By Kelechukwu Iruoma

A University don has said that  citizens’ mental health is the panacea to the realization of a nation’s full potentials.

The National President of CASSON and Dean, Faculty of Education, University of Ilorin, Professor Alfred Adegoke declared this at the fifth annual conference of the Ogun State chapter of the Counseling Association of Nigeria held in Babcock University High School.

In his paper, ‘Counseling for Mental Health: Key to unlocking national development’, he said that no nation could attain development if the mental development of the people was  neglected.

Professor Adegoke noted that mental health is intimately connected with both physical health and behavior; which  affect the individuals’ ability to contribute to the wellbeing of family, community and society.

He listed genetics, prolonged stress, physical illness, traumatic attacks and environmental issues as factors that could affect mental health.

Statistically, he said about 450 million people globally and one in every five Nigerians suffers from mental disorder.

He listed some of the symptoms of mental ill-health as depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive order, panic disorders, phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder among others, adding that the above  should not be confused with evil attack or madness.

Pro. Adegoke added that illness Like malaria can be treated through counseling and medications.