#WorldMentalHealthDay: Pyrates Charge Society On Upholding The Rights Of Those With Mental Illnesses

The National Association of Seadogs, Pyrates Confraternity through a resource person, Dr Iyanuoluwa Balogun, a mental health advocate and psychiatrist at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, has charged the society at large and the government to be more involved in upholding the rights of people with mental illnesses. This charge was made in Abeokuta during the radio programme, Citizens Forum on the RockCity 101.9 FM Abeokuta, Day Break Show. The programme which was sponsored by the National Association of Seadogs, Pyrates Confraternity, Ash Montana Deck in collaboration with Long Island and Grundziro Decks, was part of activities to commemorate the 2023 edition of the World Mental Health Day. It was stressed that upholding the rights of individuals with mental illnesses suggest they should not be discriminated against because of their mental illnesses; they should not be stigmatized because of their mental challenges; and they should have access to adequate health care which should be affordable; access to work and even housing; they should be allowed to be involved in making decisions affecting their health. Dr Balogun equally called for more government participation in protecting and promoting the mental wellness of her citizens.

Responding to a question on the global theme of the 2023 World Mental Health Day, which is ‘’Mental Health is a Universal Human Right’’, Dr Balogun explained that the global theme suggests that all humans have the right to live freely and access health care of which mental health is inclusive. That mental health is a universal right also suggest that people with mental illnesses should be allowed the right to make decisions regarding their health care, particularly those with insight about their mental health status and with enough competence to make decisions. Those with mental illnesses have the right not to be discriminated against, or stigmatized, ‘’…recognizing mental health as a human right is saying that first of all, we want to erase stigma that surrounds mental health…; we want to make mental health accessible …’’
She noted the perception society has of people with mental health issues,‘’… when it comes to mental health particularly, there is an aversion to that word and it is not just a Nigerian thing. It is all over the world. People are averse to the concept of being mentally ill because to be honest it is a scary thing. You are talking about an illness of the mind. …when you are saying that there is an illness of the mind, you are saying that the mind might be broken or the mind is ill.’’ … ‘’And so generally all over the world, people are more hesitant to accept mental illnesses". This attitude often breed stigma, exclusion and discrimination against people with mental issues.

To fight the challenges of stigmatization, exclusion, accessibility of affordable health care for people with mental health issues, she made the following suggestions: deliberate efforts by government bodies like policy makers pass all-inclusive and favourable laws for people with mental illnesses, massive education of people about mental health issues and awareness. The doctor suggested that a lot of times, our aversion towards conversations on mental health, lack of understanding or inability to accept that mental health illnesses can affect anyone irrespective of status, race or beliefs may be largely because of lack of proper education about mental health issues.
Education can help remove fear and ignorance from the minds of people. Individuals and the government should be charged with this responsibility of massive education. She cited the sponsored radio programme by the National Association of Seadogs, Pyrates Confraternity, as an example of a form of public education on mental health issues to create awareness and enlightenment. She re-echoed the role of education in demystifying mental health issues. ‘’The more we can demystify this thing, the more people can be aware and the more there is understanding and the lesser there can be fear’’.

She observed also that people with mental illnesses are often afraid and careful about disclosing their mental health status. Therefore, ‘’people can be encouraged to share their experiences in safe zones.’’
Again, as part of measure to promote mental health as a universal right, Dr Balogun appealed to all to discourage the idea that mental illnesses are spiritual illnesses or an affliction or punishment from God. Adding that such myth further encourage stigma and exclusion.

Reacting on the sub-theme, *"Mental Health and the Prevailing Economic Situations in the Country"* and the question on whether the economic situations in Nigeria can affect our mental health, Dr Balogun opined that the economic situations can indeed affect our mental health. According to her, the current economic problems can increase stress on the mind, uncertainty, hopelessness and fear. The condition of persons with some form of mental illnesses can be exacerbated by economic uncertainty too. The economy can put a strain on the mental health of the people to the extent that more people can break down, engage in adverse addictive behaviour like gambling, substances abuse, increase rate of suicide, and increase in depression.
She proposed the following as workable solutions: the government should do more to ameliorate the harsh economic situations; people should learn to leave within their means; people should find ways to relax more through such activities like meditation, physical exercises, recreational activities like tours; eating healthier (eat more vegetables and more fruits); drink lots of water, getting adequate and proper rest, and taking care of our physical health.

Reacting on how to deal with mental illnesses in children, teenagers and young adults, Dr Balogun advised on the need to create safe spaces for the children; such spaces starts from the home and then extends beyond.

The discourse programme sponsored by the National Association of Seadogs, Pyrates Confraternity, Ash Montana Deck in collaboration with Long Island and Grundziro Decks, was done as part of the core values and ethos of the organisation in striving towards the attainment of a just and humane society through advocacy, public awareness, education, enlightenment, and humanitarian gestures.
https://afrobadootv.com.ng/2023/10/20/pyrates-charge-society-on-upholding-the-rights-of-those-with-mental-illnesses/

Anything ahoy or 9ja clutist are all mentally challenged person,soo let them seek fitness from within