Delight Chinedum
National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) has called on Nigerians to take their health and well-being seriously.
Capoon, Honduras Deck, Awka chapter, Dr. Vincent Onwughalu gave the advice during a five day medical mission as part of activities marking 2025 World Health Day.
The outreach, in partnership with Nedal Psychological Clinic, Awka, Anambra state was targeted at addressing rise of mental health problems in the state.
Onwughalu who regretted that mental health was yet to be given the desired attention, stressed that people need to be alive and healthy, to enjoy the fruits of their labour.
“We need to be alive and healthy, to enjoy the fruits of labour. In this part of the world, mental health is yet to be given the desired attention.
“I enjoin the members of the press, especially the journalists who cover health, to join the advocacy for the awareness,” he added.
According to Onwughalu the Mental Health Fair is part of the association’s concerted efforts to promote access to health care.
“NAS Medical Mission is the association’s special purpose vehicle to reach out to those who do not have access to health care.
“The ongoing Mental Health Fair is part of the association’s concerted efforts to promote access to health care in commemoration of the World Health Day 2025 in our own immediate environment.
“Different decks of the association globally are also carrying out various activities and events that are health and wellbeing related based on the peculiarities of their respective immediate environments for the benefit of the public.
“Given the level of hardship in the country and how this impacts the mental state of people, it became imperative to create an avenue where professionals in the field of mental health can attend to the members of the public who leverage the opportunity of Mental Health Fair provided by the association.
“In this case, beyond the consultations with the professionals for screening, assessment, diagnosis, etc, at least ten (10) persons whose cases are considered to be beyond benign would be escalated for treatment.
“Furthermore, those who attended the Fair and those who listened to us over the radio know that they can easily access our partner in this event, Nedal Psychological Clinic, Awka, any day in person and/or virtually.
“Importantly, it is not a one-off event. As far as the conditions that cause depression, anxiety, suicide, suicide ideation, etc, are prevalent in our environment, we will continue to come up with similar events based on the findings of our research.
“Credible organizations that share our vision of a just and egalitarian society, where no one is a victim of discrimination, marginalization, colour, sex, belief, etc, are at liberty to partner with us. We are open for functional partnerships and effective collaborations.”
Consultant Clinical Psychologist/Mental Health Expert and the MD/CEO, Nedal Psychological Clinic, Awka, Prof. Nnaemeka Abamara described mental health as collective response to behavioural changes.
He identified mental health as a bigger health issue as most Nigerians hardly take care of their mental health.
“Mental health is part of a bigger health issue because most Nigerians do not take care of their mental health, which can affect their general health.
“Good mental health will enable a person to live a life free of stress. People should pay attention to their mental health.
Abamara, a University Don attributed some root causes of mental health among Nigerians to abuse of drugs, economic meltdown and high price of commodities.
He said such vices lead to excruciating mental problems such as depression, stress, anxiety disorder, and bipolar disorder, as a result of inability to pay school fees, feed, pay rent, among others.
He advised the public to seek the services of a clinical psychologist/consultant for expert advice and prophylaxis, do things like relaxing the mind, exercise, sightseeing and do little you can and leave the rest for nature.
“People should reduce stress, including working from January to December without taking time for vacation to rest,” he added.
On his part, Vincent Uwukhor, Second Mate, Blizzard Deck maintained that despite the growing awareness of health and wellness, many communities still lack access to reliable, preventative care resources and lifestyle education.
“Mental Health issues is a public health concern and must be taken seriously this advocacy is needed to bridge this gap by offering accessible wellness services and raising awareness of practical steps individuals can take to improve their health.
“This initiative is designed to bring these resources directly to the community in a relatable and engaging format.
“Raising awareness around preventive health practices and accessible wellness resources, facilitate community interaction with health and wellness providers, to promote Blizzard Deck’s community health initiatives, provide free blood pressure screenings and personalized health advice and encourage sustainable Mental Behavioral lifestyle changes among community participants are some key plans put in place to ensure a progressive society.
Project Officer and Second Mate, Honduras Deck, Emmanuel Udeh said the initiative to host the event was as a result of the abnormality in the country where people are under strains, struggling with economic hardship.
“You notice an increase in stress and depression and we observed particularly among students, incidences of [attempted] suicide and regular complaints by academics.
“As a responsible organization known for foresights, instead of waiting to see the worst, we decided to take proactive steps where we can address this issue rather than allow the individuals to deteriorate to that level of degeneration, taking drugs, self-harm, or suicide ideation.
“We say, let’s allow them to talk to professionals and share their concerns, that way we are investing in their future and our collective sustenance,” Udeh added.
The event themed, “Mental Health Fair: Guarding our Future and Protecting Youth’s Minds” also featured 5 days Psychological screening, consultations and counselling services.