The Nasarawa State Government has called for regular mental health check-ups for adolescents across all 13 local government areas of the state, stressing that early attention to mental well-being can help prevent serious psychological disorders.
The state Commissioner for Health, Gaza Gwamna, made the appeal on Tuesday during a press conference in Lafia, as part of activities marking the 2025 International Adolescents Health Week and World Mental Health Day.
Gwamna urged parents, guardians, and caregivers to prioritise the mental health of young people and create safe spaces for them to express their feelings without fear of judgment or stigma.
He noted that regular mental health assessments can help detect early warning signs and make timely intervention possible.
“Mental health is an integral part of overall well-being, and we recognise the need to strengthen mental health support systems, especially for adolescents navigating the complex challenges of growing up,” he said.
“It’s important for parents, guardians, and caregivers to help young people build resilience so they can handle the pressures of adolescence and transition smoothly into adulthood,” Gwamna added.
He explained that adolescents are particularly vulnerable to mental health challenges, which, if not properly managed, could affect their academic performance, decision-making, and overall quality of life.
The commissioner listed some of the common mental health disorders among young people to include anxiety, depression, and attention deficit disorders, urging that those showing symptoms should be supported rather than stigmatised.
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According to him, “Regular check-ups and emotional support from family and friends can make a huge difference in the mental well-being of adolescents, helping them thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.”
Gwamna encouraged members of the public to visit government hospitals for mental health assessments and commended the media and other stakeholders for their efforts in promoting public health awareness.
He also advised residents to seek accurate information from medical professionals and ignore misleading claims about the causes and treatment of mental illnesses.
