By Ejiofor Toochi
On Saturday, September 7th, the Anti-suicide and Depression Squad (ASADS) hosted the sixth edition of its annual Mental Health Speaks conference at Eridan Space, Ikeja, Lagos.
This annual health event brought together policymakers, mental health professionals, advocates, and delegates to discuss critical mental health issues and their impact on the country.
This year’s theme, ‘Mental Health Stakeholders: Solving Mental Health Issues Once and For All,’ focused on eliminating stigmatization, preventing suicide, and addressing the nation’s mental health crisis holistically.
Speaking with IkejaBird, Femi, the Director of Programs for ASADS, emphasized the urgent need for increased mental health support in Nigeria, citing the rising number of suicide cases.
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“We want people to be aware, we’re trying to encourage others too, to start their mental health organization because there’s a short form of these organizations and the demand is high,” he explained. “Every 40 seconds, somebody dies by suicide and it’s alarming. It’s an emergency. We need to get people responsive— to know what triggers and know how to seek help anytime they need.”
ASADS, an offshoot of Executives Helping Initiative, was founded in 2018 with the mission to raise awareness about depression, suicidal thoughts, and overall mental health. The nonprofit has since played a crucial role in educating Nigerians through training sessions, consultations, and support groups, with a strong focus on suicide prevention and mental health awareness.
The conference served as another step toward creating a more supportive environment for mental health discussions in Nigeria, aiming to break down stigmas and promote practical solutions to the growing mental health challenges faced by many.
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