Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has warned of rising mental health pressure in the workplace.
In a message personally signed by her on Thursday to mark this year’s World Mental Health Day, the First Lady while noting
this year’s theme, “It’s Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace,” expressed concern that dissatisfaction among workers is rising, impacting mental wellbeing and productivity.
She also stressed that stigma often prevents individuals from seeking help, delaying diagnosis and recovery.
Mrs Tinubu urged Nigerians to seek early medical help and counseling to improve recovery outcomes and reduce mental health challenges both at work and in the society.
World Mental Health Day takes place every year on October 10 to spotlight mental health around the world, raise awareness of mental health issues and encourage efforts to support those experiencing mental health issues.
The First Lady’s release stated, inter alia:
“Today I join the rest of the world to commemorate the Mental Health Awareness Day.
“This year’s theme “It’s Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace “is timely especially in times like this when most people feel dissatisfied at the work place for several reasons, that could affect one’s mental wellbeing.
“Emotions bottled up is the beginning of mental health issues and challenges that confront individuals.
“If there were no fears of stigmatization, people will tend to speak openly about their struggles, thus leading to early diagnosis thereby improving recovery outcomes.
With love and support , mental health issues will be drastically reduced within and outside the work place.
“Let us all commit to improving mental health awareness and enjoin individuals to seek medical help and counseling early .
Please be your brother’s keeper for a safer society.”
Deji Elumoye
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