On Thursday, October 10 2019, Gede Foundation joined the world in marking this year’s World Mental Health Day. The theme for this year’s event is “Suicide Prevention’. Gede partnered with Christian Blind Mission (CBM), Karu Behaviour Medicine Unit (KBMU) and Time To Change Global (TTCG) to raise awareness on suicide and ways it could be prevented. The three activities were i) sensitization through road walk, ii) symposium on ‘causes, signs and prevention of suicide’ at Karu Hospital and, iii)social contact event.

During the road walk, the team including Psychiatrists, Clinical Psychologists, Psychiatric Nurses, Social Workers, Laboratory Scientists and Mental Health Champions) went through streets in Karu with information, education and communication (IEC) materials (flyers, hand-bans, posters and banners) to raise awareness on suicide and mobilize people to participate at the symposium.

At the symposium, mental health specialists educated participants on the various causes, signs and preventive measures for suicide—the major cause being depression This was followed by a session to address various myths and misconceptions surrounding suicide. Some participants shared their stories on how they overcame suicidal thoughts and attempts.

Mental health stigma was addressed through the social contact event by Mental Health Champions at the venue. Champions shared their mental health experience with those without mental experience of mental health problems. The event gained media exposure both in Newspapers and Television. The next social contact event is coming up on Saturday, October 26, at the District Head’s Palace in Mararaba, opposite Nasarawa State Geographical Information System (NAGIS) Office, Mararaba at 10am.

This event was made possible through the huge contributions and support from Gede Foundation’s Board of Directors led by its Founder, Barrister Jennifer Douglas-Abubakar.