By joshua 
World Mental Health Day: Psychiatrist urges employers to prioritise workers mental health
From Esther Akaa, Lafia
A Consultant Psychiatrist at the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Lafia, Dr Paul Agbo has urged employers of labour to invest in the mental well-being of their workers to enhance productivity.
Dr Agbo who is also the Head of Department ( HOD), Behavioural and Mental Health at the Teaching Hospital made the call at a symposium organised to commemorate the World Mental Health Day held on Wednesday in Lafia, Nasarawa State capital.
He stated that a supportive culture and show of appreciation by employer of labour would encourage workers to strive for excellence in their work places thereby improving productivity.
” We have realised that when the mental health of workers are not optimal, they would not give their best and when people are not happy, not satisfied or not appreciated, then you don’t expect them to be productive.
” A toxic workplace can use depression, fear, anxiety and low self esteem among workers that would lead to unproductivity”, he added.
Dr Agbo explained that, Behavioural and Mental Health department of the hospital decided to join the world mental health day, usually celebrated on 10th October every year, to sensitise the public on the need take care of their mental health to achieve mental and emotional well-being.
He, therefore called on workers to manage their workload and develop themselves professionally to maintain healthy living.
The Voice reports that the staff of the hospital held a rally to create awareness on the need for residents of the State to prioritise their mental health in order to improve productivity in workplaces.