ACMPN: Many Nigerians Not Seeking Help For Mental Health
According to the Association for Counselling, Matchmaking and Psychotherapy of Nigeria (ACMPN), many Nigerians were faced mental difficulties without seeking help. They have observed that many of the challenges that Nigeria is facing can be addressed by fixing the mental health challenges of the citizens.
Dr. Tolulope Oko-Igaire, the President of the association, stated, “We feel that the problems facing Nigeria have to do with a mind problem, people think it’s poverty, it’s not poverty. It is what I call the poverty of the mind, if we have a change of mindset, everything will be fixed in this country.”
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She made this statement at a briefing to commemorate the International Mental Health Awareness Week with the theme “Loneliness”, held in Lagos. She said that the purpose of the Mental Health Awareness week was to sensitize Nigerians on the need to be more concerned about their mental health.
The association also embarked on an awareness walk which started from Lekki Central Mosque in Lagos to sensitize members of the public on mental health. Dr. Oko-Igaire, however, disclosed that the association had declared free counselling which would last for one year to sensitise Nigerians on the importance of mental health.
ACMPN also urged that Nigerians take up the habit of regular consultations with therapists, mental health counsellors, among others, to embrace healthy living, and stay out of loneliness and other mental health issues.
According to Dr. Oko-Igaire, the association is non-governmental and non-profit-oriented with members who are professionals, passionate and dedicated to helping humanity.
She explained that despite the long-held belief that therapy is only meant for people who seem weak and have low self-esteem, there is no category of people that is protected from mental health difficulties.
