A Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Ukwuori-Gisela Kalu, has said that suicide is the third leading cause of death.
Speaking on Tuesday while marking the World Mental Health Day, she also disclosed that 8.6 million adults had suicidal thoughts while one in every four persons was affected by mental health.
October 10th every year is observed as World Mental Health Day, with the aim of bringing mental health issues to the fore and to encourage efforts in support of better mental health.
The theme for this year is Mental Health in the Workplace.
Speaking on the theme, Dr. Kalu noted that promoting good mental health in the workplace was one of the most important things employers could do to improve their organisations and boost their businesses.
“We spend a large portion of our adult lives at work, and the way we feel, think and act impact on our productivity, our communication and our ability to maintain safety. A negative workplace environment can lead to physical and mental ill health, harmful use of substances and/or alcohol, and less productivity,” she said.
She further disclosed that depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy 1trillion USDollars each year in lost productivity.
“Yet, for every 1USDollar put in scaled up treatment for common mental illnesses, there is a return of 4USDollars in improved health and productivity,” she added.