Mediaage NG News – ABUJA, Nigeria
The African Mental Health and Wellness Conference, organised by the founders of the Africa Women Impact Summit was held on Friday in Abuja , the Nigerian capital, with the aim of addressing crucial aspects of well-being that significantly impacts the lives of individuals, families, and communities across Africa.
The conference provided a platform to advocate for mental health awareness and holistic wellness, areas which according to the founders, Dr. David Egwu and Dr.Utchay Odims, are vital to the overall health of the society but, often overlooked.
According to a joint statement issued by the duo, through the conference, crucial conversations had, “will lead to shared valuable insights and inspire actionable strategies to promote mental health and total well-being in Africa.
The conference had panelists that spoke on the topic “Breaking The Stigma: Mental Health Awareness and Advocacy, while the second panelists discussed on “Wholistic Wellness: Integrating Physical Health and Beauty For Mental Wellbeing.
Mental health is not madness.
At the conference, founder of Gemini Luxury Homes, Nikki Ufondu said not just women are the victims of mental health but, men too.
“I know about men who are battling with their mental health. The fight for stable mental health should be for everyone. I would love the society to understand that mental health is not madness, it can be anybody.
“At a point in our lives, some of us have passed through mental health issues whether we know or realise it or not. So, it should not have a stigma at all”, she said.
Peace is the most important thing you can give yourself.
The Federal Commissioner, Federal Character Commission representing Enugu State, Hon. Commissioner Ginika Tor said mental health is a societal problem, affecting many, especially females.
She said the problem which has its cause in different aspects of the society, including the economic state of the country, can be tackled first from a self point of view. Therefore, solutions must be drawn out of readjusting one’s daily activities to suit the present.
“The issue of the economy affects everybody, including the government, not just the citizens. At that point, it boils down to how you take it in. The best thing is to think of a solution which is to cut down on expenses, she said.
“It’s just a phase I believe will pass and while it lasts, how do you let it sink? If you allow it to affect you mentally without the solution, it makes you spend more.
“But, when you understand that it could cause you that problem, and you try to fight it however you can, if you are relaxing before, you could do with striving more to earn more to survive this times.
“Whatever you see here happens everywhere around the globe. The reason it’s a bit better there is because they are advanced and we are still growing and can get there”.
Mrs. Tor said the earlier the society starts understanding the need to create public value for mental health, the better. “What value do you create”? She asked.
“I can help and you can help me too. Sharing does not mean material things, it could be in words. Peace is the most important thing you can give it to yourself, while you wait and see how things pan out. While doing that, engage in things that are not trivial. Save yourself from things that will give you trouble. Be at places that give you value and where you can make impacts”, she added.