By Oluwafunke Ishola

The Society of Family Physicians of Nigeria (SOFPON) has urged doctors on early detection and timely intervention of mental health challenges, as well as preventive measures for the promotion of mental well-being.

Dr Sixtus Ozuomba, Chairman of SOFPON Lagos, made the appeal during a seminar organised as part of activities to celebrate World Family Doctor Day.

The theme of the World Doctor Day 2025 is ‘Building Mental Resilience in a Changing World”.

Ozuomba acknowledged that depression, anxiety disorders, suicide, burnout, family dysfunction and conflicts were common occurrences in the society.

He attributed these occurrences to constant changes in a dynamic world, noting that certain changes task the coping mechanism of an individual, family or community through its magnitude, rapidity of occurrence and element of surprise.

“In most cases, the family bears the brunt, creating a big challenge for the family physician who has to care for the individual irrespective of gender, age, disease or organ involved,” he said.

Ozuomba highlighted increasing drug and substance use, separation of couples and family members due to pursuit of better economic fortunes, economic challenges, security concerns, emerging diseases, as some factors driving mental health conditions.

According to him, these factors affect the mental health of patients and those of the healthcare providers who care for them.

He appealed to physicians to prioritise their mental health and well-being, stressing that the doctor needs to be in optimal physical and mental health to effectively care for himself, family, patients and community.

“The doctor cannot afford to push himself to a breaking point, especially with the increased workload resulting from exodus of doctors to more secure environments, better remuneration and job satisfaction.

“It is important that as we face the challenges together, we should look out for one another, treat one another with respect and empathy, making the other feel loved and valued, irrespective of level or cadre.

“That way, it will be easy to detect deviations from the individual’s usual behaviour which could be a pointer to an evolving mental illness,” he said.

Ozuomba emphasised that family doctors were the first contact of families and are responsible for preventive care, and treating disease, noting that they pay attention to physical, mental health and environmental factors affecting the health of their patients.

Similarly, Prof. Mashudat Bello-Mojeed, Consultant Psychiatrist, said the changing world, rise of digital technology, shifts in cultural values, and increased awareness around mental health have changed the way individuals respond to challenges.

Bello-Mojeed noted that addressing mental health issues was critical for individuals and society’s well-being, emphasising the need to encourage resilience.

According to her, resilient behaviours can be fostered through a strong support system, growth mindset which help people overcome negative experiences and turn them into positive outcomes.

The psychiatrist stressed that encouraging resilience builds a foundation for growth, adaptability, and well-being. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Augusta Uchediunor/Vivian Ihechu