A mental health foundation has trained 25 nurses and expectant mothers in Enugu to help them better manage emotional well-being and support their communities.
The Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation (CALMHAF) held the one-day session on Friday at Ozalla Health Centre. It focused on recognising signs of poor mental health, building resilience and creating support networks.
Executive Director Rev. Chukwudiebube Nwachukwu stated that the initiative was part of the group’s Support for Caregivers Initiative and the Mother-to-Mother Initiative. “Participants explored specific triggers of mental distress and gained insights into factors affecting well-being, particularly for caregivers and expectant mothers,” he said.
The training also highlighted the dangers of excessive screen time, the influence of family pressures on expectant mothers, and the importance of seeking help early. Participants used assessment tools to check their levels of depression and anxiety.
Mrs Gloria Nwafor, an expectant mother, said she would reduce her mobile phone use after learning about its impact on mental health. A nurse, Mrs Judith Izuchukwu, said she had gained skills in emotional intelligence and resilience to support patients and herself.
Maternal health experts say between 10 and 15 per cent of new mothers in developing countries experience postpartum depression, which can persist for up to a year.
