A consultant psychiatrist, Dr Kabirat Kilanse-Oni, has urged women to prioritise their mental health, warning against ignoring persistent headaches, fatigue and other possible signs of underlying conditions.
Kilanse-Oni, of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, gave the advice at the seventh Muslimah Health Forum organised by Bountiis in Lagos on Saturday.
She said women’s mental and physical well-being were essential for their effective functioning and ability to realise their full potential in society.
The psychiatrist advised women to pay closer attention to stress, get adequate rest and seek professional medical assessment when they experienced concerning symptoms.
She also urged them to understand how prolonged stress could affect their bodies and potentially contribute to mental health difficulties.
Kilanse-Oni explained that cortisol, a hormone released in response to stress, could remain elevated under prolonged stress and affect the body’s normal functioning.
She warned that unmanaged stress could have wider health implications, including an increased risk of anxiety and depression.
The psychiatrist’s advice highlighted the importance of recognising warning signs early and seeking appropriate care rather than dismissing symptoms.
She stressed that prioritising mental health was important for women’s overall well-being and their ability to meet personal, family and societal responsibilities.
Similarly, Lasbat Kabiawu-Mutiu, a lead public relations expert at Bountiis Foundation, urged people to take health concerns seriously and seek professional medical advice.
She cautioned against relying on artificial intelligence tools and social media influencers to diagnose health conditions without consulting qualified health professionals.
“People should seek professional medical advice, go for check-ups and obtain proper diagnoses rather than relying on artificial intelligence or social media influencers for self-diagnosis,” she said.
Kabiawu-Mutiu disclosed that securing funding was among the challenges encountered while planning the forum.
She, however, said sponsorship went beyond financial support, with sponsors also providing free medical checks for participants.
She attributed the forum’s continued organisation over the years to the organisers’ shared commitment to improving the well-being of Muslim women.
Also speaking, Lateefah Adelekan, one of the sponsors, described women as queens of the home and builders of the nation.
She urged women to pay attention to their own health by eating balanced diets, including adequate protein, and moderating their carbohydrate intake.
Adelekan said healthy eating habits could help women manage their blood sugar levels and support their overall well-being.
The seventh edition of the Muslimah Health Forum provided a platform for discussions on women’s health, preventive care and the importance of seeking appropriate medical attention. (NAN)
