The Abia State House of Assembly has taken a significant step toward addressing mental health challenges in the state by advocating for better care and awareness. This initiative was highlighted by Hon. Emeka Obioma, the chairman of the House Committee on Health, during a press briefing following the presentation of a survey report on mental health advocacy. The study, titled ‘A Banstop Prevent,’ was conducted by Walk 347 in collaboration with NAS Magna Carta and aimed at eliminating harmful mental health practices in Ubakala, Umuahia South Local Government Area. The focus is on changing perceptions and engaging local healers to foster a better understanding of mental health issues and the importance of appropriate treatment.
Obioma emphasized the importance of raising awareness, particularly among the youth who are increasingly affected by mental health disorders, often resulting from poor decision-making. The committee is planning seminars aimed at secondary school students to highlight the risks associated with substance abuse, identified as a primary contributor to mental illness. He expressed appreciation for the advocacy groups involved in the research and confirmed the state government’s commitment to collaborating with them to enhance mental health awareness and support for the youth in Abia State.
In his statements, Obioma reiterated the need for legislative action to protect individuals suffering from mental health issues. He indicated that the committee intends to introduce a motion to create greater awareness about mental health within the state assembly. Efforts will also focus on formulating laws that would prohibit harmful practices such as chaining, flogging, and confining mentally ill individuals. The committee aims to facilitate improved facilities for mental health care, signaling progress in reconstructing health institutions to offer dedicated services for mental health challenges.
Furthermore, Obioma highlighted the widespread misconception regarding mental health issues, noting that some individuals may not recognize their need for support until their workplace performance declines significantly. He emphasized the need for greater community awareness to ensure individuals with mental health challenges are directed to appropriate professionals for help, rather than resorting to outdated and harmful traditional practices. Plans are underway for workshops in local schools alongside the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency to further educate students on the dangerous impacts of drug abuse, focusing particularly on secondary school populations most susceptible to such issues.
Dr. Christian Abuajah, the project coordinator for the Banstop Advocacy Pilot Field Survey, provided insights into the findings of the study. He confirmed that substance abuse was identified as the leading cause of mental health issues within the surveyed communities. The research also revealed that locally accepted methods of treatment, influenced by cultural and religious beliefs, often hinder effective recovery. Abuajah noted that many youths are experiencing severe consequences due to drug use, exacerbated by peer pressure and a lack of proper guidance towards seeking help.
Following the research, Abuajah expressed the need for a second phase of the initiative focused on advocacy. He pointed out that many people’s decisions regarding treatment options are greatly affected by their level of education and understanding of mental health issues. The unproductive application of spiritual or traditional healing methods, when substance abuse is a primary cause of mental illness, often fails to yield meaningful results. However, he commended certain spiritual healers for adopting a more systematic approach by evaluating patients before deciding on treatment options, emphasizing the importance of appropriate referrals for those whose issues extend beyond their specialties. Prominent researchers involved in the project also expressed their gratitude to the National Association of Seadogs and Walk 347 for their efforts in advancing mental health awareness and support in Abia State.
