ABIA: MENTAL HEALTH EXPERT GIVES TIPS TO CONQUER DEPRESSION

REPORTER: JOHN MADUAGWU

A mental health expert, the Reverend Kenneth Nwaubani, has called on families and the government to take urgent steps to battle depression in view of its negative results.

The Reverend Nwaubani, who is the Director, Amaudo Integrated Community Mental Health Foundation in Abia State, made the call while speaking with Radio Nigeria in Umuahia.

He described depression as a mood disorder that makes a person to become disconnected with life and unable to do what he or she used to do.

The mental health expert noted that depression cuts across gender, age groups and social status and listed some of the causes of depression.

They include disappointments in life, failed or troubled marriage, rejection, harsh economic situation, unfulfilled promises, failure in some endeavours, stigmatization and illness.

He lamented that depression had led people to commit suicide; have accidents which could take lives; violence and sustaining life threatening injuries.

The Reverend Nwaubani therefore made a case for families to forge closer bonds and reassure one another of their love and support, especially for those going through difficult times, while the cohesion African societies were known for in the past should be rebuilt.

He also enjoined government at all levels to strengthen the economy, which would enable Nigerians to meet their daily needs, failure of which had driven many to depression.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU