A renowned psychologist has appealed for the media to widely cover mental health stories to increase public awareness on the issue.

Dr David Umar made the call at the beginning of the mental health awareness week from April 18 to 24.

Umar said the media is a powerful tool to relay messages and if coverage was increased it would help reduce stigma among persons with mental health disorders.

“I want to call on the media to take keen interest in mental health issues because it’s affecting a lot of people in this country.”

Umar added that much attention is given to physical health as opposed to mental health and he is optimistic that this will week is crucial for people to know that there is a link between the two.

The mental health awareness week is being commemorated under the theme “Kindness”.