Zakari Isah - Kaduna
In commemoration of World Mental Health Day scheduled every 10th October, the Women Models and Mentors Foundation has organized an initiative to raise awareness and sensitize the public on mental health, as a public health concern.
In a welcome remark at the ceremony which was held at the Gusau Institute, Kaduna, Hajiya Bilkisu Abba Ibrahim said "Anxiety also proves to be one of the prominent problems these days. A feeling of worry, nervousness or unease about something with an uncertain outcome, a certain fear about everyday situations".
"Anxiety disorders are the world’s most common mental disorders, affecting 301 million people in 2019.
More women are affected by anxiety disorders than men.
Symptoms of anxiety often have onset during childhood or adolescence.
There are highly effective treatments for anxiety disorders. Approximately 1 in 4 people with anxiety disorders receive treatment for this condition".
Hajiya Bilkisu said that World Mental Health Day 2023 is an opportunity for people and communities to unite behind the theme 'Mental health is a universal human to improve knowledge, raise awareness, and drive actions that promote and protect everyone's mental health as a universal human right.
According to her, "In recent years, there has been increasing acknowledgment of the important role mental health plays in achieving global development goals, as illustrated by the inclusion of mental health in the Sustainable Development Goals".
Speaking at the event, Dr Nafisa Hayatudeen, a consultant described anxiety as a normal physiological response but if persists beyond when and how it becomes an "anxiety disorder".
She said "Anxiety disorders are quite common in our society and account for significant loss of productivity. They are also frequently poorly identified, poorly understood, and relatively stigmatized, making the pathway to care tortuous and usually delayed".
"The role of awareness, education, and advocacy for mental illnesses can not be over-emphasized" Dr Nafisa added.
Meanwhile, over 250 people were screened for blood sugar (diabetics) and hypertension while those with severe cases were treated free.
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