The Chief Medical Director of Grey Hub Therapeutic, Dr Sola Olowookere, has raised concern over the lack of policy and funding to tackle mental health issues in Nigeria, which according to him is responsible for the increase in mental health challenges.
Olowookere made this observation during the opening ceremony of Grey Hub Therapeutic Centre in Ikeja, Lagos on Wednesday.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that globally one out of every four people will be impacted by poor mental health or mental illness at some point in their lives. 350 million people worldwide suffer from depression.
Olowookere, therefore, called on the government to prioritise mental wellness through legislation and proper funding as people are going through a lot in life and they need where they can get respite.
“There has been an increase in the usage of illicit substances as well as mental illnesses such as addiction, depression and suicide that needs urgent intervention which accounts for why this therapeutic centre was setup to fill in that gap. With this, people can have access to latest psychological intervention in form of counselling and treatment in a serene environment at an affordable price,” he added.
Similarly, a medical expert at the event, Dr Kunle Oladehin, applauded the efforts of the chief medical director, for setting up the facility which he compares with what is obtainable in overseas, adding that stigmatization is making people shy away from seeking help.
“We need to raise more awareness so that people can stop stigmatizing people who are having mental health issues so that they can get help from a place like. I am pleased with what he has put in place which is a home-away-from-home facility.”
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