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By Muhammed Ogwu, Lafia
The Federal University Teaching Hospital, (FUTH), Lafia disclosed that the regular intake of caffeinated and energy drinks could lead to mental health challenges and suicide.
The newly established Teaching Hospital in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, therefore called on residents of the state and Nigerians in general to be mindful of the quality and quantity of such drinks before they are consumed.
Consultant Psychiatrist and Head of the Department of Behavioral and Mental Health in the hospital, Dr. Paul Agbo made the revelation while addressing journalists shortly after he and other healthcare workers matched down the streets of Lafia for about three hours to commemorate the World Mental Health Day, 2024.
Dr. Agbo also noted that depression, anxiety of self-esteem, lack of sleep and eating disorders among individuals were factors responsible for the unproductivity at various work places in the country, adding that such health concerns could equally make an individual to commit suicide.
The Consultant Psychiatrist said, “People should avoid taking substances such as caffeinated and energy drinks. The negative effect of such drinks could make an individual to commit suicide in the society.
“Depression, anxiety of self-esteem, lack of sleep issues and eating disorders of an individual are factors responsible for the high rate of suicide in the society.”
He noted that the hospital was commemorating the World Mental Health Day 2024 in order to raise awareness of mental illnesses affecting citizens of the country including the issues of suicide.
“It is usually held on the 10th of October every year, but this year we have decided to do it today and tomorrow. So, today (Tuesday) we had a road walk, and tomorrow will be the symposium.
“The theme for the year is “Mental health and the workplace, but our sub-theme is a healthy workplace, and we have realized that when the mental health of workers and employees are not optimal, they will not give their best.
“When people are not happy, when people are not satisfied, when people are not appreciated, they are not expected to be productive,” Dr. Agbo added.
While noting that one in every four persons has a mental health issue, the Consultant Psychiatrist called on citizens of the country to learn more on how to take care of themselves, especially their mental health.
Dr. Agbo further admonished residents of the state to always partake in activities that would make them happy at all times, and warned against the use of substances that could be dangerous to their health.
He added that arrangements had been concluded by the Teaching Hospital to partner with the Nasarawa state government, private sector, inland revenue, primary healthcare development agency, Head of civil service, among others to ensure that their workers enjoy good health both physically and mentally.
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