OPINION PIECE

MENTAL HEALTH: A CONCEPT

In tribute to the World Mental Health Day, I thought to share this with you.

It all started slowly and I mean subtly, I had previous experiences that made me a nervous wreck and I had anxiety/panic attacks and all. Nobody knew this except my dad that noticed and fired prayers. I thought I was fine, I mean I felt I was, just small itching na. I always felt there was an insect in my hair and I really don’t like insects.

So I was always itching, washing my hair, feeling there was something there. I had difficulties sleeping and this was not because I was praying or reading or had things to do. I was then told it was a form of neurosis. I’m okay now which is why I feel comfortable to share it.

You might think you are okay but you aren’t. I can handle it myself and you can’t.

If you can’t talk to God, talk to someone, please. Mental health doesn’t just mean mad people or those roaming on the streets. Little things can accumulate and become larger things.

So, once you don’t feel okay, TALK TO SOMEBODY.

May we never be victims of circumstances we could have controlled.

Akinlua Mercy

BAMS Editorial.