Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Samuel Ali and other stakeholders in the healthcare sector have commended The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for organizing a mental health awareness conference which focused on the challenges and opportunities for improving mental health in the society today.
The Commissioner who was represented by the Director of Nursing Services, Ministry of Health, Patricia Osazuwa, during the 2023 Mental Health Awareness Conference organized by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints in Benin City said the topic, “Depression: Prevention, Responding and Supporting” is very apt.
According to him, “mental health is the complete well being of the individual and depression is the main form of mental challenge. The situation in Nigeria today can lead to mental stress. But when we are our brother’s keeper, we are able to cope through the circumstances we find ourselves.”
“In our homes, a problem shared is a problem solved and we must not stigmatize people, rather we should show them love and help them seek for solutions to their problems,” he noted
The second counselor in West Africa Area Presidency, Elder Alfred Kyungu, in his message encouraged members to show love to those in depression at all times and foster environment of open dialogue.
The annual conference which is being held from one country to another was described by members and participants as an eye opener after listening to the various speakers who focused on identifying factors that can contribute to emotional challenges, strategies for preventing and managing the symptoms of depression, providing support for individuals experiencing depression, utilizing church resources to navigate feelings of depression and identifying and accessing online/community resources.
In her presentation titled, “factors that can lead to Emotional challenges”, Mrs. Veronica Effiong, advised on the need to be able to cope with the normal stress of life and to cope with yourself, work productively and be able to make a contribution to the community.
Also, Dr. Olaniyi Oyeniran Ayilara and Mrs. Martha Mensah who spoke on Diagnosis and Treatment options for depression and impact of depression on families and caregivers respectively, commended the church’s advocacy on how to address depression and other pathology problems.
According to Mrs. Martha Mensah, “Depression is an illness that can be treated and managed. It can create a negative atmosphere at home. Depression is real, let us be open to conversations, avoid blame and set realistic expectation.
“Depression is a battle that can be won with the right resources and mindset. The greatest therapy is friendship and love and we should know that anybody can have mental health challenge, therefor we should help them solve the problem.”
