NIGERIA/Ogun - "On monthly basis, we have record of 250 to 300 patient in our hospital.
I am not talking about those ones who are already with us.
These are the new patients.
"Half of all mental illness begins by the age of 14, but most cases go undetected and untreated. In terms of
the burden of the disease among adolescents, depression is the third leading cause. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds. Harmful use of alcohol and illicit drugs among adolescents is a major issue in many countries and can lead to risky behaviours such as unsafe sex, dangerous driving and crimes.
"Investment by governments and the involvement of social, health, education sector and the media in comprehensive, integrated, evidence-based programmes for the mental health of young people is essential.
"This investment should be linked to programmes to raise awareness among adolescents and young adults on ways to look after their mental health, and to peers, parents and teachers know how to support their friends, children and students."
■ Words of the Provost and Medical Director of Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Dr. Timothy Adewale, saying between 250 to 300 mentally ill persons are admitted monthly into the hospital.
No comments:
Post a Comment