A Professor of Public Mental Health, Prof. Abiodun Adewuya, says between 20 and 40 per cent of patients who visited health facilities do so for mentally oriented problems.
Adewuya, who works at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, made this known at the Lagos State Continuing Medical Education organised by the State Ministry of Health in Lagos.
Its theme was: “Improving Quality Healthcare.”
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“Patients visit the facilities complaining about physical problems, but by the time you ask the questions deeply, you realise they are coming, because of either behavioural, psychological, or mental health problems.
“So, that is why we must realise that in our environment, mental health problems are burdensome and prevalent,” he said.
Adewuya said that a mental health survey carried out by mental health specialists in Lagos showed that between 10 and 20 per cent of Lagosians had some symptoms that probably would need interventions.
According to him, those interventions can be low level in order to manage the symptoms.
“So, we have a burden and that burden can affect physical wellbeing, work environment and productivity.
“There are illnesses that do not kill, but have a high level of morbidity and disability; it makes sure you are ill, and not functional.
“These are two reasons that mental health should be critically taken care of in any society,’’ he said.
Adewuya urged the public, especially workers to know their capabilities at their workplaces in order to manage stress.
He said: “Most of us take on things we should not take on; the work environment should be made in such a way that it should be stimulating.
“We must make sure that policymakers are able to provide an environment and have rules to make it easier for productivity.
“Make sure you relax which involves, for example, going to the beach, exercise, go out with family members; as a worker, make sure you take your annual leave.”
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