By Ejiofor Toochi Cynthia
To commemorate the Mental Health awareness week worldwide from 9th May,2022 and which would end 15th, people stormed the streets of Ikeja on the 11th for a trauma awareness campaign.
This was organized by the Jars Education Group in partnership with the Lagos State Government, mental health advocates, psychotherapists and counselors.
The campaign/ walk began at the Allen bus stop straight to the Alausa secretariat with the aim of sensitising the public. Some inscriptions on the placards read, ‘No means no’, ‘Don’t hide trauma’, ‘End domestic violence’, ‘End childhood trauma’, among others.
A psychotherapist who specializes in family and abuse recovery, Feyintola Daniels, noted that domestic violence, sexual abuse, addiction, and other psychological issues affect mental health and should be prevented.
Similarly, others stressed the need to place premium on health rather than economic issues.
“Quite a number of people are suffering from health challenges and most remain ignorant. This calls for the urgency to create awareness on how to manage ones health before wealth,” they stressed.
According to Dr Akindotun Merino, the owner of the Jars Education Group and convener of the campaign, trauma is a topic most people avoid.
She said : “There are two types of trauma, Type 1 and 2. While Type 1 could be caused by accidents, disasters and the likes, Type 2 is not usually addressed. Bullying, domestic violence, child neglect, and other factors can contribute to it. Childhood trauma is the foundation for complex trauma if not treated.”
The Professor of Psychology and Mental Health Commissioner, however,intends to create awareness on Type 2 trauma.
Merino, who thanked the Lagos Government for sending an ambulance and representative for the campaign, wants all Nigerians to know more about trauma management. Thus, she appealed to government and the public for funding to have more impact.
We must all stop domestic violence. No means no. This has opened up different occurrences that has been neglected for a while. Nice piece
I hope this will shed more light on the importance of ones mental health.
We cannot overemphasize on “no means no”. Meanwhile, this was a good read. Mental health and trauma needs to be talked about more in the society.
It is good to see that there’s public enlightenment about domestic violence and how to manage the after effects of it. Hopefully this would generate positive impact in our society today
As always, beautiful write up! Thank you Toochi for this awareness. It can’t be overemphasis that No means No.
Interesting read
I love this
I love the way pressing issues were spotlighted in this piece. 🚀✨
Another pleasant article from Ikeja birds, keep up the good works.
Most especially the videos it shows dedication and attention to duties.