Expert calls for innovative approach to address mental health challenges in adolescents, children in Nigeria

In a recent interview, Dr. Oluwayemisi Abidakun, a distinguished mental health professional as well as the Chairman of the Social & Welfare Committee of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Ekiti State chapter, has called for an innovative approach to addressing the growing mental health challenges faced by young people in Nigeria.

In her remarks, Dr. Abidakun highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive multi-disciplinary strategy to tackle the complex mental health issues affecting today’s youth.

She noted that traditional treatment methods, while beneficial if delivered alone, are insufficient to meet the diverse needs of young people who are increasingly exposed to a wide range of psychosocial pressures.

“In the past few years, we’ve seen mental health challenges among adolescents skyrocket. While it is still not a very widely discussed topic in the Nigerian space, mental health challenges among adolescents and children are at an unprecedented level. It’s crucial, we must embrace early, innovative, and holistic approaches that treat these issues and prevent them from escalating,” Dr. Abidakun emphasized.

Dr. Abidakun’s recommendations include integrating mental health education into school curricula, establishing accessible counseling services and care, especially in rural and underserved communities, implementing mental health bill aimed at destigmatizing mental illness and training community health care professionals to identify and manage mental health disorders.

She also emphasized the pivotal role of parental involvement in early detection and treatment.

“This is not something we can leave for medical experts alone. Schools, parents, and communities must join hands together to provide environments that allow these young people to feel safe and supported. When we deliver the right tools to this unique population, we can help them build resistance and equip them with resources that c a n h e l p t h e m manage the various challenges that they encounter,” Dr. Abidakun noted.

Through her comprehensive experience in inpatient and outpatient child and adolescent psychiatry, Dr. Abidakun continues to advocate for policies and programs that prioritize the mental health of young people.

Furthermore, her novel efforts in leading crisis intervention, risk assessment, safety planning, and access to emergency services, ensuring timely and appropriate interventions to prevent harm through an array of therapeutic modalities and interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based approaches, psychodynamic therapy, and pharmacotherapy is testament to her dedication to improving mental health care in the region.

Her leadership and unwavering commitment to the field have made her a respected voice in the ongoing effort to enhance mental health services and outcomes for adolescents and children in Nigeria.