From Abel Leonard, Lafia
Dr. Paul Agbo, Consultant Psychiatrist and Head of the Department of Behavioural and Mental Health at the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Lafia, has clarified that mental illness is not caused by spiritual factors while also urging employers to creat conducive environments for employees.
Speaking at a symposium to mark the 2024 World Mental Health Day on Wednesday, Dr. Agbo emphasized that while spirituality may play a role in recovery, it does not contribute to the onset of mental health conditions. The theme of the event was “Prioritizing Mental Health in the Workplace.”
“We are scientists; spirit has to do with faith. Mental illness has nothing to do with spiritual healing in terms of causation,” he stated. However, he acknowledged the positive influence of spirituality in the healing process, adding, “When it comes to getting well, spirituality has a role to play because when you align or relate with a higher being, it helps people who are down.”
Dr. Agbo also emphasized that mental health issues have identifiable causes. “We know what causes mental health conditions, and we know how to cure them. Mental illnesses are not idiomatic. We can localize, predict, and treat them,” he said.
Reflecting on the current economic situation in Nigeria, Dr. Agbo warned that the hostile environment could lead to increased mental instability. He advised people to focus on their happiness and avoid negative influences.
“If you focus on the depressive nature of the environment—the economic issues, security, fuel crisis—it will bring you down. It’s important to take things one day at a time and stay away from negative company,” he urged.
For individuals prone to depression, he recommended seeking professional help. “This is the time to get your medications and stay on them,” Dr. Agbo advised.
Touching on the issue of personality disorders and paraphilia, Dr. Agbo noted that many individuals displaying abnormal behaviors have underlying psychiatric conditions. “Whether they have been abused as children or are acting under the influence of substances, these behaviors are recognized as psychiatric conditions. Locking such individuals up or beating them won’t help; they need medical treatment and psychotherapy,” he said.
Dr. Agbo also spoke about the stigma surrounding mental health treatment, urging families to support their loved ones. “As a society, we must work to downplay the stigma associated with these conditions. Too often, patients come for treatment once or twice, and family or police intervention discourages further care,” he explained.
On workplace conditions, Dr. Agbo emphasized that a conducive work environment directly impacts employees’ mental health and productivity. “If you want the best for your workers, you must provide them with the best working conditions,” he said.
He pointed out that in Nigeria, workplaces often neglect employee output and well-being, which hampers productivity. “If people are held accountable for their output, they would invest more in the mental well-being of their workers and the work environment,” he concluded.