By Atlantic Reports

Residents of Lokoja have called for greater care in everyday conversations, stronger support networks and increased mental health awareness, saying fear of judgment can leave people struggling in silence.

In separate interviews on Saturday to mark World Mental Health Day, the residents highlighted how workplace encounters, financial pressures and relationship difficulties could affect emotional wellbeing.

Their accounts placed listening and empathy at the centre of efforts to help people recognise distress and seek appropriate support.

Words can leave a lasting impression

Mrs Grace Adejoh, a civil servant, recalled an unpleasant encounter during a work-related visit that affected her mood for hours before she regained her composure.

She said people reacted differently to situations because of their backgrounds, experiences and personal circumstances.

“We should be careful about our choice of words when talking to people,” she said.

Remarks that appeared harmless to one person could deeply hurt another, Adejoh added.

She called for greater awareness in workplaces, families and communities, saying limited understanding could prevent people from recognising emotional difficulties or knowing when professional assistance was needed.

Fear of judgment keeps struggles hidden

Mr Bayo Akingbade, a health worker, said mental health was often misunderstood and neglected.

He described it as encompassing emotional, psychological and social wellbeing, influencing how people managed stress, related to others and made decisions.

Akingbade said societal expectations, financial pressures and relationship challenges could contribute to distress, while fear of judgment discouraged open discussion.

He urged communities to create an environment where people could speak about their difficulties without stigma.

He also encouraged adequate rest, supportive relationships, physical activity and opportunities to express feelings as ways of supporting wellbeing.

Mr Unekwu Peters, a data analyst, said growing public discussion had helped people recognise emotional difficulties that might previously have been overlooked or misunderstood.

He described mental wellbeing, in his own terms, as finding peace of mind amid pressures from personal circumstances and the wider environment.

Support, boundaries and professional help

Mrs Rahmat Ahmed, a businesswoman, said mental health deserved serious attention, while cautioning against using it to excuse harmful behaviour or avoid responsibility.

She encouraged people to maintain supportive relationships, establish healthy boundaries and seek professional help when distress persisted or disrupted daily life.

“When my mental health is being challenged, I remind myself that I am human, and I deserve peace, rest and understanding too,” she said.

Ahmed said reflection, conversations with trusted people and her faith helped her through difficult experiences.

She argued that protecting mental wellbeing was necessary for emotional balance and everyday functioning.

The residents’ contributions reflected personal experiences and perspectives rather than clinical assessments. Across their accounts, the shared appeal was for people to listen more carefully, respond with compassion and make it easier for those experiencing distress to seek help.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.