The Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital (FNPH), Benin City, joined the global celebration of World Mental Health Awareness Day by organizing a symposium on Thursday, October 10, 2024. This year’s theme, “It’s Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace”, brought attention to the increasing importance of mental well-being in work environments. It is worthy of note that since 1992, World Mental Health Awareness Day has been marked annually on October 10 to promote awareness and advocacy for mental health issues worldwide.
The symposium opened with remarks from the Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Imafidon Osama Agbonile, who was represented by Dr G.O. Owie, Acting Head of Clinical Services. While welcoming participants, Dr Owie highlighted the timeliness of the theme, noting the immense stress and challenges that many individuals face in their workplaces today.
Delivering his insightful lecture that centres on, “It’s Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace”, the keynote speaker, Dr Ambrose O. Lawani, Chief Consultant Psychiatrist disclosed that the theme was thoughtfully chosen by the World Federation for Mental health to shed light on widespread workplace mental health issues, particularly depression and anxiety. Citing the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr Lawani defined mental health as “a state of well-being in which an individual realizes their own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, works productively, and is able to contribute to their community”.
Dr Lawani further outlined the characteristics of toxic work environments, including poor communication, harassment, inadequate compensation, career stagnation, bullying, excessive workload, low morale, ineffective leadership, and underutilization of skills. He warned that these factors contribute significantly to mental health challenges and emphasized the importance of early identification and intervention. He also noted the symptoms of mental health issues such as suicidal thoughts, emotional outbursts, irritability, neglect of personal hygiene, high-risk behaviours, social withdrawal, and substance abuse. He recommended practical strategies for maintaining mental well-being, including stress management techniques, regular physical exercise, adequate sleep, and a healthy work-life balance.
Adding to the discussion, Dr J.O. Ariyo, Head of Clinical Psychology Unit of the hospital, elucidated on the keynote lecture. She emphasized the importance of physical exercise, regular breaks, supportive social networks at work, and seeking help when necessary, as effective measures for managing mental health in the workplace.
In her closing remarks, Dr A.O. Archibong, Consultant Psychiatrist and one of the key organizers of the symposium, expressed appreciation to the Medical Director for supporting the event, noting that “the event reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to addressing mental health issues, especially within the workplace, as part of its broader mission to promote mental well-being in the community”. She further acknowledged that while the hospital had previously conducted its mental health awareness campaigns outside the hospital, this year’s theme prompted a shift toward raising awareness internally among staff. She also extended her gratitude to the presenters, participants, and the organizing committee members for their contributions to the success of the symposium.
Favour Osahon Usiobaifo
Information & Public Relations Unit