Growing mental challenges – Tribune – Editorial – mental challenges

RECENTLY, the Medical Directors of the Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Ogun State and Yaba Psychiatric Hospital, Lagos State, revealed that cases of mental challenges are on the rise in the country. According to the Provost and Medical Director of the Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Dr. Timothy Adewale, the hospital admits between 250 and 300 new patients every month. Adewale made the revelation at a seminar organised by the hospital to mark this year’s World Mental Health Day. Adewale said: “On a monthly basis, we have a record of 250 to 300 patients in our hospital. I am not talking about those ones who are already with us. These are the new patients. Half of all mental illness begins by the age of 14, but most cases go undetected and untreated. In terms of the burden of the disease among adolescents, depression is the third leading cause. Harmful use of alcohol and…