Regular intake of caffeinated and energy drinks could lead to several mental health challenges, including suicide--Medical Expert warns

The Consultant Psychiatrist and Head of the Department of Behavioural and Mental Health at the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Lafia, Dr Paul Agbo, has stated that the regular intake of caffeinated and energy drinks could lead to several mental health challenges, including suicide.

The consultant at the newly established teaching hospital in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, therefore called on residents of the state and Nigerians in general to be mindful of the quality and quantity of such drinks before consumption.

Agbo made this revelation on Tuesday while addressing journalists shortly after he and other healthcare workers marched down the streets of Lafia for about three hours to commemorate World Mental Health Day 2024.

He also noted that depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, lack of sleep, and eating disorders among individuals were factors responsible for unproductivity in various workplaces across the country, adding that such health concerns could also lead an individual to commit suicide.

The Consultant Psychiatrist stated, “People should be mindful of how they consume substances such as caffeinated and energy drinks. The negative effects of such drinks could lead an individual to commit suicide in society.

“Depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, sleep issues, and eating disorders are factors responsible for the high rate of suicide in society.”

He noted that the hospital was commemorating World Mental Health Day 2024 to raise awareness of mental illnesses affecting citizens of the country, including the issue of suicide.

“It is usually held on the 10th of October every year, but this year we have decided to do it today and tomorrow. So, today (Tuesday), we had a road walk, and tomorrow will be the symposium.

“The theme for the year is ‘Mental Health and the Workplace’, but our sub-theme is ‘A Healthy Workplace’. We have realised that when the mental health of workers and employees is not optimal, they will not give their best.

“When people are unhappy, unsatisfied, or unappreciated, they are not expected to be productive,” Agbo added.

While noting that one in every four persons has a mental health issue, the consultant psychiatrist called on citizens to learn more about how to take care of themselves, especially regarding their mental health.

Agbo further admonished residents of the state to participate in activities that would make them happy at all times and warned against the use of substances that could be dangerous to their health.

He added that arrangements had been concluded by the teaching hospital to partner with the Nasarawa State government and the private sector to ensure that their workers enjoy good physical and mental health.