Shades of Us, an Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) has decried the rising cases of mental health issues among Nigerian youths.

Ramatu Ochekliye, the Founder of the organisation said this shortly after showcasing a short film on Tuesday in Jos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the film titled "The Dumps", aimed at sensitising the public, particularly youths, on the dangers of the stigma surrounding mental health.

Ochekliye, said that the move by her organisation to advocate for proper mental health education among youths through filming aimed at addressing the scourge.

"The dumps is a short film on mental health that addresses depression and suicide; it follows the journey of a young woman confronting depression and reclaiming her voice.

"In Shades of Us, we use film as a tool for social change and dialogue; this is why we are in Jos to provide ways where young people can unpack the stigma surrounding mental health and explore pathways for healing.

"We know Jos to be a creative space, but with the decades of the security challenges, young people are sliding into depression and in some cases committing suicide.

"So we have come to talk to the young people who are injured by the series of conflicts, to change their perspectives and become better people for ourselves, families, communities and the country in general,"she said

The founder called on the young people not to be discouraged by the biting economy situation in the country, but focus on achieving their goals in life.

"We realise that in Nigeria, especially when you see that inflation has gone up and many people are not getting opportunities.

"Things are difficult and when you cannot meet up to the things that you want, you might begin to think of ways to let go, and suicide is one.

"Our aim is to reduce the rising incidences of depression and suicide among young people; we need them to keep their mental health intact for themselves and the country in general,"she said