Mental health patients can be productive within the workplace- expert

A psychiatrist says mental health patients can be productive within the workplace as the country joins the world in the commemoration of World Mental Day recently in Lagos.

This year World Mental Health has the theme ‘Mental Health at the Work Place’, highlighting the need to raise awareness about mental health issues around the world and mobilising efforts in support of mental health.

“Mental health patients can be productive within the workplace and by raising this awareness; we can help reduce the stigma by bringing out to the public that there are professionals who are ready and available to help those in need” said Olufemi Oluwatayo, CEO, Retreat and a general Psychiatrist.

Oluwatayo added that the free treatment and the health awareness was meant to draw attention to mental health and to raise mental awareness in the workplace.

“It is always challenging within the society to discuss health issues with the stigma attached to mental issues.

“Some employers do not see mental issues at the workplace as a priority hence many employees may be suffering in silence that is why this year’s theme is very suitable. The mental health awareness is The Retreat contribution to a national discourse on mental health issues in Nigeria”, Oluwatayo said.

According to chief executive officer, the World Mental Health Day creates an ample opportunity to take mental health issues to the public; it is always a good day to draw attention to the prevailing conditions of mental health treatment.

“We feel it is an avenue to raise awareness on mental health issues in the society, in Nigeria and look at mental health issue in the workplace especially with this year’s team of Mental Health at the Work Place”.

“The exercise involved screenings, blood pressure test, mental health assessment surrounding anxiety, depression, alcoholism and a mental health talk. The event was attended by a throng of residents mostly from Ikorodu and its environs base of the Retreat” he added.

The Retreat Healthcare is a world class in-patient and out-patient facility that provides dignified care for mentally disordered people in Nigeria through therapeutic recovery treatments. It is the first purpose built privately owned mental health facility in Nigeria, built solely to cater for the therapeutic treatment and recovery of patients.

Anthonia Obokoh