Medic advocates elimination of stigma associated with mental depression, illnesses

Tribune Online
Medic advocates elimination of stigma associated with mental depression, illnesses

A Mental Health Expert, Dr Afeez Enifeni, on Monday called for the elimination of stigma and beliefs associated with mental depression and illnesses in the country.

Enifeni, immediate past President, Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba (FNPHY), spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on effects of depression.

NAN reports that depression is a mental health condition marked by an overwhelming feeling of sadness, isolation and despair that affects how a person thinks, feels and functions.

According to Enifeni, the belief by some people that persons with mental health illness or depression may not function well is wrong.

“It is only an indicator of underlying disease when feelings become excessive and interfere with daily living,’’ he said.

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The expert said that depression could be normal but that the stigma and negative impressions about mental issues were worsened by culture, belief, social media, movies and displays on the internet.

He suggested the need to be more lenient and cautious with the way the character of persons with mental illnesses was displayed in movies and social media.

“It is unfortunate that some people get carried away with what they watch in movies and social media. Some believe that anyone who has mental illness has lower chances of functioning well and may be treated with contempt,’’ he said.

Enifeni said that mental depression or disorder like other ailments could be treated and managed and the patient would be fully normal as an early diagnosis was important.

He listed causes of mental depression to include restlessness, stress, anxiety, financial troubles, repeatedly going over thoughts, childhood trauma, job loss and divorce.

The medical expert further said that certain medical conditions such as under-active thyroid gland, cancer, heart disease, prolonged pain and other significant illnesses might also trigger depression.

“Imbalance in the brain’s signalling chemicals, most times is responsible for mental depression in many patients.

“Depression can affect people of all ages, races and socioeconomic classes and can strike at any time.

“People with depression may experience a variety of symptoms but most commonly is a deep feeling of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities,’’ Enifeni said.

He said that early diagnosis of mental depression was necessary for appropriate medications, noting that untreated mental depression increases the risk of alcohol, drug abuse, suicide, anxiety, social isolation and relationship conflicts.

He said that depression treatment could involve psychotherapy, medications or a combination of the two.

Enifeni said that prescription of drugs called antidepressants helped alter mood by affecting naturally-occurring brain chemicals.

Medic advocates elimination of stigma associated with mental depression, illnesses
Tribune Online