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Mohammed Shosanya
The National Association of Seadogs, otherwise known as Pyrates Confraternity, Sahara Deck chapter, Abuja Municipal, has said that 40 million Nigerians are affected by mental disorders,insisting it is crucial to prioritize workplace mental wellbeing of citizens.
The group stated this in a statement on Thursday to mark World Mental Health Day.
Everestus Chinedum Esq,Capoon,Sahara Deck Pyrates Confraternity (Abuja City Chapter),signed the statement and made it available to journalists.
According to the statement,this year’s theme is: “It’s Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace”, highlighting the urgent need for workplace mental well-being initiatives.
The group advocated for measures such as safe reporting channels, mental health awareness, and resources to combat workplace bullying and chronic stress.
The group stated that a radio program on Kiss FM will facilitate discussions on these issues, aiming to foster a healthier work environment for all Nigerians.
The statement reads in part: “The National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) Sahara Deck (Abuja Municipal) joins the global community in observing the World Mental Health Day, as designated by the World Health Organization (WHO).
“This year’s theme, “It’s Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace,” resonates deeply with Nigeria’s current realities.Mental health concerns have surged due to rising suicides and related issues.
“With most people spending more time at work than at home, it’s crucial to prioritize workplace mental wellbeing.
“A healthy work environment boosts productivity and individual mental health.Nigeria is grappling with a mental health crisis, with 40 million Nigerians suffering from mental disorders (Source: WHO, 2020),20% of Nigerians experiencing depression (Source: Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice, 2020), 15% of Nigerians reporting suicidal thoughts (Source: International Journal of Mental Health Systems, 2019), 11,000 reported cases of suicide between 2019-2022 (Source: National Bureau of Statistics, 2022).
“In Abuja specifically, 34.6% of residents experience depression (Source: Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice, 2020), 22.1% suffer from anxiety disorders (Source: International Journal of Mental Health Systems, 2019), 15.1% report workplace bullying (Source: Journal of Workplace Behavioral Health, 2022).
“A healthy workplace can contribute significantly to the mental wellbeing of individuals and raise productivity levels significantly. It is to this end that the National Association of Seadogs seeks to put the conversation about mental health in the front burner.
“In Nigeria, many face extreme work-related stress and bullying, yet victims fear reporting due to stigma and retaliation. The National Association of Seadogs aims to bring this critical conversation to the forefront, advocating for safe reporting channels and protections.
“The Common causes of mental health breakdown in Nigerian workplaces include: Chronic stress and overwork; Workplace bullying and harassment; Poor work-life balance; Lack of support from employers; Inadequate mental health resources.
“To address these concerns, we urge governments at all levels to: Implement stringent sanctions against workplace harassment and bullying; Establish safe reporting channels for mental health issues; Promote mental health awareness; Provide accessible mental health resources.
“As an organization that places humanistic ideals at the core of what we do, the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) Abuja City Chapter is sponsoring a Radio Program on Kiss FM 99.9 Abuja to discuss mental health.
“We have also invited to the Ministry of Labour and Employment to encourage workers to tune in to the program.A mental health expert will be live on air to discuss issues around mental health in the workplace.
“The National Association of Seadogs is a humanitarian organization committed to promoting humanistic ideals and advocating for social justice”.
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