The National Association of Seadogs, Vito Corsica Deck, marked World Mental Health Day with a coordinated intervention that combined public education and immediate clinical outreach.
Through a sponsored programme on Trend 100.9 FM, Consultant Psychiatrist Dr. Enebe Anthony addressed the national shortfall of psychiatric manpower — fewer than 300 specialists for a population exceeding 200 million — and the daily reality of clinicians seeing dozens of patients per session. He traced much of the present burden to socio-economic strain, noting that chronic worry over livelihood and security frequently precipitates sleep disturbance, substance use and progressive mental illness.
The Deck’s engagement did not end with the broadcast. A free virtual mental health clinic held immediately afterwards attracted 25 callers, comprising 14 males and 11 females. Among them were cases of depression, substance abuse, anxiety and a single presentation of learning disability. Counselling was provided to every participant and each was referred for further face-to-face assessment.
The sequence demonstrated a deliberate strategy by the Vito Corsica Deck to convert awareness into tangible service at a moment when many Nigerians cannot easily reach formal care.
Dr. Anthony also emphasised practical individual measures — enforced annual leave, regular physical activity, disciplined sleep routines and deeper personal check-ins — while urging policy makers to incorporate mental health needs into housing, employment and health-financing frameworks. By pairing expert commentary with direct patient access, the Deck’s intervention offered a concrete model of civic contribution to an overstretched national system.
