Dr Joseph Ike, Director-General, Kaduna State Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Agency (KADSAMHSA), has urged residents to seek mental health support at designated Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the state.
Ike made the call on Thursday in a goodwill message to mark the 2026 World Mental Health Day.
He said the day provided an opportunity to reflect on mental health challenges, which often developed quietly in homes, schools and workplaces and were sometimes mistaken for routine stress or behavioural changes.
“The impact of these challenges is felt deeply by individuals, families and communities across our state.
“Being heard helps us feel understood, less alone and more able to cope with the challenges we face.
“That is why our message this World Mental Health Day is simple: everyone deserves to be heard, understood and supported,” he said.
Ike said the 2026 global theme, “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change,” placed the experiences of people navigating mental health care and recovery at the centre of efforts to improve services.
According to him, firsthand experiences provide valuable guidance in designing, delivering and improving mental health services.
He said increased openness about mental health was encouraging, but many people were still struggling and needed support.
“We cannot stop now. We need to keep moving forward because without action, progress can slow down or even go backwards,” he said.
Ike said mental health was influenced by daily living conditions, workplaces and relationships, noting that individuals could take simple steps to protect their wellbeing.
He said the state government was making progress in expanding access to mental health services.
“Under the leadership of the state governor, mental health services have formally commenced across 23 Primary Healthcare Centres of Excellence.
“Anchored by the Kaduna State Mental Health Law, this initiative decentralises care, bringing early detection, timely intervention and sustained support directly into our local communities,” he said.
The director-general said expanding physical access was only the foundation, stressing the need for families, schools, faith leaders and employers to create supportive environments where people could seek help early.
He said stigma, everyday pressures, life circumstances and systemic barriers could make it difficult for people to seek mental health support.
“Everyone’s mental health journey is different. Whether someone is facing challenges themselves, seeking support for the first time or supporting a loved one, everyone deserves to feel heard, understood and supported.
“Mental health affects us all, and taking the time to listen is one of the most powerful ways we can show support and understanding.
“Let us create space for honest conversations where people feel genuinely heard, because being heard can change lives,” Ike said.
He urged residents to continue fostering open and supportive environments where seeking mental health assistance was met with warmth, dignity and timely care.(NAN)
