Dr Auwal Salihu, a neuro-psychiatric consultant has advised Nigerians not to stigmatise people with mental health condition after they had been treated. Salihu, the Coordinator, Mental Health Awareness Programme, a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), gave this advice at an enlightenment campaign in Katsina state, northern Nigeria.
According to Salihu, it is high time that Nigerians drop the habit of maltreating people discharged from the hospitals after receiving treatment.
The coordinator, who is with the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital in Kano state, was in Katsina state to sensitise the public on the dangers of maltreating psychiatric patients after treatment.
The coordinator advised traditional and religious leaders to educate people on the ways to embrace patients of mental illness after treatments.
Salihu disclosed that there were three types of mental illness; manifesting mild, moderate and severe mental problems.
“The mental illness can be psychological, social disorder or self induced mental case through the intake of illicit drugs. Mental illness can also be caused by genetic factor, environment, infection, parent’s style, stress, depression and sleep disorder,” he said.
He said mental illness can be treated through the identification and promotion of good mental health hygiene and therapy, rehabilitation, and drug abuse prevention.
Salihu called on youth clubs and associations to embark on enlightenment campaigns against drug abuse in the society.
He urged youths to advise friends against bad habit of drug abuse and encourage them to embrace sporting activities for good health.
