From Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto
The United Nation Children’s Fund (UNICEF ) has decried increase in incidences of suicides in Nigeria especially amongst young persons and students in the universities and other higher institutions.
“Family history of children is a greater determinant of higher indicators of suicide. And in Nigeria, adolescent and youths who are lacking in family and social support who experience low self-esteem, trauma, sibling rivalry, step-parents issues, emotional neglect, physical and sexual abuse and domestic violence, pregnancy, loss of friends, have tendencies towards suicide, ” UNICEF Consultant, Wayne Bleier noted.
Speaking at a 3-day Training on Basic Mental Health and Psychological Support (MHPSS) Training of Trainers in Sokoto State, Mr Wayne said there was the need for widespread services of such mental health experts across the country.
Wayne, who said incidences of suicide has greater linkage to family history, added that adverse childhood experiences also increases higher chances of disruptive neuro development.
While noting that mental health is very crucial to humanity, Mr Wayne said categories of mental health depended on interplay of diverse factors and signs displayed. adding that, it is in continuum that ranges from positive mental health to mild, time-limited distressed to chronic and serverly disabled conditions.
Continuing, he said adverse childhood experiences lead to disrupted neuro development, hence the need for widespread presence of community-based and specialized therapy MHPSS services.
Listing the objectives of the training, Mr Wayne said it will help professionals working with children the skills needed to successfully provide the needed mental health and psychological support to distressed children.
He noted that the 30 participants at the training who include supervisors, case management, teachers, health workers, CSOs as well as traditional and religious leaders will understand children reactions to distress by developmental stages and useful resiliency theory for treating those in distress.
Amongst those at the training also were UNICEF, Sokoto Field Office Child Protection Specialists, Mr Pius Uwamanua and the Child Protection Officer, Mr Chibuzor Nwokorie.
Leave a Reply