27/11/2025
BREAKING THE SILENCE: UNIOSUN CMD URGES NIGERIANS TO SPEAK UP ON MENTAL HEALTH
The Chief Medical Director, UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital Osogbo, Dr. Babatunde Afolabi, has called for an end to the stigma surrounding mental health in Nigeria.
Speaking through Dr. Emmanuel Folami, Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, at a sensitization event titled “Breaking the Culture of Silence on Mental Health, Embracing Life,” he emphasized the importance of open dialogue for mental well-being.
Organized by the Osun State Chapter of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), the event brought together journalists, medical professionals, and citizens, all dedicated to normalizing conversations about mental health. Dr. Folami highlighted how cultural beliefs and behaviors can significantly impact mental health, both positively and negatively.
Referencing the World Health Organization's definition of health as "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being," Dr. Folami stressed that life’s challenges often push individuals into silence, driven by fear of stigma. He emphasized the necessity for compassion, understanding, and open dialogue, stating, “Silence isolates and kills hope. It is time to break the culture of silence surrounding mental health.”
The discussion included coping strategies for life's challenges, such as maintaining a balanced diet, ensuring adequate sleep, and utilizing relaxation techniques. He also encouraged participants to engage in positive thinking and open communication with trusted individuals or mental health professionals.
Dr. Folami commended NAWOJ for leveraging media to heighten mental health awareness. He noted that journalists play a crucial role in educating the public and combatting stigma, asserting, “When we open our hearts and talk about mental health, we don’t just save lives—we help people truly live.”
Comrade Abisola Ariwodola, Chairperson of NAWOJ Osun State Chapter, reaffirmed the association's commitment to advocating for mental health through media coverage and collaborations with health institutions, ensuring that these important conversations continue to gain momentum.