From all indications, many students in various tertiary institutions are going through mental stress due to financial burden, harsh economy, natural disasters like flooding and other numerous factors yielding to poor academic performances, depression and increase in suicide.
It is against this backdrop that the Office of the Treasurer, Student’s Union Government, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, organized a one day mental health awareness seminar for students in the campus.
However, it was reported that a student of the institution committed suicide a day before this program took place.
The event is geared towards reaching out to the students to raise awareness about mental health and educating them on the causes, symptoms and treatment available for mental health illness in order to help reduce the rate of suicide attempt amongst them and help manage stress alongside academics.
Speaking, Convener and SUG treasurer of the School, Comrade Judith Atsedosan, recalled how the eight months strike of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, took a huge toll on the mental health of students, disclosing that nearly half of the institution surveyed by World Health Organization in Awka reported disruptions to mental, neurological and substance use services.
She added that to deepen the value and commitment to mental health, there is need to reshape environment that influence mental health.
The Dean, Student Affairs of the institution, Professor Chinonso Achebe, who spoke on ‘the importance of academics as it helps improve mental health’, reminded the students of their purpose of being in the university and asked the students not to be carried away by campus life, but improving on their studies.
The event which featured free medicare attracted various speakers who spoke on suicide and mental health.
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