The Mental Health Crisis in Nigeria: A Growing Concern
The recent commemoration of ‘World Mental Health Day’ has brought to light a disturbing reality: approximately 50 million Nigerians are suffering from various mental disorders. This staggering figure highlights a critical issue, as it suggests that nearly a quarter of the population is affected by mental health challenges. Many of these conditions are preventable or manageable, yet the situation continues to worsen, indicating a significant failure in the country’s healthcare system.
Mental disorders, also known as mental illnesses or psychological disorders, refer to conditions that affect a person’s thinking, emotions, behavior, or ability to function in daily life. These disorders can interfere with how someone feels, thinks, relates to others, or handles stress. They range from mild to severe and may be temporary or long-term. It is important to note that having a mental disorder does not automatically mean a person is “mad.” This term is often used informally or pejoratively to describe individuals with severe mental illness, but in reality, most people with mental disorders are not irrational, violent, or completely disconnected from reality.
However, the numbers suggest a troubling decline in the performance of the health sector, particularly in providing proper care for those affected by mental health disorders. The increasing prevalence of mental disorders among Nigerians is largely attributed to the lack of qualified personnel and adequate facilities, which hinders the delivery of preventive and curative services.
Factors Contributing to the Mental Health Crisis
The deterioration of mental health in Nigeria is influenced by a variety of factors, including economic, social, sociological, and political conditions. The harsher these conditions are, the higher the rate of mental disorders. Experts agree that many individuals suffering from mental illnesses are victims of severe deprivations. The inability to access medical care, financial difficulties, and the inability to cope with social shocks all contribute to increased vulnerability to mental health issues.
Dr. Maymunah Kadiri, Medical Director and Psychiatrist-in-Chief at Pinnacle Medical Services, highlighted the severity of the problem when she stated that over 75% of Nigerians living with mental health challenges do not have access to medical care. This lack of attention exacerbates their condition, making it even more difficult for them to recover.
A Multi-Faceted Approach to Mental Health Care
Hospitals and health facilities are not the only providers of mental health care. Schools, workplaces, and other environments where people spend significant time should also play a crucial role in addressing mental health issues. There must be reliable mechanisms in place to identify and engage individuals who show signs of abnormal behavior early on, so their problems can be addressed before they escalate.
Daily Trust has called for the restoration of guidance and counseling in schools as a way to tackle the rising problem of mental retardation in educational institutions. Communities must also be sensitized about the importance of paying attention to members whose dispositions and actions indicate a decline in mental health. Individuals and groups within communities should understand the necessity of providing care to those in need, as this support can help them feel a sense of belonging and build self-confidence.
Government and Civil Society Must Act
Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the government, along with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), must prioritize public enlightenment on the urgent need for measures to address mental health challenges. The loss of young, productive citizens to mental illnesses can only be reversed if relevant ministries, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, the media, and NGOs launch a vigorous campaign against the use of harmful substances, which has become rampant in the country.
Economic hardship and heightened insecurity continue to negatively impact the psychological well-being of Nigerians. The decline in material fortunes and trauma caused by violence and fear have left many mentally unstable. However, coordinated intervention, as recommended by Dr. Olugbenga Owoeye, Medical Director of Federal Neuro-psychiatric Hospital Yaba-Lagos, can significantly reduce the number of individuals affected by mental challenges.
The Need for More Facilities and Policy Reform
The most urgent need is the provision of more facilities for treating mentally ill Nigerians. The existing nine federal neuro-psychiatric hospitals, 15 state-owned hospitals, and psychiatric departments in teaching hospitals and Federal Medical Centres are insufficient to meet the growing demand. The rising rate of mental disorders should serve as a challenge for policymakers to improve the country’s health infrastructure.