Clinical psychologist from Yaba Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Dr Ayodeji Ajayi, has said that lifestyle pressures, academic stress and social media influence are major contributors to emotional instability among the youths.
Delivering a presentation on the topic, ‘The Most Common Mental Health Issues Among 21st Century Youths’, at a Campus Mental Health Awareness Seminar, organised by Caleb University Counselling and Development Clinic in collaboration with the Department of Psychology, Ajayi identified common mental health issues affecting modern-day youths, emphasising how lifestyle pressures, academic stress and social media contribute to emotional instability.
In a statement yesterday, he categorised mental health conditions into distinct types, explaining each in detail. The examples he discussed included eating disorders, insomnia, anxiety, depression and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
He elaborated on their symptoms, causes, and possible treatment approaches, emphasising the need for early intervention, counselling and social support systems. Ajayi also highlighted the importance of self-awareness and self-care practices, encouraging students to prioritise rest, build healthy social connections and seek professional help whenever necessary.
The programme was declared open by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olalekan Asikhia represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, Innovation, Strategy and Administration (RISA) Prof. Adesola Ajayi, and was attended by students and select officials of the university.
The vice chancellor noted that the programme could not have come at a better time as it was seriously needed now more than ever before, especially among young Nigerians.
The programme featured, among others, mental health talks, games, medical health checks and counselling with two main speakers and three panelists.
The second speaker, Dr Gbenusola Akinwale, from the Department of Psychology, University of Lagos, Akoka, delivered a presentation titled, “Demystifying Youth Mental Health: The Pros and Cons.”
Akinwale explained that while mental health awareness had gained more attention among today’s youths, misconceptions and stigma still existed.
The panel session featured three panelists, namely the Coordinator of the Caleb University Counselling and Development Clinic, Dr Sanmi Johnson IBIDAPO; Priscilla Benjamin-Olaoye a U.S.-based mental health awareness expert; and Henry Levano, who is based in New York, United States.
The Coordinator and Team Lead of the Caleb University C&D Clinic, Dr Johnson Ibidapo, appreciated the University Proprietor, Vice Chancellor, and other Principal Officers for their support of the initiative. He noted that the programme was successful in promoting mental health awareness within the University community and, by extension, her host community.
