..Will Soon Commence Depression Treatment In 57 PHCs
By Chioma Umeha
Worried about the increasing rate of suicide in
the state, the Lagos State Government has rolled out new plans to tackle the
menace, even as it said that the current recession has made mental condition a
public health concern.
Announcing this to journalists on Friday was Dr.
Jide Idris, the Commissioner of Health, who also said the State Government will
soon start treatment of depression and other common mental health disorders in
all 57 flagship primary healthcare (PHC) centres.
He spoke at the press conference to mark the World
Health Day, with the theme: “Depression: Let’s Talk.”
Idris stressed that the growing cases of suicide
in Lagos was worrisome and that efforts must be made to nip it in the bud.
“As evidenced by the recent disturbing news of
suicide and suicidal attempts, a densely populated and metropolitan city- state
like Lagos is not exempt from the challenges associated with increasing
prevalence of depression and other mental health issues. The current recession
even makes the experience in Nigeria a public health concern at a time when
joblessness, homelessness, and hopelessness affect so many with the current
economic downturn,” he stated.
Depression, a mental disorder is a major cause of
suicide.
Statistics released by the World Health
Organisation (WHO) shows that 300 million people are now living with
depression, an increase of more than 18 per cent between 2005 and 2015.
Depression is chacterised by sadness, loss of
interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or
appetite, feelings of tiredness, and poor concentration.
Similarly, depression is a leading cause of
disability worldwide and a major contributor to overall burden of disease.
In view of the growing and worrisome suicide
events that have occurred, the State Government considers it necessary to
inform the populace about suicide and the common causes with depression being
the first on the list, “So, we must talk,” Idris emphasised.
To this effect, the State has opened two help
lines – 08058820777 and 09030000741 – through which residents can ask
questions, make enquiries and seek help from professionals early enough to
allow for appropriate intervention, the Lagos State Health boss announced.
“I must stress that there are people available to
help. So, “Let’s Talk” …if you are a student, “Let’s Talk”, if you are parent,
“Let’s Talk”, You feel alone in the world,” Let’s Talk.” Please be assured that
Lagos State is committed to ensure the Public Health safety of all its
residents and we are working to ensure that we live safe and healthy lives, as
we chase our dreams and work towards self-actualisation,” he restated.
“Suicide is a major public health concern, but
preventable. It does not discriminate, thus affecting people of all ages,
genders and ethnicities. Main risk factors include depression, other mental
disorders including substance abuse disorder.
“Many suicides occur in moments of crisis with a
breakdown in the ability to deal with life stresses such as financial problems,
relationship breakup or chronic pain and illness.
“In addition, experiencing conflict, disaster,
violence, abuse or loss and a sense of isolation are strongly associated with
suicidal behaviour. Suicide rates are also high among vulnerable groups who
experience discrimination, such as refugees and migrants and prisoners,” he
added.
The Commissioner added: “Depression can impair an
individual’s ability to function at work or school or cope with daily life. In
its most severe form, depression can lead to suicide.
However, Idris restated that depression can be
prevented or managed.
According to him, the current situation calls for
a change in the attitudes that perpetuate stigma and discrimination that have
isolated people in the past. ”
“The cases of suicide in the state have further
substantiated that mental health deserves much higher strategic priority and it
is a signal with an articulate and unified voice behind it.”
On mental health, the commissioner said the
ministry had established a Mental Health Advisory/Stakeholders’ Group to
conduct a situation analysis, proffer innovative solutions and map out an
implementation plan for reducing the burden of mental health problems in Lagos.
He said the group was made up of academics, policy
makers, NGOs, researchers, clinicians and service users, with the department of
Behavioural Medicine, LASUCOM forming the core of the think – tank team to
bridge the gap.
“Following this, the Ministry of Health in
collaboration with the Department of Behavioural Medicine, Ministry of Youth
and Social Development and the Ministry of Justice are working on repealing and
replacing the existing Mental Health Law to meet current global realities.
“We now have a draft of the new Mental Health
Bill. This bill is presently at an advanced stage, with renewed efforts, the
law should be presented as an executive bill to the Lagos State House of
Assembly soon.”
On his part, a Consultant Psychiatrist at the
Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, Prof. Abiodun Adewuya said:
“Per week in Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, we have nothing
less than 2 to 3 mentally ill destitute that are picked from the streets,
treated free. “For suicides, the rate seems to be high and there is focus on it
now and the methodology is bizarre,” he added.
