Sayo Àlàgbé
Negligence and a nonchalant attitude toward child upbringing by parents can lead to irreversible damage to a child’s mental health and overall behaviour, Dr. Alatishe has warned.
Speaking on a live programme aired this evening on Ajilete FM 92.1, Gambari near Ogbomoso, and powered by Ogbomoso First Group, Dr. Taiwo Alhatise – Doctor of Mental Health, working at Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso addressed the topic of recognizing early signs of mental instability in children. He emphasized that parents should be vigilant in identifying warning signs, which include persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or extreme mood swings. Other indicators, according to him, include: withdrawal from social interactions and loss of interest in daily activities, sudden changes in sleep patterns, appetite, or personal hygiene, difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things, increased use of alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism, suicidal thoughts or self-harming behavior
He advised parents to take immediate action when they notice these symptoms, stressing that early recognition and professional intervention can prevent further deterioration.
Highlighting major causes of mental health imbalances, Dr. Alatishe identified several contributing factors as, genetic predisposition and brain injuries, hormonal imbalances and psychological factors such as prolonged stress, trauma, and unresolved emotional conflicts, social and environmental factors, including poverty, substance abuse, family dysfunction, and workplace pressure, medical conditions, such as neurodegenerative diseases, chronic illnesses, and nutritional deficiencies
On the issue of prevention, Dr. Alatishe outlined key strategies for reducing mental health issues in society. He stressed the importance of education and awareness – promoting mental health literacy in schools, workplaces, and communities, healthy lifestyle choices – encouraging regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep, emotional support systems – strengthening family bonds and community networks to reduce isolation, stress management techniques – teaching coping strategies such as meditation, therapy, and relaxation exercises, early Intervention – encouraging routine mental health check-ups and counseling before issues escalate
Dr. Alatishe further called on government intervention to address mental health challenges, suggesting, investment in mental health infrastructure, including creation of more psychiatric hospitals and trained professionals, strict regulations on substance abuse, which contributes significantly to mental disorders, introduction of mental health-friendly workplace policies, ensuring employees have access to therapy and flexible work arrangements, reducing stigma through public awareness campaigns and open discussions about mental health, integration of mental health education into school curriculums to equip young people with coping mechanisms from an early age
Dr. Alatishe concluded by emphasizing the crucial role of the media in shaping public perception of mental health. He urged media organizations to engage in responsible reporting, featuring expert discussions and real-life stories to break the stigma and encourage people to seek help.
He also called on individuals to contribute by showing empathy, supporting those struggling with mental health challenges, and advocating for better policies to improve mental health care in society.
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