LASWELL: It’s difficult convincing depressed health workers to come for treatment

Benjamin Omoike l Monday, August 24, 2020

IKEJA, Nigeria – The Lagos State Employee Wellness Centre says it has been difficult convincing depressed doctors, nurses and other health workers in the civil service, to come for treatment at designated mental health facilities.

LASWELL noted that most of those who need treatment for depression are not coming forward because of fear and stigma. LASWELL Coordinator and Clinical Director, Dr. Rasheed Kolade, disclosed that he had observed that most health workers are not bold to admit they have depression or other forms of mental challenges, due to fear and stigma.

“The problem we have with the healthcare workers with depression, I must confess, is that of accessibility. The few we managed to reach in recent times are not more than 5 per cent.

“Of course, we know it has something to do with stigma and fear. You will agree with me that depression is a global challenge,” he said.

When asked to comment on a report that the state government had planned to disengage health workers with mental health challenges in the civil service, the clinical director said the report was untrue.

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“There will be no such thing. I recall the incident you are talking about. The list of affected employees we requested wasn’t restricted only to nurses and health workers, but a general directive to all sectors, including the ministry of education.

“Lagos State cannot sack anybody based on mental health issues, especially if it is obvious that it won’t affect your productivity. The civil service regulation does not allow that,” he said.

Kolade disclosed that the Lagos State Mental Health Law, which was passed last year, has further addressed the issue of stigmatisation of workers in the civil service. According to him, civil servants in the state should not be bothered about getting fired because they are being treated for mental illness or depression.

The Lagos State Employees Wellness Centre, he said, is a clinic saddled with the responsibility of identifying people with mental health challenges, treating mild ones and referring moderate to severe cases to the department of psychiatry in LASUTH for continuous treatment.

“Even if it is a chronic mental condition, we usually find a way around it,” he said.