Yenagoa—The members of the Oxbow Marino Deck of the National Association of Seadogs (NAS) otherwise known as Pyrate Confraternity have expressed concern about the rising rate of cases of depression and mental illness among adolescents in the society.
According to the association, there is an increasing number of adolescents who struggle and face mental challenges such as depression and mental imbalance as they transit into adulthood which it said has become disturbing.
The Convener and Capoon of the Oxbow Marino Deck of the National Association of Seadogs, Mr. Ebi Ayerite stated this during a medical outreach at the Community Primary School, Central Epie in Yenagoa with the theme: “Promoting Good Mental Health in Adolescence: A Catalyst for Successful Transition from Childhood to Adulthood.”
Ayerite emphasized the importance of addressing mental health issues early on and urged participants to take the knowledge gained during the outreach seriously.
Earlier, speaking during the event, resource persons urged parents, teachers, and adolescents to remain vigilant and look out for signs of these mental health challenges, encouraged open dialogue, and advised adolescents to seek assistance when needed.
They emphasized that recognizing these issues early on is critical to preventing the escalation of mental health challenges into adulthood.
They also urged the management of tertiary and secondary institutions of learning in the state to provide practical tools for maintaining good mental health, such as allowing students and teachers to engage in regular physical activity to manage stress, maintain a healthy daily routine, cultivating mindfulness, limiting screen time, addressing emotions openly as well as setting realistic goals, practicing effective time management, moderating caffeine and sugar intake, and seeking professional help when necessary.
Later, participants of the event expressed their gratitude towards the Oxbow Marino Deck of the National Association of Seadogs and Mr. Ebi Ayerite for organizing the insightful outreach.
They pledged to integrate the lessons learned into their daily lives and spread awareness about the significance of promoting good mental health among adolescents.
Mangrovepen.ng gathered that about 100 students and four teachers of the Central Epie Secondary School, Opolo-Epie participated in the event, which featured distinguished guest speakers from various fields, including Dr. Oru Inetsol of the Department of Internal Medicine at Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital Okolobiri-Yenagoa.
And also Frank Akpojisheri Ogheneochuko of the Department of Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing Sciences at Niger Delta University, and Ene Deriateide Efere, Vice Principal Academics at Bayelsa State School of Nursing Tombia.
