People living with scoliosis have been urged to seek psychological support and avoid allowing the condition to define their self-worth, as healthcare professionals highlighted the emotional challenges associated with the spinal condition.

The call was made at the second edition of the Scoliosis Focus Support Group meeting, held on October 10, 2026, in conjunction with Hotel de Manna, to provide people living with scoliosis with medical guidance, emotional support and an opportunity to share their experiences.

Speaking at the meeting, a clinical psychologist at Gbagada General Hospital, Mr Damilare Ashani, said people living with scoliosis could experience anxiety, depression, frustration and low self-esteem, particularly when they struggle with changes in their physical appearance or face discrimination.

His presentation coincided with World Mental Health Day, marked annually on October 10. The 2026 global theme was “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change”.

Ashani urged participants to speak openly about their feelings and seek professional help when necessary. He also encouraged them to maintain friendships, pursue hobbies and focus on what their bodies could do rather than how they looked.

He said families, healthcare workers and members of the public should listen to people’s experiences without prejudice, stigma or discrimination.

Ashani added that bullying and negative comments about physical appearance could worsen emotional distress, especially among adolescents, who may withdraw from social activities or become reluctant to attend school or interact with others.

“Scoliosis is something you have; it is not who you are,” he reminded participants, encouraging them to separate their identity from their diagnosis.

Consultant orthopaedic surgeon Dr Mutaleeb Ayodele Shobode also held an interactive session with participants, explaining surgical options and addressing questions about treatment.

He reassured them that living with scoliosis did not mean they could not lead healthy lives while awaiting surgery, where it was required. 

He also sought to address their concerns about the cost of surgery and the possibility of making treatment more accessible and timely.

Participants shared their experiences, including when they were diagnosed, the treatments they had undergone and the challenges they continued to face.

Consultant physiotherapist and Head of the Physiotherapy Department at Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Dr Adebowale Adedayo, said scoliosis management required attention to both physical and psychological well-being.

He described scoliosis as a three-dimensional curvature of the spine and said it commonly develops during adolescence.

Adedayo explained that treatment options for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis included observation, scoliosis-specific exercises, bracing, education and regular monitoring to prevent the curvature from progressing.

However, he noted that concerns about body image, low self-esteem, anxiety and social isolation could affect patients’ mental health and willingness to continue treatment.

He urged physiotherapists to combine physical rehabilitation with emotional support, family involvement and psychological referrals where necessary.

The founder of the Scoliosis Focus Support Group, Dr Ayomide Akintan-Adejuwon, said the initiative was inspired by her personal experience of living with scoliosis.

She encouraged participants to remain hopeful and make use of the support available through the group, which aims to help people with the condition learn from one another and navigate their daily lives with greater confidence.

The programme also featured words of encouragement from Pastor Mrs Shobola, who urged participants not to allow other people’s opinions to determine their self-worth.

Speaking on behalf of the group’s Board of Trustees, Mrs Adeola reaffirmed its commitment to supporting members and helping them access resources to address the emotional and financial challenges associated with scoliosis.

Engr Adeola Apata, chief executive officer of Hotel de Manna, served as the event’s chief host.