The National Association of Seadogs (NAS), Pyrates Confraternity, Sahara Deck, Abuja City Centre, has called for increase awareness on mental health issues in Abuja environs.

The call is made in a statement signed by NAS Capoon, Sahara Deck, Abuja City Centre, Mr Olamide Oni, and issued to newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja to commemorate the 2023 World Mental Health Day, celebrated annually on Oct. 10.

The theme for the 2023 World Mental Health Day is “Mental heath is a universal human right”.

However, Oni said that the economic challenges facing Nigeria have taken a toll on the mental wellbeing of its citizens, adding that many families in Abuja and across the country struggle to meet basic needs due to the rising cost of living.

He said that the situation had led to severe mental health issues, affecting both adults and children.

The Capoon said that students whose parents can no longer afford education fees face depression and anxiety, underscoring the urgent need for mental health support in the education sector.

He disclosed that the rise in drug abuse had become another significant contributor to mental health issues in our society, adding that addressing this crisis must be a priority to safeguard the mental health of the citizens.

“Furthermore, the worsening security situation, including incidents of kidnapping and “one chance” scams in the FCT, has left many residents traumatized.

“Unfortunately, there is a lack of adequate mental health support for survivors of such traumatic events, exacerbating their psychological distress.

“To address these pressing challenges, NAS, Sahara Deck (Abuja City Centre) has called on the Federal Government, through the FCT Minister, to take action.

He called on the Federal Government to increase funding for mental health facilities across Abuja and the entire country.

Oni also called for investment in the training of mental health experts who can provide support in schools and workplaces and mandate mental heath awareness campaigns in all educational institutions and workplaces.

He also called on the authorities to tackle economic, security, and drug abuse issues that contribute to mental health challenges, as well as establish toll-free helplines for citizens to report mental health concerns.

The Capoon also called on the Federal Government, through the FCT minister, to make existing helplines more effective and accessible.

Oni also solicited raising more awareness about mental health which, he said, is paramount to destigmatize the issue and encourage those in need of help.
He said that by implementing these measures and addressing drug abuse, the country will combat the rising cases of mental heath challenges and suicides in Abuja and Nigeria as a whole.