A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Shades of Us, has expressed concern over the growing mental health issues affecting young people across the country.
The founder of the organisation, Ramatu Ochekliye, spoke on the issue shortly after presenting a short film in Jos on Tuesday.
The film, “The Dumps“, seeks to educate youths about the stigma surrounding mental health and its potential consequences, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
Ochekliye explained that her organisation uses filmmaking as a tool to provide young people with guidance and support.
“The Dumps is a short film on mental health that addresses depression and suicide; it follows the journey of a young woman confronting depression and reclaiming her voice.
“In Shades of Us, we use film as a tool for social change and dialogue; this is why we are in Jos to provide ways where young people can unpack the stigma surrounding mental health and explore pathways for healing.
“We know Jos to be a creative space, but with the decades of the security challenges, young people are sliding into depression and in some cases committing suicide.
“So we have come to talk to the young people who are injured by the series of conflicts, to change their perspectives and become better people for ourselves, families, communities and the country in general,” she said.
She also encouraged youths to remain hopeful despite the country’s economic difficulties.
“We realise that in Nigeria, especially when you see that inflation has gone up and many people are not getting opportunities.
“Things are difficult and when you cannot meet up to the things that you want, you might begin to think of ways to let go, and suicide is one.
“Our aim is to reduce the rising incidences of depression and suicide among young people; we need them to keep their mental health intact for themselves and the country in general,” she said.
