that no residents in the facility were maltreated.
