Lagos: The Society of Family Physicians of Nigeria (SOFPON) has called on healthcare professionals to focus on the early detection and timely intervention of mental health challenges, alongside implementing preventive measures to enhance mental well-being. Dr. Sixtus Ozuomba, Chairman of SOFPON Lagos, made this appeal during a seminar held as part of the World Family Doctor Day celebrations.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the theme for the World Doctor Day 2025 is ‘Building Mental Resilience in a Changing World’. Dr. Ozuomba highlighted the prevalence of issues such as depression, anxiety disorders, suicide, burnout, family dysfunction, and conflicts within society. He attributed these to the relentless changes occurring in today’s dynamic world, which challenge the coping mechanisms of individuals, families, and communities due to their magnitude, rapidity, and unexpected nature.
Dr. Ozuomba noted that such changes often impact families significantly, posing challenges for family physicians who are tasked with caring for individuals regardless of their gender, age, disease, or affected organ. He identified factors like increased drug and substance use, separation of family members for economic reasons, economic challenges, security concerns, and emerging diseases as driving forces behind mental health conditions. These issues, he said, not only affect patients but also the mental health of healthcare providers.
He urged physicians to prioritize their mental health and well-being, emphasizing that doctors need to maintain optimal physical and mental health to effectively care for themselves, their families, patients, and the community. Dr. Ozuomba highlighted the importance of mutual support among physicians, treating each other with respect and empathy to facilitate the early detection of deviations in behavior that may indicate mental health issues.
Dr. Ozuomba further emphasized the critical role of family doctors as the first point of contact for families, responsible for preventive care and treatment of diseases. He noted their attention to physical, mental, and environmental factors affecting patient health.
In parallel, Prof. Mashudat Bello-Mojeed, a Consultant Psychiatrist, addressed the impact of a changing world, digital technology, cultural shifts, and increased mental health awareness on how individuals respond to challenges. She stressed the importance of fostering resilient behaviors through strong support systems and a growth mindset, which can help individuals transform negative experiences into positive outcomes. Encouraging resilience, she said, lays the foundation for growth, adaptability, and overall well-being.