Dr. Fawaz Babandi, Consultant Psychiatrist at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBTH), has emphasized the urgent need to integrate mental health services into hospitals to combat rising domestic violence cases. In an interview, Babandi linked increasing family-related violence to underlying mental health issues. He noted that individuals with untreated mental illnesses could exhibit violent behavior toward loved ones.
Symptoms such as poor sleep, excessive body heat, loss of social interest, and prolonged headaches could escalate into aggression if left untreated. Babandi urged the government to prioritize mental health at all healthcare levels, especially in primary healthcare centers where such services are currently lacking.
He highlighted that many health workers are not trained to identify or manage mental health disorders, making early intervention challenging. His department at ATBTH provides treatment for conditions such as depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and substance abuse.
He stressed the importance of awareness campaigns to encourage early diagnosis and treatment. The psychiatrist also pointed out that stigma remains a major barrier to seeking help. He emphasized that mental health concerns can affect anyone and urged individuals to recognize warning signs early.
“Often, it’s only after a crime has been committed that people recall abnormal behaviors,” he added. By integrating mental health services into hospitals and raising awareness, society can take a significant step toward reducing violence and improving overall well-being.
