Pyrates Confraternity Abuja Marks World Mental Health Day, Highlights Workplace Mental Health Crisis

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) Sahara Deck (Abuja Municipal) has joined the global community in marking World Mental Health Day, with a call for urgent action to address mental health issues in the workplace. This year’s theme, “It’s Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace,” highlights the importance of creating healthy work environments to boost mental wellbeing and productivity.

In a statement signed by Everestus Chinedum Esq, Capoon of the Sahara Deck, the Pyrates Confraternity noted the growing mental health crisis in Nigeria, worsened by rising cases of suicide and work-related stress. The organization emphasized the urgent need for workplaces to become safe spaces for mental health, given that most people spend more time at work than at home.

Statistics from various sources paint a grim picture: according to the World Health Organization (WHO), 40 million Nigerians suffer from mental disorders, while 20% of the population experiences depression. Suicide rates have surged, with 11,000 reported cases between 2019 and 2022, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Abuja, in particular, has been hard-hit, with 34.6% of residents experiencing depression and 22.1% suffering from anxiety disorders.

The Pyrates Confraternity highlighted chronic stress, workplace bullying, poor work-life balance, and inadequate mental health resources as key factors contributing to mental health breakdowns in Nigerian workplaces. Despite these challenges, victims often refrain from reporting due to fear of stigma and retaliation.

To address these issues, the organization is advocating for stricter penalties against workplace harassment, the establishment of safe reporting channels, and greater mental health awareness. As part of their efforts, the Abuja chapter of the Pyrates Confraternity is sponsoring a radio program on Kiss FM 99.9 Abuja to promote discussions around mental health. A mental health expert will also feature on the show to offer insights into workplace mental health.

The National Association of Seadogs, known for its commitment to humanistic ideals and social justice, is also engaging with the Ministry of Labour and Employment to extend this conversation to a wider audience and encourage policy interventions aimed at protecting workers’ mental wellbeing.