A professor of Medical and Health Psychology at Federal University of Lafia (FULafia), Prof Charity Justin Takyun has called for a compassionate and research-driven approach to mental health care.
Delivering FULafia’s 40th Inaugural Lecture entitled “Navigating Life Challenges: Understanding and Addressing Mental Illness,” Prof Takyun warned that rising life challenges are worsening mental wellbeing in Nigeria and globally.
Prof Takyun said mental health exists on a continuum and is influenced by factors like unemployment, financial stress, family pressure, trauma, substance abuse, loss, and societal expectations.
“Mental health care needs a holistic approach,” she stressed.
The inaugural lecturer who traced the history of mental health care, said
progress hasn’t been linear.
“We must learn from past practices and strengthen modern interventions,” she said.
Prof Takyun emphasised medical and health psychologists’ role in adopting a biopsychosocial model combining medication, psychotherapy, lifestyle modification, and emotional support.
” Growing concerns include depression, anxiety, PTSD, schizophrenia, and substance abuse, particularly among youths.
“There’s need for stronger community services, advocacy, research, and integration of mental health into primary healthcare,” she urged.
