The Assistant Commandant, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo State Command, Abiodun Adamu, has warned students against the dangerous after-effect of drug abuse on the entire body.
Adamu sounded the warning on Thursday at a mental health awareness campaign organised for students of Favoured Star International Education Center and Norman Edward Education Center, in Benin, the Edo State.
The campaign with the theme, Kick-Starting Mental Wellness: Breaking anxiety barriers, one goal at a time, was organised by the group, MINIMATTERS Foundation, in collaboration with Reach out Edo People Organization (REPO).
According to Adamu, people with addiction often have one or more associated health issues, including lung or heart disease, cancer and mental health disorders such as anxiety.
He, therefore, urged students to stay off drugs and focus more on their studies.
In his welcome address, the representative of MINEMATTERS, Mr Emmanuel Edionwe, noted that the aim of the campaign was to educate students at all levels of the need to stay away from drug abuse and other things that could affect their mental health.
Edionwe stated that understanding anxiety and its impact on mental health was a crucial step towards improving the well-being of individuals and communities.
He noted that recognizing the signs of anxiety and seeking appropriate treatment could help those affected leave healthier and more fulfilling lives.
He explained that so many anxiety disorders were prevalent adding that, anxiety disorders were among the most common mental health conditions worldwide.
“According to the World Health Organization, approximately 264 million people suffer from anxiety disorders.
“In the United States, nearly 20 percent of adults experience an anxiety disorder each year.
“Despite its prevalence, many individuals do not seek help due to stigma or lack of awareness, which underscores the importance of today’s discussion,” he said.
According to him, let us continue to educate ourselves and others about mental health, advocate for accessible mental health services, and support one another in the journey toward mental wellness.
Also, speaking, a Consultant with Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Benin, Dr Osaretin Owie, explained that anxiety was a common mental health disorder that was treatable.
He noted that an individual could develop anxiety because of something that had happened that caused them trauma, or genetic-based, but could be treated.
Owie advised individuals with anxiety to confront the problems by obtain information about the problems with a view to finding solution, instead of worrying.
The representative of Reachout Edo People Organization (REPO), Eghosa Olaye, while giving the closing remarks, warned that mental health affects everyone, regardless of age, gender or background.
He, however, assured that by raising awareness and promoting understanding, we can contribute to a world where mental health is valued, supported and celebrated.
