In a significant development, Dr. Adedotun Esan, the Founder of the Mental Health Ditty Foundation, has called for the integration of mental health services into the nation’s primary healthcare system. This impassioned plea was made during the inaugural symposium of the foundation, where Dr. Esan emphasized the critical importance of offering tailored mental health support to individuals of all demographics, including women, men, and children, to help them navigate daily life challenges and effectively manage their emotions.
The symposium, titled “Achieving Social Inclusion through Community Kindness,” provided a platform for Dr. Esan to share her personal experiences with mental health challenges. She stated, “I can relate to anyone going through such circumstances and provide the necessary help. If not, individuals can be referred to appropriate places to receive adequate help.” Her words underscored the urgency of addressing mental health concerns within the broader healthcare framework.
Dr. Esan also highlighted the crucial role that government involvement and public awareness play in addressing mental health issues. She commended the recent enactment of a Mental Health Act, signed by a former president, as a significant step forward. The Founder of the Mental Health Ditty Foundation expressed optimism that this growing momentum will continue to drive progress in this critical area.
Furthermore, Dr. Esan called upon the government to decriminalize suicide attempts in Nigeria, advocating for a more compassionate approach to individuals in distress. She stressed, “Let us give them help and not put them behind bars because that will cause more problems for them.”
Addressing the multifaceted barriers faced by individuals struggling with mental health issues, Dr. Oyelohunnu Motunrayo, a psychiatric consultant and panelist at the symposium, highlighted biases at individual and family levels, societal practices, and government policies as major obstacles. She emphasized the importance of fostering empathy, acceptance, and inclusivity as essential tools in overcoming these challenges.
With World Mental Health Day just around the corner, scheduled for October 10th, Dr. Esan called for a more inclusive approach to shaping mental health policies, acknowledging the existing policies in Nigeria and the pressing need for their effective implementation to enhance the lives of the nation’s citizens.
Dr. Adedotun Esan’s passionate call for the integration of mental health services into primary healthcare marks a significant step towards addressing the mental health needs of the Nigerian population. As the nation continues to grapple with these pressing issues, the emphasis on compassion, understanding, and inclusivity becomes ever more crucial in achieving a healthier and more resilient society
