A consultant psychiatrist at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, (LASUTH), Dr Azizat Lebimoyo has said that anxiety and depression could be tamed if well managed.
Dr. Lebimoyo stated this in Lagos during a Muslimah Health Forum at the NUT Pavilion, Ikeja, Lagos organized by Bounties Charity Initiative.
She noted that prescription of medications and lifestyle changes are crucial to treating chronic depression and anxiety.
Delivering a welcome speech at the event, the Executive Director, Bounties Charity Initiative, Engr. Dr. Mrs, Falilat Jimoh said Bountiis as an organization is committed to finding solutions to the routine challenges facing women
on daily basis ranging from capacity building, empowerment, health and other societal issues.
She said, “At Bountiis, we strive to inspire and empower the muslimah to ensure qualitative living standards within the boundary of Islam.
According to her, some health problems for instance, has out of ignorance led to loss of lives, permanent disabilities, full blown mental disorder and most importantly, loss of faith.
This is because of certain cultural belief where discussions on sexual issues are regarded as a taboo, the mention of psychiatric doctor is seen as a curse, and menopausal symptoms are seen as spiritual attacks.
Dr. Jimoh noted that the NGO decided to take up the task of educating and providing a platform for fellow women to have access to the very best of expertise with wealth of experience on the various issues affecting them.
She expressed appreciation to all panelists, speakers, and anchors who out of their busy schedule gifted time and resources at no cost to the service of humanity to attend the event
The Muslimah Health Forum, MHF2019was part of Bountiissocial impact projects as a women based charity organization.
The well attended event which held was co-hosted by Nyma Asakat Zibiri and Mutiat Olagoke.
The health forum had in attendance 16 specialists and experts in the areas of women health who made the four engaging panel discussions educative moments for almost 1000 Muslim women participants from across the country.
The event featured medical experts ranging from consultant psychiatrist, cardiac dietician, gastroenterologist, hepatologist, obstetricians and gynecologists across teaching hospitals in Nigeria and selected private practices. Certified wellness coach, health coaches, mental health advocates and activist were also members of the panel discussant.
The four panels at the Muslimah Health Forum focused on various health issues facing women with particular reference to Muslim women. These are: stress and lifestyle, anxiety and depression, sex and sexuality and the ageing challenge.
The panelists on stress and lifestyle spoke about pertinent questions on the lifestyle of Muslim women and how to balance lifestyle for healthy living.
The sex and sexuality session discussed the challenges of sex in marriages and how women can tackle various problems that may arise as a result of lack of interest in sexual intercourse or lack of sexual satisfaction in marriages.
Other sessions such as the ageing challenges, anxiety and depression addressed the issue of menopause, mental health and depression with proven insights and medical guides of managing or solving the conditions.
The event also featured free health checks in partnership with the Lagos Chapter of Islamic Medical Association of Nigeria (IMAN) and Madaniyyah Women Specialist Hospital.
Participants enjoyed free medical screening, consultation and drugs.
