By Milcah Tanimu
The Nigerian Army and various stakeholders have initiated a campaign to raise awareness about mental health among military personnel and other security agencies. This effort aims to address cases of stress disorder and mental health challenges faced by personnel in operational contexts.
The Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC), in collaboration with the Department of Army Transformation and Innovation and Peace Building Development Consult, has commenced a three-day Mental Health Resilience and Wellness Course (MHRWC 3) in Abuja.
Maj.-Gen. Garba Wahab, the Director General of NARC (represented by retired Maj.-Gen. Joseph Orokpo), emphasized the significance of mental health awareness for the military, paramilitary, and the nation as a whole. Instances of soldiers exhibiting stress-related behaviors, such as indiscriminate shootings, have highlighted the importance of addressing mental health issues.
The objective of the course is to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to identify mental health concerns among personnel. This awareness will enable them to provide advice to commanders and offer appropriate treatment to affected individuals, thereby promoting mental well-being in the operational areas.
Dr. Omoyemu Dike-Osuhor, a Consultant Psychiatrist from the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), emphasized the role of the brain as the control center of the body, influencing emotions, intelligence, judgment, and behavior. For security personnel who often make critical decisions during operations, maintaining mental health is vital to ensure sound judgment and reduce the risk of poor decisions leading to loss of life.
Dike-Osuhor highlighted the need for early detection and intervention in mental health issues, from grassroots primary healthcare centers to tertiary levels. She emphasized the importance of counseling and psychotherapy alongside medical treatment.
She urged military personnel to recognize that even though their training focuses on resilience and toughness, everyone is susceptible to stress affecting the brain. Seeking help when feeling overwhelmed is crucial to avoiding negative outcomes.
This campaign underscores the growing recognition of mental health as a vital aspect of overall well-being, especially in high-stress professions like the military.