Dr Asibong addressing the audience during world mental day
Coco-bassey Esu|18 October 2016
WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY 2016 ACTIVITIES – Theme: Dignity in Mental Health – Psychological and Mental Health First Aid for all.
Cross River Ministry of Health in partnership with the Federal Neuro – Psychiatric Hospital, Calabar and Lions /Leo District 404 A 2 Nigeria joined World Health Organisation to mark World Mental Health Day on 10th October 2016.
During the event, Dr (Mrs) Inyang Asibong, CRS Commissioner For Health assured the participants of the State Governor, His Excellency, Senator (Prof) Benedict Ayade's commitment in ensuring Mental Health unit in all the Health facilities across the state remained functional where people at the grassroots can access mental health services without travelling a long distance to access services at the the federal owned hospital.
High light of events were song renditions, dramas and debate by schools and donations of items from Former Minister of Health, High Chief Dr E. N. Nsan, FNPH School of Psychiatric Nursing and Lions /Leo of Region 4/5 of District 404 A 2 Nigeria and the state ministry of Health to the patients of the hospital.
Mental Health is a state in which a person can meet basic needs, assume responsibilities, sustain relationships, resolve conflicts, and grow through out life..
CHARACTERISTICS ASSOCIATED WITH MENTAL HEALTH.
*Positive sense of self.
*Satisfying interpersonal relationships.
*Love and care for self and others.
*Realistic and responsible behaviour.
*Effective coping skills.
*Ability to negotiate and resolve conflict.
*Cooperative and interdependent in working with others.
*Engagement in rewarding, productive work.
*Adaptable to the daily challenges of life.
*Finds meaning and purpose in life.
*Have hopes and dreams.
*Sense of humour.
*Respect for the rights and differences of others.
RISK FACTORS FOR MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS.
*Age. *Gender. *Genetic background. *Family history.
*Marital status. *Family environment. *Housing problem. *Poverty or economic difficulties. *Physical health. *Nutritional status. *Stress level. *Social environment and activities. *Exposure to trauma. *Alcohol and drug use. *Environmental toxins or other pollutants. *Availability, accessibility and cost of Health services.
DEVELOPMENTAL STAGE AND TASKS FOR MENTAL HEALTH.
*Establish independence. *Establish lifestyle. *Develop career. *Develop intimate relationships. *Establish financial security for families and during retirement.
Coco-bassey Esu
Writes from Calabar