As the world commemorates World Mental Health Day, the Starburg Empowerment Foundation on Friday urged the public to stop the stigmatisation of those suffering from mental health challenges.

This comes as the organisation donated medical supplies, including drugs and cash, to the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital (FNPH) in Benin to commemorate the 2024 World Mental Health Day.

Co-founder of the organisation, Bakare Gloria, said the NGO is committed to the well-being of mentally ill patients in the country and has taken the decision to sensitise the public on World Mental Health Day 2024, with the theme “Prioritising Mental Health in the Workplace.”

She urged those with mental health disorders to come forward, as there is still hope for recovery, saying: “They do not need to give up on themselves or take actions that will further compound the problems they are going through. Our organisation is here to tell the people that with unity, they can rebuild the broken bridges.”

Bakare, however, listed some challenges that trigger mental health issues, including victims of rape, family problems, substance use or addiction, drunkenness, and unnecessary violence, among others.

Declaring that all hands must be on deck, Bakare said an estimated 70 percent of people in society are unaware of mental health issues.

According to her, this ignorance continues to plague society, and collective efforts are needed to reduce the scourge and abstain from activities that will trigger mental health issues.