Healthcare

From Stigma to Support: Youth Mental Health Transformation

by
From Stigma to Support Transforming the Landscape of Youth Mental Health

Conversations on mental health remain shrouded in silence because the majority do not seek help owing to stigma, a lack of understanding, and insufficient access to services. This article aims to shed light on the significance of mental health among youth, explore the barriers to achieving a stigma-free conversation, and offer insights into how education, support, and open dialogue can transform the landscape of mental health for the better. Recent figures present a worrying picture; according to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 20% of young people worldwide have a mental health disorder, while one in four Nigerians is estimated to be living with a mental disorder. The mental health landscape among Nigerian youth, characterized by an increasingly intricate array of challenges, is underscored by escalating rates of anger, anxiety, panic attacks, stress, and other mental health conditions among young individuals. This spectrum encompasses other disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, anorexia, body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), borderline personality disorder (BPD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), paranoia, and issues related to personality disorders, among others. The implications of these mental health problems are profound, extending beyond the affected individuals to impact their families, communities, and the broader societal fabric. A confluence of contemporary causes, reflecting both global trends and context-specific variables, are leading factors in the prevalence of mental health disorders among Nigerian youth. Several are listed below: Economic Instability and Unemployment: High unemployment and poverty levels lead to stress and depression due to financial pressures. Educational Pressures: Intense competition among students and limited educational resources cause stress and anxiety among students. Social and Cultural Expectations: Cultural norms and societal pressures regarding marriage, career, and gender roles induce stress and feelings of inadequacy. Political and Social Instability: Fear and anxiety stem from safety concerns, political unrest, and social violence. Health Challenges: Diseases and limited healthcare access exacerbate mental health problems. Substance Abuse: Increased use of psychoactive substances results in substance use disorders and mental health issues. Family Issues and Domestic Violence: Instability and violence in the home environment lead to psychological distress. Social Media and Cyberbullying: Cyberbullying and the pressure from social media contribute to self-esteem issues and mental disorders. Stigmatization and Lack of Awareness: Stigma and insufficient understanding of mental health prevent young people from seeking help, exacerbating mental health conditions. Understanding and addressing the stigma around youth mental health is pivotal in encouraging young individuals to seek help. This stigma, deeply entrenched in cultural and societal norms, manifests as misconceptions, fear, and silence, leaving youths feeling isolated or ashamed. The consequences of the stigma are significant, deterring individuals from accessing necessary care, which can worsen mental well-being and negatively impact academic performance, social relationships, and overall life quality. Moreover, the importance of awareness and education in mental health plays a critical role in combatting this issue. Initiatives aimed at increasing awareness and normalizing mental health conversations can diminish stigma and encourage help-seeking behaviours. Education, particularly when integrated into school curriculums, equips students’ understanding of mental health complexities and fosters empathy, promoting a supportive environment. This combination of demystifying mental health issues, challenging stereotypes, and incorporating mental health education in schools, along with public awareness campaigns, is essential for dismantling barriers and changing the stigma landscape, enabling young people to freely discuss their experiences and seek the necessary support to overcome their challenges. Addressing the mental health crisis among youth requires a holistic approach that encompasses raising awareness, enhancing education, and ensuring access to support tools and resources. It also involves advocating for systemic changes and promoting both personal and collective responsibility towards mental health. Ensuring youth have access to information and tangible services, such as hotlines, counselling, mental health apps, and safe spaces for sharing and support in both online and community settings, is crucial. These resources should be widely promoted in youth-centric venues like schools, social media, and community centres to enhance accessibility and awareness. At the policy and societal levels, advocacy for increased funding, better access to mental health services, and the integration of mental health education into school curriculums are critical. Efforts must be made to challenge media narratives to ensure positive and accurate representations of mental health. This includes implementing workplace policies that support work-life balance, such as flexible work arrangements and mental health days, which demonstrate a societal commitment to prioritizing mental health. Conclusion Tackling the youth mental health crisis demands salient strategies encompassing awareness, education, resource accessibility, policy advocacy, and a supportive culture via individual and community efforts. By collectively addressing stigma and fostering an open, supportive environment, we can pave the way for a future where mental health is openly discussed and prioritized. This commitment to change and mutual support is essential for enabling everyone to lead healthy, fulfilling lives. Let’s all be part of the solution in our journey towards improved mental health. ALSO READ: From Hobbies to Personal Effectiveness

Self-Acceptance – Key to Building a Healthy and Positive Relationship

by
Self-Acceptance - Key to Building a Healthy and Positive Relationship

Self-Acceptance

Self-acceptance is the key to building a healthy and positive relationship with oneself.

Key Components of Self-Acceptance

  1. Self-Compassion: You must learn to treat yourself with kindness and understanding, especially in the face of challenges or mistakes. This involves offering the same compassion to yourself as you would offer to a friend.
  2. Self-Appraisal: You need to have a realistic and balanced view of yourself, and acknowledge your strengths and areas for growth without overly criticizing or inflating your abilities.
  3. Self-Approval: Self-acceptance is about relying on internal validation and approval rather than seeking constant validation from others. Understanding that external opinions do not solely determine your worth. Look inward and capture your real personhood.
  4. Self-Love: One thing you must always do is cultivate genuine love and care for yourself. This involves prioritizing self-care and making healthy choices that contribute to your overall well-being.

 

  1. Self-talk: Be watchful and sensitive about the self-conversation or inner conversation you carry in your mind. What do you tell yourself? Are they positive or negative words?

“I am a good and caring person.”

“I am capable of achieving success in my life.”

“I am intelligent.”

“I am not alone in this. I know there are people who love me and will be there for me when I need them.” etc

WHAT IS SELF-ACCEPTANCE?

Self-acceptance is the ability to embrace and fully accept oneself, including one’s strengths, weaknesses, quirks, and imperfections. It involves acknowledging and appreciating your individuality without judgment or the need for external validation.

1. Embrace What Makes You Unique

A good place to start is to think of the things that make you special. Ask yourself how these differences may benefit you in the future and how they add value to your life.

2. Let go of the Things you can’t Change

It’s important not to focus on the things you can’t change. You may find it helpful to write a letter to yourself about letting go of what you can’t change and welcoming the things you love about yourself. Self-acceptance is essential for your mental and emotional well-being. It’s important to learn to love yourself and the things that make you unique.

Self-acceptance is learning to love yourself, inside and out. It’s about letting go of the things you can’t change and appreciating what makes you unique.

3. Identify your Strengths

Write down the things you’re good at and/or love to do (e.g. sports, watching movies, music, art, etc.). Practicing these activities regularly can help you feel more confident in your abilities.

4. Set Goals

Set a few realistic goals for yourself and create a plan to meet them (this may also help with your self-esteem).

Don’t forget to reward yourself when you meet a goal!

5. Celebrate Your Accomplishments

Make a list of everything you’ve accomplished so far and add to it regularly. Post your list someplace where you can see it often. Be proud of yourself!

6. Plan ahead

If you can, try to avoid the people and/or things that challenge your self-acceptance.

8. Show Gratitude

There’s so much in our lives that we can be grateful for. Get two jars and label it Gratitude Jar and the other Happening Jar.

At the end of each day, write down what you are grateful for and what happened that overwhelmed you or got you angry. At the end of each year, you will be surprised at how much God has done for you/saved you from.

8. Be Kind to Yourself

Consider a few things you can do to treat yourself and spend quality time on your own (e.g. taking a warm bath, going for a walk in nature, going to the spa to be pampered, etc.).

It’s also important to take care of yourself by eating right, sleeping enough, and exercising regularly.

9. Think Positively

Remember to speak kindly to yourself and turn any self-critical, negative thoughts into positive thoughts.

Don’t be too hard on yourself or compare yourself to others. Positive thinking naturally draws positive energy to you. If you want to practice this, you can have your time frame. It’s a personal decision

10. Get Involved

Try a new extracurricular activity to learn more about yourself, what you enjoy, and what you’re good at.

You can NEVER get it wrong with volunteering, the feeling of satisfaction is usually awesome. I’m sure you don’t want to deprive yourself of this.

11. Find Support

You can always share your feelings with people you trust such as family and friends. (You could even try asking them to name two or three things they like about you.)

In conclusion, everyone’s journey to self-acceptance is different, but you can learn to be comfortable in your skin. NEVER compare yourself to anyone else

What is the opposite of self-acceptance?

  • self-rejection
  • self-abasement
  • self-contempt
  • self-denigration
  • self-disgust
  • self-hatred
  • self-loathing
  • mortification
  • humiliation

Don’t do any of this opposite to yourself !!!

 

 

 

 

 

11 Ways to Build Inner Strength

by
11 Ways to Build Inner Strength

11 Ways to Build Inner Strength There was a soft knock on Rose’s door. Rose ignored it for sometime but decided to open the door when the person at the other end would not go away and leave her in peace. She stood up to open the door and Ann came in. “Hello Rose, was waiting for you at the event and you didn’t turn up as expected.” “Sorry to disappoint you. I didn’t feel up to it again. Infact, I think I want to stay off everyone for now.” Ann found a space on an empty chair and sat down but felt drawn to where Rose sat. She moved closer and lay hand on her shoulder. “Talk to me Rose. I know you to be a strong lady. What’s happening to you?” Rose bent her head, “I tell everyone to be strong but I am the weakest person on earth. I am no longer strong again.” “Really.” “Yes Ann. I tired to hide too many things from you all. I pretend all is well when it is not. I can’t cope anymore.” “Rose dear, each difficulty you overcome contributes to your inner strength. I know you will surely overcome this too. You need more immunity.” HOW TO BUILD INNER STRENGTH Building inner strength involves developing resilience, self-awareness, and a positive mindset. Here are some steps to help you build inner strength: Self-reflection: Take time to understand your values, strengths, and areas for growth. Self-awareness is the foundation of inner strength. Embrace challenges: See challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles. Each difficulty you overcome contributes to your inner strength. Positive self-talk: Replace negative thoughts with affirming and empowering statements. Be your supporter rather than your critic. Set and achieve small goals: Break down larger goals into manageable steps. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, to build confidence. Learn from failures: Instead of dwelling on mistakes, view them as valuable learning experiences. Extract lessons and use them to improve. Cultivate gratitude: Focus on the positive aspects of your life. Regularly express gratitude for the people and experiences that bring joy. Mindfulness: Practice being present in the moment. Mindfulness can enhance your ability to cope with stress and build emotional resilience. Healthy coping mechanisms: Develop constructive ways to manage stress, such as exercise, deep breathing, or engaging in activities you enjoy. Develop a support system: Surround yourself with positive, supportive individuals who encourage and uplift you during challenging times. Maintain a positive mindset: Cultivate optimism by looking for the good in situations. Shift your perspective from what’s lacking to what’s possible. In conclusion, Building inner strength is an ongoing process that requires commitment and self-compassion. It’s about fostering a resilient mindset that helps you navigate life’s ups and downs with grace and fortitude.        

The role of Health Maintenance Organization (HMOs) in Nigeria, providing in a proficient way, Proper Medical Services

by
20231026 202037

Healthcare is vital in any country, the well being of the citizens should not be ignored, and it is the duty of the government that they receive the best of healthcare at an affordable and accessible rate and to Nigerian government, it is the establishment of HMOs. The NHIS earlier years was a scheme set up by the government to cater to the needs of Nigerian workers, and over the years, the NHIS are the regulatory agency to cater for HMOs. The introduction of HMOs (Heath Maintenance Organization) is one of the best options the Nigerian government chose to make health services affordable and accessible to citizens. They are subservient to the NHIS who set regulatory framework for their operation and promoting quality healthcare in Nigeria. In Nigeria, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) was created as a social network program to provide easy access to quality healthcare in Nigeria at affordable cost. All registered Nigerians, received from the social health insurance programme healthcare coverage that needs to be paid for from a common pool of funds contributed by other participants. HMOs in Nigeria Healthcare System Health Maintenance Organization (HMOs) was formed as private entities to serve as agents of the NHIS and cover both the public and private sectors. HMOs is a Formal Sector Social Health Insurance Programme that serves as a social health security system in which the healthcare of employees in the Formal Sector. Funds are paid for from the pooling of contributions made by employees and employers. Contributions for accessing healthcare using HMOs can be accessed by government entities,  private entities, and individuals. To secure health insurance, you will have to find an insurance provider (HMOs) with unique features that fit your health needs. HMO insurance provides health insurance coverage for a monthly or annual fee and is only limited to medical care. Some Key Takeaways on HMOs HMOs plans require that you first receive medical care services from a provider known as the primary care physician (PCP) assigned to you. They become your custodian of healthcare services, and you chose from the list of options offered to you by the HMO. There are two types of healthcare plans that are alternatives to HMOs. They are Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) and point-of-service (POS) plans. You chose either the PPOs or POS plan when subscribing for an HMO. Your HMO plan mandates you to see your PCP first, who will refer you to an in-network specialist. The PPO plan allows you to see a specialist without referral. This depends on your subscription rate, and your rate determines your service. Your HMO plan warrants you to within your network of providers to receive coverage. With a PPO plan, you still have a network of providers, but you aren’t restricted to seeing just those physicians. It will also be important to note for your well-being that HMO provides more comprehensive coverage to you. HMO can be accessed by employers and employees of public and private sectors, informal sector employees, and other residents of Nigeria. The creation of HMO is to ensure that quality healthcare is rendered to all participants, and the NHIA act of 2022 regulates the actions of HMO. It is essential that you register with an accredited HMO that meets your health needs to ensure you get proper medical service proficient anytime, any day. It is worthy to note that healthcare is fundamental for citizens of a country. NHIS and HMOs play crucial roles to achieve this goal and this is by providing affordable and accessible healthcare. Benefits of HMOs in Nigerian Healthcare HMOs serves as agent of the NHIS and they offer range of benefits to you which include:   Reduced cost price. HMOs negotiate lower price with healthcare providers to save expenses for their members. Improved healthcare access. Accessing healthcare providers through HMOs is easier. Members get care from network of healthcare providers.        

The Role Of AI In Transforming Healthcare

by
The Role Of AI In Transforming Healthcare

The healthcare sector constantly faces a growth in demand in all parts of the world. This demand has prompted the use of AI to transform the healthcare sector.  An increasing population drives this demand, the outbreak of zoonotic and non-zoonotic diseases, a rise in genetic conditions, lifestyle changes, and a continuous cycle of innovative technology. With all these demands, it is difficult for the healthcare sector to keep up without structural and transformational modifications. This is where AI comes in. In combination with machine learning, computer vision, and natural language processing. AI contributes to better diagnosis, treatment prevention and management, personalised care, and delivery of accurate prediction of diseases in the population, all of which have transformed the healthcare sector. Here are some of the uses of AI in healthcare. 1. Imaging and diagnostics The use of AI and diagnostic imaging, especially in radiology, helps to improve imaging analysis and provide adequate care and treatment based on diagnosis. The introduction of AI reduces the chances of error in diagnosing clinical conditions. Examples of diagnostic tools used for imaging include Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT), and Positron Emission Tomography (PET). 2 Precision medicine Precision medicine focuses on diagnosing and treating patients based on genetic makeup rather than signs and symptoms. The evolution of AI aids healthcare providers to personalise treatments and improve patient outcomes. Furthermore, pharmaceutical companies use precision medicine knowledge to develop more potent drugs with limited side effects. READ ALSO: Wearable Devices: The Impact On Personal Health Conclusion AI in healthcare has come a long way and gives promising solutions for using AI in diagnosis, treatment management, and data collection, which can improve patient outcomes. In the next few years, they have taken over the healthcare sector, thereby improving efficacy and efficiency, reducing the cost of production, and the rise of certain medical conditions. However, concerns and challenges, especially about the ethical indications of AI centered around patient confidentiality, data privacy, and others, should be addressed to have an effective system.

Unmasking the Silent Epidemic (Human Papilloma virus)to Guard Your Health through HPV Vaccine and Regular Screening

by
HPV Vaccine and Regular Screening

Studies show that the HPV epidemic is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide. This silent epidemic is spreading, and the majority of sexually active individuals will contract at least one type of the disease during their lifetime. There is a prevalent viral infection that affects millions of people worldwide. They are a group of related viruses that affect various parts of the body, with more than 200 different types identified. This disease is Human Papillomavirus (HPV). If you have heard of Human Papillomavirus (HPV), you will know that understanding it plays a crucial role in sexual health and can have implications for various aspects of well-being. HPV is a DNA virus that affects the skin and mucous membranes. HPV is highly contagious and affects people of all genders and ages. It is spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact, including vertical transmission (pregnancy), sexual and non-sexual means. HPV is classified into low-risk HPV and high-risk HPV. Potential health risks include genital warts, cancer, and pre-cancerous changes for cases of cervical cancers. It is important to understand that HPV can be prevented when you protect your health through safer sexual practices, regular screenings, and get vaccinated. Prevention is your personal responsibility by making proactive healthcare choices. HPV Vaccine over the years have proven highly effective in preventing HPV infections and the associated health risks. The effectiveness also varies based on vaccine type and the number of doses administered. The vaccines have proven their effectiveness by preventing HPV infections, reducing the risk of cervical cancer, and regulating the incidence caused by genital warts. They are for both genders, provide long-lasting protection, and reduce the prevalence of the targeted types of HPV in the population. Receive your vaccine according to the recommended schedule. Regular screening is a proactive means of prevention, and while it can’t directly reduce the risk of HPV, it contributes to early reduction and treatment, prevents cancer development, promotes education and awareness, protects sexual partners, and promotes community health. HPV prevention is your responsibility; make wise decisions! Lily learned she had cervical cancer at 27. Know that HPV causes almost all cervical cancers. She is encouraging parents to protect their children/wards from HPV-related cancers by getting them vaccinated. Regular screening and vaccination are essential to prevent cervical cancers. Contact your local hospital and healthcare provider to inform you where you can get access to HPV screening and vaccines. There are ongoing campaigns in Nigeria to combat the spread of HPV, and they also offer vaccines and screenings at an affordable rate.   Get Screened Now. Schedule your HPV Vaccination Today. Share the Knowledge, Spread the Protection.