Adegoke, Dean of the Faculty of Education, stated this in his keynote address, titled ‘The Mentally Aware Student: Battle against Depression and Addiction,’ at the national convention of Still-Waters Mental Health Foundation, held at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso.
The convention, which included a mental health symposium, a sip and paint therapy session, a mental health rally and indoor games, had university students from nine different campuses across Nigeria in attendance.
Professor Adegoke said mental health problems are pretty serious in young people aged 15 to 24, adding that in Sub-Saharan Africa, one out of every seven children and adolescents suffers from major psychological problems, with nearly 10 percent qualifying for a psychiatric diagnosis.
The DON, who quoted United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), said one out of every six young Nigerians aged 15 to 24 is suffering from poor mental health and is experiencing symptoms such as extreme mood changes, low energy, sleeping problem, problems with alcohol or drug use, excessive fears or worries and inability to cope with daily basic things like attending lectures and doing assignments.
He added, “excessive fears and worries over light things, detachment from reality, withdrawal from friends and activities that one once takes pleasure in and feeling to be alone, an extreme feeling of guilt, all could be an indication that something is wrong and such might need to get some help.”
“A lot of young people on campuses are using drugs; we have a testing centre at the University of Ilorin and you will be shocked by what we found among both males and females. They are using all kinds of drugs. This is terrible.”
“When you start to have impulsive sex drives and orgies and you go on excessive pornographic sites, you get hooked on it. That is a big indication that you have a problem and need some help. It is a gateway behaviour too, and once you get hooked, it can affect a person mentally.”
Professor Adegoke declared triggers for mental health problems in adolescents to include a history of mental illness in the family, low socioeconomic class, traumatic experiences, a childhood history of abuse or neglect, academic stress and the use of alcohol or recreational drugs.
He, therefore, urged individuals to promote their mental health and wellness by adopting healthy lifestyle habits, including eating balanced diet, getting enough sleep, managing stress, engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfilment, doing physical activities and having good social support and relationships.
Provost of the College of Health Sciences, LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, Professor Adewale Adeyemi, represented by the Deputy Dean of Students, Dr Fisayo Adebimpe, who eulogised Mr Olutumise Oyewole, founder of the Stillwaters Mental Health Foundation, said the convention will be an eye-opener for students on mental health problems.
