OAU Asido Campus Network Holds Mental Health Walk

The Asido Campus Network of the Obafemi Awolowo University in conjunction with the Obafemi Awolowo University Medical Students Association held a mental health awareness walk on Friday, 10th of November, 2023.

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The purpose of the walk was to educate and enlighten students on the burden of mental illness, importance of preserving one’s mental health, causes of mental health problems and the simple ways to improve individuals mental health.

Asido Campus Network, OAU, is an arm of the Youth Directorate of the Asido Foundation. It is a group of young students passionate about mental health, with the main aim of encouraging open conversations around mental health on the Obafemi Awolowo University campus through fun and engaging activities. The goal of the network is to make the OAU campus a mentally conscious community, irrespective of sex, religion, race, ethnicity or class.

Speaking with ACJOAU correspondent on how people can keep their mental health, the staff adviser of the Asido Campus Network OAU, who is also the Head of Department, Department of Mental Health of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Prof. Boladale Mapayi, said there are lot of things can all do to keep one mentally healthy. She stated that students should always get good sleep.

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she further emphasized the importance of students’ food choices and encouraged them to opt for healthy and balanced meals that consist of more fruits and vegetables. In addition, she suggested that students should maintain connections with others, participate in religious and social activities to avoid loneliness, and become involved in their communities by volunteering.

In terms of the role of government in maintaining the mental wellbeing of the citizens, she emphasized the importance of recognizing that each child is unique and advocated for individual choices rather than dictating paths. The family plays a crucial role in promoting mental wellness, but as an institution, it has limitations. However, the community and government can also contribute to maintaining mental health through activities such as group walks, professional counselors and therapists, qualified personnel manning suicide hotlines, and radio and television programs. Crucially, provision of employment and social amenities also play an important role in promoting mental health.