On Tuesday 26 April 2022, Dr Christian Eyoum, a specialist in psychiatric medicine, gave a talk to CNSC staff on "the importance of mental health in employee development and the attainment of professional objectives." This was at the CNSC training hall on the 11^th Floor of the head office building.

Mental health is much neglected in our context and many people become aware of their illness only after the worst might have happened. While everyone is familiar with the symptoms and treatment options for common illnesses like the flu, migraines, or and (most recently) COVID-19, many people are unsure how to look after their mental health.

The most common mental health conditions are anxiety disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder (panic attacks) and specific phobias, seconded by mood disorders such as depression and bipolar depression. These are very common in professional milieus where personal issues tend to filter into our working environments and can somehow impact output.

Raising mental health awareness can help us understand symptoms, find professional treatment, and, perhaps most importantly, break the mental health stigma that leaves so many people suffering in secret. The talk which ended with a Q&A session was so resourceful and educative that CNSC staff clamoured for another session.