Aro Neuropsychiatric Hospital hosts workshop on facework for mental health

The Neuropsychiatric Hospital (NPH) in Aro, Abeokuta, has hosted a groundbreaking Workshop on Facework for Mental Health in Nigeria on December 6, 2023.

Spearheaded by the former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof Bolanle Akeredolu-Ale, the event marked a crucial component of the TETFund NATIONAL RESEARCH FUND Grant-supported research initiative.

The workshop brought together a diverse and multidisciplinary team, including scholars, mental health professionals, and IT experts from FUNAAB, University of Ibadan (UI), and Neuropsychiatric Hospital (NPH), Aro.

The collaborative effort aimed to explore innovative approaches in mental health communication and support.

Mental health and healthcare professionals actively participated both online and onsite, engaging in the presentation of groundbreaking research findings.

A highlight of the workshop was the introduction of a Sentiment Analysis Web App for Mental Health. Developed to aid mental health professionals in their roles, the app garnered attention and acclaim for its potential to revolutionize mental health support.

Bolanle Akeredolu-Ale, the principal investigator, provided a comprehensive overview of the project’s objectives, emphasizing the critical role of Facework in Mental Health Communication.

Ayo Osisanwo from UI presented the team’s research findings on face recognition in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness, shedding light on the pivotal role of Faceworks in these processes.

Sunday Amosu, a Consultant Psychiatrist at NPH, delved into crisis communication during mental health emergencies, elucidating the basics of crisis communication and emergency response and preparedness.

Similarly, Olanrewaju Sodeinde, a Consultant Psychiatrist at NPH, shared insights on frontline workers in mental health support.

His revelations about insufficient training on Principles of Psychological First Aid among health workers in Nigeria underscored the importance of these principles in helping individuals manage emotional distress and life stressors.

In response to the enlightening presentations, Afis Agboola, the Provost and Medical Director of NPH, Aro, expressed gratitude to the Research Team for their timely and excellent contributions.

The workshop witnessed active participation from mental health and other health workers, both online and onsite, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing mental health awareness and support in Nigeria.