One Important Reason Why The Mental Health of Osinachi Nwachukwu’s Children Should Be Taken Seriously
See all the latest health news in Nigeria
A psychiatrist has urged relatives of deceased gospel singer, Osinachi Nwachukwu, to take the mental health of her children seriously.
According to the psychiatrist, Maymunah Kadiri, it is easier to nurture “a healthy child than a damaged adult.”
She urged that the children be supported and guided with serious attention paid to their psychological and emotional well being.
Kadiri who is a medical director at Pinnacle Hospital, Lagos said supporting their mental health is not a choice but a must.
Wellness Healthcare learned that the 42-year-old gospel artiste died at an Abuja hospital on Friday, April 8.
There was initial speculation that she died of throat cancer. However, the Families and friends of the singer debunked the speculations saying it was domestic violence.
They accused the husband of the singer, Peter Nwachukwu of beating her.
Osinachi’s sister, Favour Made alleged that she died of a blood clot in her chest.
Made said her sister died as a result of the blood clot which occurred after Peter kicked her sister in the chest.
Peter was subsequently arrested by the police for alleged involvement in his wife’s death.
Read the latest health news in Nigeria on Jaundice Machine
In a Facebook post, Ene Ogbe Nevic, a friend of the deceased singer, revealed the alleged killer of her friend. Nevic claim Peter Nwachukwu killed his wife.
According to Nevic, Peter was in the habit of domestic violence against his wife.
Her words:
“By God’s grace, I was in our beloved late sister’s house this evening again and am glad that the police arrested him. But what baffles me is the way and manner he has polluted the children’s minds. I had a chat with the firstborn, and I almost started crying again.
“This boy told me the ordeal his mom had been going through with his dad. How he beat her up in any little argument. He said aunty; my dad pushed my mom out of the car at night after Wednesday service, and bad boys snatched my mom’s bag that night. How mom got home that night I can’t tell because dad left her. People gave my mom these two cars (pointed at them for me to see) but dad at times would say my mom should take a bike while we went in the car.
“Even when we were coming back from church, my mom would stand under the sun and we would drive and pass her and we would wave at her. My dad told us that beating women was good.
“I told him it is very wrong to beat a woman and that God is against it, and I talked sense into the boy. He said they are happy that their dad was arrested because he shouted and beat them up.”
Reacting to the allegations against Peter by his children and the impact his manners may have on his children, Dr Kadiri speaks.
The mental health expert took to her Facebook page to admonish the family.
She said:
“With the death of Mrs Osinachi Nwachukwu, I want to bring to our notice that in the midst of all of these, the children will be forgotten with the view that they are just children. Yes, they are, but they matter…
“In recent findings, the first son said and I quote, “my daddy said beating women is good”. For a developing brain, this is a disaster…
“Why will a father go to this level to mess up the minds and psyche of his children? This is sad…
“From my understanding of the mental health of children and adolescents, it’s important they are supported holistically, with attention to their psychological and emotional wellbeing…
“This is a must, not an option because it is cheaper to nurture a healthy child than manage a damaged adult…”
The doctor said that 50-75 per cent of mental health disorders globally starts among adolescents.
According to her, one in six people ages 10-19 years suffers mental health disorders before adulthood.
She added that 75 per cent start before age 24.
Kadiri further explained that suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in older adolescents (15-19 years).
She concluded:
“With COVID-19, there is a 25 per cent increase in the prevalence of anxiety and depression worldwide. Young people are disproportionally at risk of suicidal and self-harming behaviours.
“Many risk-taking behaviours for health, such as substance use or sexual risk-taking, start during adolescence.
“Behavioural disorders can affect adolescents’ education and conduct disorder may result in criminal behaviour.
“Many adult smokers of tobacco and cannabis had their first cigarette before the age of 18 years. Cannabis is the most widely used drug among young people, 15-16 years.
“Adolescents with mental health conditions are particularly vulnerable to social exclusion, discrimination, stigma, educational difficulties, risk-taking behaviours, physical ill-health and human rights violations.”
According to a survey conducted by UNICEF:
The survey conducted in 21 countries including Nigeria, showed that COVID-19 has made the situation even more worrisome.
Must Read: Why You Must Stop Eating Hormone Grown Chicken
UNICEF Nigeria Representative, Peter Hawkins said:
Almost 46,000 adolescents die from suicide each year, among the top five causes of death for their age group. Meanwhile, wide gaps persist between mental health needs and mental health funding.
“The report finds that about two per cent of government health budgets are allocated to mental health spending globally,” it noted.
“It has been a long 18 months for us all– especially children. With the nationwide lockdowns and pandemic-related movement restrictions in Nigeria, children have spent indelible years of their lives away from family, friends, classrooms, and play – key elements of childhood itself.”
Source: Punch Health Wise
