Founder of the DATO Foundation, Dr. Oluwatosin Ademola Ojo has urged members of the public to pay greater attention to one another, particularly at a time when many people are facing financial difficulties, emotional pressure, and other forms of stress.
Dr. Ojo, a South Africa-based medical practitioner, made the call during a weekly health talk programme hosted by Dare Olusan on African Portal Radio/TV in South Africa, where he spoke extensively on depression, anxiety, and the importance of protecting mental well-being.
The medical expert explained that depression should not be dismissed as ordinary sadness, stressing that it is a mental health condition capable of affecting an individual’s mood, thoughts, behavior, relationships, sleep, appetite, and ability to function normally.
According to him, anxiety, on the other hand, is a feeling of fear, worry, or nervousness that can occur naturally, especially during stressful situations. He noted, however, that anxiety becomes a concern when it is excessive, persistent, or begins to interfere with someone’s everyday activities.
Dr. Ojo identified some common signs of depression to include persistent sadness or emptiness, loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities, tiredness, changes in sleep or appetite, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness, as well as withdrawal from family members and friends.
He therefore encouraged people experiencing persistent emotional or psychological difficulties to seek appropriate professional help rather than suffering silently.
The medical practitioner also called on families, workplaces, churches, and community organisations to create supportive environments where people can talk openly about their challenges without fear of stigma or discrimination.
Dr. Ojo further appealed to governments at all levels to intensify efforts towards providing basic social amenities and improving living conditions, noting that measures that make everyday life easier can contribute to the general well-being of citizens.
He said supporting mental health should not be left to medical professionals alone, stressing that families, communities, religious institutions, employers, and government all have roles to play in building a society where people can receive support during difficult periods.
Dr. Ojo, who has continued to use the African Portal Radio/TV platform to educate the public on various health issues, has in recent weeks addressed topics ranging from child health and nutrition to tuberculosis, breast cancer, kidney disease, and prostate health.
Packaged by Oludotun Ajibola
