The Christian Association of Nigeria has called on the government, civil society, and media organisations to work together to raise mental health awareness and support those affected by mental health conditions.

At the National Mental Health Summit in Abuja on Friday, CAN president Daniel Okoh urged Nigerians to break the silence and stigma surrounding mental illness and prioritise mental well-being nationwide.

He said churches should lead by example in restoring dignity to those battling mental health challenges, creating spaces of refuge, not rejection, for people facing emotional or psychological distress.

Mr Okoh emphasised that pastors and church workers must be trained to identify signs of mental strain, provide initial counselling, and refer affected individuals to appropriate professional care.

“The church must invest in mental health education, train chaplains and counsellors, and offer psychological support alongside spiritual guidance,” he said, addressing religious leaders and mental health advocates.

He stressed that mental illness was not a sign of weak faith but a health condition requiring empathy, treatment, and support, drawing on Galatians 6:2 as a biblical call to care.

The CAN president urged government agencies to improve mental health policies, allocate funding, and integrate mental health services into the primary healthcare system across Nigeria.

He added that schools, workplaces, and communities must actively promote awareness and early intervention, while the media should report mental health issues with compassion and responsibility.

He encouraged civil society organisations to continue advocating for the rights, inclusion, and dignity of those affected, with the aim of building a society that listens and brings hope to the vulnerable.

The summit, described as the beginning of a national movement, focused on breaking the silence and fostering a supportive environment for Nigerians living with mental health conditions.

(NAN)