By Ibironke Ariyo
The Vanguard Against Drug Abuse (VGADA) Specialist Rehabilitation Centre, has referred to as for inclusion of individuals with lived experiences of psychological well being challenges in efforts to enhance consciousness, entry to care and public understanding of psychological well being.
Dr Hope Omeiza, Executive Director of VGADA made the decision throughout an consciousness stroll organised to commemorate the 2026 World Mental Health Day on Saturday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) stories that the worldwide theme for the 2026 commemoration is “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change”.
Omeiza stated that the theme highlighted the significance of listening to individuals who have skilled psychological well being challenges and incorporating their views into the event of insurance policies, providers and interventions.
He emphasised the necessity to transfer past common consciousness campaigns to creating alternatives for folks with lived experiences to contribute to conversations and choices regarding their psychological well-being.
He famous that listening to affected individuals might assist enhance understanding of their wants, determine limitations to accessing care and encourage the event of extra responsive help programs.
The VGADA government director additionally highlighted the significance of addressing stigma and discrimination, which regularly discourage folks experiencing psychological well being difficulties from talking brazenly or looking for skilled help.
“Mental health is an essential component of overall well-being, influencing how individuals cope with stress, relate with others and manage everyday responsibilities.
“Stigma, misinformation and fear of discrimination can discourage people experiencing mental health difficulties from seeking professional help,”he stated.
Omeiza burdened the necessity for a supportive surroundings the place affected individuals might share their experiences with out concern of judgement and obtain acceptable care and help.
He nonetheless, highlighted the connection between psychological well being and substance abuse, an space related to VGADA’s drug abuse prevention and rehabilitation work.
“Substance use disorders can occur alongside mental health conditions, while harmful drug use may worsen certain psychological symptoms and create additional health and social difficulties.
“Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive interventions, including prevention, early identification, professional assessment, counselling, treatment and rehabilitation.
“People recovering from substance use disorders or mental health conditions may also require sustained support to facilitate their recovery and reintegration into society.
“The involvement of people with lived experiences in awareness campaigns can help challenge stereotypes, promote understanding and provide insights into the practical difficulties associated with accessing care,”he stated.
The VGADA chief urged federal, state and native governments, well being professionals, civil society organisations, group leaders and different stakeholders to work collectively to advertise psychological well-being and cut back the stigma related to psychological well being circumstances.
He additionally referred to as for insurance policies and interventions that recognise the experiences of affected individuals, noting that their views might assist stakeholders higher perceive the limitations to accessing care and develop extra responsive providers.
In his remarks, Mr. Kenneth Anetor, Founder, A New Thing International emphasised the significance of group participation in selling psychological well being consciousness and supporting folks experiencing psychological difficulties.
Anetor additionally underscored the significance of involving folks with lived experiences in community-based interventions .
“Their perspectives can help organisations better understand the challenges they faced and develop more responsive support systems.,”he maintained.
Also talking, Dr Jurbe Simon, Secretary of the National Association of Clinical Psychologists, highlighted the significance {of professional} help, early identification and acceptable intervention in addressing psychological well being challenges.
Simon emphasised the position of scientific psychologists in assessing psychological difficulties and offering evidence-based interventions tailor-made to people’ wants.
“It is important to listen to people receiving care, because their experiences can also help professionals understand treatment-related concerns and barriers to accessing mental health services,”he stated.
In her goodwill message, Ms Salma Aminu, Mayor of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Abuja chapter, stated that the potential position of the inventive business in selling psychological well being consciousness and difficult dangerous stereotypes was paramount.
Aminu stated that centered on the usage of storytelling, movie, theatre and different inventive platforms might assist encourage open conversations about psychological well being and promote understanding of the experiences of affected individuals.
“It is important for us to represent mental health experiences responsibly. This is to ensure that people facing psychological difficulties are portrayed with dignity rather than subjected to ridicule or discrimination,”she stated.
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
