The Orunsii Welcare Foundation has called on Lagosians to take action on early warning signs of mental health challenges, as cases remain grossly underreported in the state. According to the foundation's Secretary, Board of Trustees, Dr Laja Odunuga, many residents are living with anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders without seeking help. He made this statement at the World Mental Health Day sensitisation programme organised by the foundation in conjunction with the Office of the First Lady of Lagos State.
Dr Odunuga attributed the underreporting of mental health problems to stigma, inadequate awareness, and reluctance to discuss emotional difficulties. He urged people experiencing depression, anxiety, or persistent sleep difficulties to talk to trusted persons and seek appropriate support. Additionally, he warned those receiving such disclosures to maintain confidentiality. The programme aimed to take mental health awareness to the community, bringing together market women, traders, artisans, religious groups, and community organisations.
Lagos State First Lady, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, also emphasised the importance of recognising early warning signs of mental health challenges. She urged residents to pay attention to sudden changes in behaviour, such as withdrawal, loss of interest in social interaction, and other noticeable behavioural changes. Sanwo-Olu stated that early recognition could help people experiencing mental health difficulties receive support. She also encouraged Lagos residents to give a listening ear to people experiencing mental health challenges.
The programme included training for representatives of different groups, including market women, traders, artisans, women's groups, sociocultural organisations, churches, and mosques. Dr Odunuga said the foundation selected these representatives to participate in the training so they could take the knowledge back to their communities. The goal was to empower them to cascade this training to their respective communities.
Dr Oluseyi Adesola, Medical Director of Badagry General Hospital, called for stronger social support networks around people experiencing mental health challenges. He identified substance abuse as a major mental health concern and warned that hospitals could not tackle the problem alone. Adesola advocated for early intervention involving families, schools, healthcare workers, religious organisations, and other community institutions.
The Chairman, Badagry Local Government Area, Babatunde Hunpe, pledged to extend the lessons from the programme to schools, churches, and families. World Mental Health Day is observed annually on October 10, and the 2026 theme is "Lived Experiences Shared: Real Voices, Real Change." The programme aimed to promote mental health awareness and encourage community involvement in addressing mental health challenges.
The Orunsii Welcare Foundation's initiative aligns with the Lagos State government's efforts to promote mental health awareness. By engaging with community leaders and residents, the foundation hopes to reduce the stigma associated with mental health challenges and encourage people to seek help when needed. The programme is a step towards creating a supportive environment for people experiencing mental health difficulties.
Key points
- Orunsii Welcare Foundation urges Lagosians to speak openly about mental health challenges
- Early recognition of mental health warning signs can help people receive support
- Community involvement is crucial in addressing mental health challenges in Lagos State
