Mental Health in Nigeria: A Neglected Issue

Mental health in Nigeria seems to be a neglected issue. Despite its significance, it often fails to receive the attention and resources it deserves.

This neglect can be attributed to various factors, including limited awareness, stigma, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure.

As a result, many Nigerians with mental health conditions suffer in silence, without access to proper diagnosis, treatment, and support.

What is Mental Health?

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“Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community,” according to experts.

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Types Of Mental Health Disorders

There are five types of mental health disorders: Anxiety Disorders, Mood Disorders, Psychotic Disorders, Eating Disorders, and Personality Disorders.

1. Anxiety disorders involve persistent feelings of fear, worry, and uneasiness.

2. Mood disorders are characterized by persistent changes in mood, such as depression or manic episodes.

3. Eating disorders involve an unhealthy relationship with food and can include anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating.

4. Personality disorders involve difficulties in regulating behaviour, emotions, thoughts, and interpersonal relationships.

5. Finally, psychotic disorders involve a disconnection from reality and can include hallucinations or delusions.

Causes of Mental Health Disorder

One of the main reasons for the neglect of mental health in Nigeria is the lack of awareness and understanding surrounding the topic.

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Mental health is often misunderstood or dismissed as a personal weakness or spiritual problem.

This leads to the perpetuation of stigma and discrimination, preventing individuals from seeking help and receiving the support they need.

Additionally, the limited availability of mental health education and awareness campaigns further contributes to this issue.

Who Can Develop Mental Health Conditions?

Checks revealed that everyone, regardless of age, gender, income, or ethnicity, is at risk of developing a mental health disorder.

The Health Sector Contribution

Furthermore, Nigeria faces significant challenges in terms of healthcare infrastructure, particularly in the area of mental health.

There is a severe shortage of mental health professionals, with only a handful of psychiatrists and psychologists available to cater to the needs of the entire population.

This scarcity, coupled with the inadequate funding and resources allocated to mental health services, leaves many Nigerians without access to proper diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care.

What Can Be Done?

To address this neglected issue, the Nigerian government and relevant stakeholders must prioritize mental health.

This includes increasing funding for mental health services, improving access to quality mental healthcare, and implementing comprehensive awareness campaigns to combat stigma.

Also, integrating mental health into primary healthcare systems and training more mental health professionals are essential steps toward addressing this issue.