The need for Mental Health Education in Nigeria.

“Many are mad, few are roaming.”

Unknown

This is a very common phrase in Nigeria, and it highlights how a lot of people on the streets only look normal but can act “crazy” at any moment. While it often describes the irrational nature of many people and their tendency to take drastic and sometimes destructive actions without any prior provocation, it also reflects a general problem with the populace. Although this perspective is valid, the quote also serves as a reflection of society’s silence surrounding mental health issues.

Why do Nigerians need mental health education?

“You can’t fix what you don’t know is broken; even if we know society is broken, none of us are aware of every sliver.”

Christy Leigh Stewart

The World Health Organization (WHO), in a study of depression and other common mental disorders in 2017, acknowledged that about 25% of the world’s population will experience mental health challenges at some point in their lives. This, while being a global fact, impacts regions across the globe differently. 

In light of this fact, many nations have taken it upon themselves to attend to mental health issues through proactive and pragmatic steps. Quite sadly, this has not been the case in Nigeria, where the overwhelming majority of its people either do not recognize the existence of the problem or do not understand the multiplicity of its effects. Despite this ignorance, there are some underlying factors that necessitate the need for mental health education in Nigeria.

Rising mental health challenges in the nation

There has been an increase in mental health issues across the country, with the WHO stating that about 40 million Nigerians are battling with one mental health issue or the other, including depression and anxiety disorders. Little education results in inadequate care for those affected, contributing to the rising figure. This will have adverse effects on the quality of life of individuals and the public at large.

Cultural and Spiritual Stigma and Misconceptions

Another major reason public mental health education is needed in Nigeria is because of the cultural and religious stigma attached to mental health issues and people suffering from them. Many erroneous beliefs attribute all mental health issues to spiritual causes. This prompts those suffering from them to seek only spiritual solutions, intentionally neglecting tried and tested methods for handling mental health challenges.

Increased social and economic challenges

Mental health education not only helps address full-blown issues but also aids in preventing issues from arising. With the current social and economic situation in the country, more people are prone to depression and anxiety over their finances amidst other mental health challenges. Education on coping mechanisms and stress management can help individuals navigate these pressures effectively.

Global interaction

The world, they say, is a global village, and this has a lot of implications. Interactions on a global stage require nuances that mental health education enhances. Furthermore, adapting to the fast-paced changes across the globe requires a level of mental fortitude that can be easily provided by deliberate mental health education.

Intersection with physical health

Many mental health challenges have their corresponding effects on various areas of an individual’s life, including the physical. People suffering from depression could have low energy, and this affects their physical health and awareness. They might get worn out easily and lose motivation. Proper health education helps society react properly to these conditions and their symptoms.

What can be done to improve mental health education in Nigeria?

There’s no use talking about the problem unless you talk about the solution. 

Betty Williams

Okay, okay, Betty, while we’ve been able to identify why we need mental health education in the nation, are there possible ways to educate Nigerians? Thankfully, the answer is yes, and we’ll look at three key ways educating Nigerians can be made easy.

Awareness through workshops, events, and social media drives

Getting the knowledge they need to the people is important, and creating awareness is the first step. Organizing workshops that identify and help effectively address some mental health challenges can be a beneficial way to educate people on pertinent mental health issues. Market sensitizations, which involve discussing peculiar topics in market areas, represent another awareness approach. A stall-to-stall approach can be used here, and this method can be highly effective.

Subsidized mental health resources 

Mental health check-ins and wellness overviews can be subsidized for those who need them. Educational resources, including books, guides, and movies, can be made available at a subsidized rate or even for free for the public. The easier it is to access these resources, the easier it is to inform the public through comprehensive materials. 

Improving health education curricula across institutions

It came as a shock when I found out that there were less than 500 registered psychologists in Nigeria. This figure differs based on reportage, as the Punch Newspaper reported less than 250 psychologists in Nigeria as of June 2024. With a population of over 200,000,000 people, the disparity is glaring. Psychology as a course of study should be made more attractive to the populace, and its practice encouraged and incentivized. This will affect the public knowledge of mental health in the long run.

We cannot overstate the need for education in a nation where mental health issues remain largely misunderstood and stigmatized. Mental health is not just a personal matter; it is a societal issue with far-reaching implications for our collective well-being, productivity, and global relevance. By creating widespread awareness, providing accessible resources, and investing in mental health education at all levels, Nigeria can begin to shift the narrative.

The path forward lies in breaking the silence and empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools to navigate mental health challenges. Whether it is through grassroots efforts like workshops and market sensitizations or systemic changes in education and healthcare, the solutions are within reach.

Change begins with each of us. Speak up, learn more, and support initiatives that promote mental well-being. Together, we can establish a Nigeria that understands, respects, and nurtures mental health, as a healthier mind contributes to a stronger nation.

Featured Image by Jorge Franganillo from Pixabay
Image by jeaninereutemann from Pixabay