By Abbas Bamalli
The Wife of the Katsina State Governor, Hajiya Zulaihat Radda, has advocated regular mental check-up to prevent depression among the adult population.
Radda made the advocacy during the commemoration of the 2024 World Mental Health Day, held on Thursday in Katsina, with the theme, “It’s time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace”.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor’s wife was represented at the event by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Hadiza Yar’adua.
She said that the programme was aimed at raising awareness about mental health issues and encouraging efforts to support those experiencing such issues.
“Raising awareness reduces the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness and seeking treatment.
“Mental illness contributes to higher medical expenses, poor performance at school and work, less employment opportunities and increased risk of diseases,” she said.
Earlier, the President, Medical Women Association of Nigeria, Dr Asma’u Usman, said the event recognises the profound importance of mental health in lives and workplaces.
“We gather to spotlight two critical issues: the importance of prioritising mental health in the workplace and the growing concern about depression among young adults.
“In this busy, ever-connected world of ours, the line between work and personal life has become increasingly blurred.
“This blurring brought with it new challenges to our mental well-being.
“The workplace is more than just a place where we earn a living.
“It is a significant part of our lives that can greatly influence our overall wellbeing.
“Employers have a responsibility to create an environment where mental health is not just acknowledged but actively supported,” Usman said.
She said they should also implement policies that promote work-life balance, offer mental health resources, and encourage open conversations about mental health without stigmatisation.
According to her, it’s time to recognise that a healthy workplace is not just about physical safety, but also creating an environment that supports and nurtures mental health.
“In our fast-paced world, where the pressures of work, social media, and personal expectations often collide, mental health challenges are increasingly common.
“Young adults, in particular, face unique hurdles as they navigate the transition into adulthood by balancing education, early career aspirations, and the quest for identity.
“Unfortunately, these pressures can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression.
“Depression can manifest in various ways, and it’s often overlooked or misinterpreted.
“Young adults may not always express their struggles verbally but may show changes in their school or work performance, increased absenteeism, or withdrawal from social interactions,” she said.
Usman also said that “educating ourselves and our teams on the signs of depression could foster an atmosphere, where individuals feel safe to seek help”.
Part of the events organised through the pet project of the governor’s wife, Safe Space Humanitarian Initiative (SASHIN), was a discussion panel, which handled issues related to mental health.
NAN
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