Dr Morakinyo Gabriel, a clinical psychologist at the Federal Neuro psychiatric, Yaba, Lagos, says there is urgent need for institutions to provide more progressive and positive atmosphere to curb depression in our society.
Gabriel told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos that a conducive environment with positive reinforcement, encouragement, gratitude, optimism, care and hard work was good for growth.
According to him, this will go a long way in encouraging people and reducing incidents of depression and other mental health related challenges.
“We need to provide an atmosphere that is progressive and good for growth; it makes for good psychological development.
“We want to encourage and praise efforts, make somebody feel good at the same time not failing to admonish poor results or outcomes.
”We should ensure a person knows the right from wrong and does that appropriately, both culturally and legally,’’ he said.
On parenting, Morakinyo advised parents to learn to manage their emotions first, that way, it would be easy for them to manage their children’s.
“Parents need to check themselves and be sure of their own emotions.
“Do we have enough control of our own emotions and behaviours or do we actually extend our insecurities or angers to the children?’’.
He also advised that people be psychologically prepared for parenting before getting married.
“Before we can say somebody is fit for marriage, the person should be psychologically prepared for parenting.
“This is because parents must be fit to handle their emotions in order to help their children,’’ he said. (NAN)
