Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu Urges Early Intervention In Mental Health Challenges

By:Onifade Samuel

Lagos State First Lady, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has called for early intervention and greater awareness in addressing mental health challenges, urging families and communities to pay attention to changes in the behaviour of people around them.

Sanwo-Olu made the call during a mental health awareness programme held in Badagry, Lagos State, where she stressed the need for people experiencing emotional or psychological difficulties to receive timely support.

She noted that sudden changes in behaviour, including withdrawal from social activities and isolation, could be signs that an individual was experiencing emotional difficulties.

The First Lady urged families to create an environment where people can openly discuss their emotional struggles without fear of stigma or rejection. She also encouraged residents to seek professional assistance when necessary rather than ignoring early warning signs.

Sanwo-Olu further advised residents to take advantage of available healthcare services, including the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme, to make access to medical care easier and reduce the financial burden associated with treatment.

Speaking during the programme, stakeholders also emphasised the importance of community involvement in tackling mental health challenges.

They noted that mental health concerns can affect people across different age groups and social backgrounds, stressing that families, healthcare workers, religious organisations, community leaders and other groups all have roles to play in identifying people who may need help.

The stakeholders also highlighted substance abuse as one of the issues that can contribute to mental health challenges, calling for stronger preventive measures and early intervention at the community level.

The programme provided an opportunity to sensitise residents and community representatives on mental health, while encouraging them to promote understanding, support affected individuals and help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health conditions. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu Urges Early Intervention In Mental Health Challenges

By:Onifade Samuel

Lagos State First Lady, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has called for early intervention and greater awareness in addressing mental health challenges, urging families and communities to pay attention to changes in the behaviour of people around them.

Sanwo-Olu made the call during a mental health awareness programme held in Badagry, Lagos State, where she stressed the need for people experiencing emotional or psychological difficulties to receive timely support.

She noted that sudden changes in behaviour, including withdrawal from social activities and isolation, could be signs that an individual was experiencing emotional difficulties.

The First Lady urged families to create an environment where people can openly discuss their emotional struggles without fear of stigma or rejection. She also encouraged residents to seek professional assistance when necessary rather than ignoring early warning signs.

Sanwo-Olu further advised residents to take advantage of available healthcare services, including the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme, to make access to medical care easier and reduce the financial burden associated with treatment.

Speaking during the programme, stakeholders also emphasised the importance of community involvement in tackling mental health challenges.

They noted that mental health concerns can affect people across different age groups and social backgrounds, stressing that families, healthcare workers, religious organisations, community leaders and other groups all have roles to play in identifying people who may need help.

The stakeholders also highlighted substance abuse as one of the issues that can contribute to mental health challenges, calling for stronger preventive measures and early intervention at the community level.

The programme provided an opportunity to sensitise residents and community representatives on mental health, while encouraging them to promote understanding, support affected individuals and help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health conditions.