Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has promised that his administration will provide succour to people suffering from mental health and depression in the state.
The governor, who was represented by Deji Balogun, general manager, Lagos Television, made the promise at the public presentation of a book, “Shadows In The Mirror: The Many Faces of Depression,’’ written by Vivian O. Ikem, in Lagos. The book, in 162 pages, has 10 chapters.
According to Ambode, the book calls for attention to a fundamental fact of life bordering on issue of mental health, which he said, has not received deserved attention.
“It is obvious that many acts of violence or social disengagement in recent time can be traced to depression. Such acts include rise in cultism, street gangsterism, and mindless terrorism.
“Unprovoked or misdirected anger, anti-social behaviour or tendencies are usual red flags that are often ignored. The state government places premium on the well being of Lagosians and the issue of mental health management is an area dare to the government,’’ he said.
The governor remarked that the state had put many social economic measures in place to ensure that public hospitals provided counselling services to affected patients.
He reiterated the state government’s commitment to improving the economic situation so as to make life more comfortable and prosperous for Lagosians.
This will help to reduce the socio-economic induced depression among Lagosians, according to the governor.
Bola Tinubu, former governor of Lagos State, remarked, “the families, friends and other members of the society have a role to play in helping anyone suffering from depression.”
Tinubu, who was represented by Sunday Dare, his senior special adviser, said more than 12 percent of Nigerian population was suffering from depression.
To him, the book is a clarion call on all to take the issue of mental health and depression serious and sympathise with those affected.
While reviewing the book, Dapo Adeniyi, described depression as a psychological disorder, a sickness potentially with mortal harm in its wake, saying, “as such, each one of the trio of – sadness, moodiness and heaviness – are only initial stopovers on a long and very dark lane.
‘’Depression is a silent yet virulent killer described by psychiatrists as ‘the common cold of psychiatry.”
To Adeniyi, the object of this book is not the experience leading down the road that climaxed in the condition but searing effects of depression when it tightens its grip on its victim and snuffs the very life out of him or her.
He said that the book asserted that hope was brightest for those who nurse faith even if somewhere along the line, their faith did not fritter away.
MODESTUS ANAESORONYE
