I had a casual chat with friends, winding through topics until landing on the terrain of mental health. Amidst the chatter, my confession about a personal encounter with mental health issues earned an unexpected response—someone shouted in Yoruba, “ah mogbe madness”! 😂 And there it was, the spark for an intriguing question: Is mental health disorder synonymous with madness? What even is mental health?
Unpacking Mental Health
Mental health disorders, spanning from depression to anxiety, intricately influence our thoughts, emotions, and actions. There’s a multitude of these disorders—over 200, in fact. Fortunately, symptoms often improve with various treatments: medications, psychotherapy, alternative therapies, or brain stimulation techniques.
The Essence of Behavioral Health
Behavioral health, often referred to as mental health, encompasses our psychological, emotional, and social well-being. It’s the architect behind how we think, feel, behave, and connect with others. Crucially, it defines how we navigate life’s stressors—from cradle to adulthood.
The Vast Spectrum of Mental Illness
Mental illness isn’t a singular entity; it’s a broad umbrella spanning diverse conditions. These conditions significantly affect our feelings, thoughts, and even our daily functionality. Genetics, environment, daily habits, and biology collectively shape these intricate mental landscapes.
The Global Disregard
Shockingly, mental health, a pivotal facet of overall health, often gets the cold shoulder, especially in this part of the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a staggering 450 million people worldwide grapple with mental disorders, with a quarter of the population slated to experience mental illness at some point in their lives.WHO defines mental health as a state of well-being where an individual harnesses their abilities, copes with life’s stresses, works productively, and contributes to their community
Nigeria’s Perception
In Nigeria, the lens through which mental health is viewed is even more concerning. Seventy percent of the populace equates mental disorders with outright madness—yes, the stereotype of wandering the streets, unclothed. The irony? Nearly half the population might be grappling with mental health issues, unaware of their plight. The spectrum of mental disorders extends far and wide: anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, eating disorders (yes, they exist!), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Paranoia, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and more.
Nigeria’s Mental Health Predicament
Nigeria’s approach to mental health has long been fraught with disregard. Historical negligence blends with poor comprehension of mental health factors, fostering discrimination, pervasive stigma, and understaffed mental health services. Astonishingly, over 80% of those in dire need of mental health support miss out due to scarcity in specialized professionals—only 300 psychiatrists for a populace exceeding 200 million.
A Glimmer of Hope: The Mental Health Bill of 2021
January 5, 2023, marked a significant shift as Nigeria’s President signed the Mental Health Bill 2021, replacing the antiquated Lunacy Act. A symbolic step forward, yet effective execution hinges on critical factors like funding, resource allocation, and governmental commitment. However, these strides exist mostly on paper, lacking tangible implementation due to governmental inertia.
Hurdles on the Path
Treating mental illness in Nigeria faces substantial challenges. Inadequate healthcare facilities and professionals grapple with the overwhelming burden of mental illness. Barriers—lack of understanding, financial and social support, fear of stigma, reliance on traditional healers—obstruct the journey to mental wellness. Rural populations face compounded challenges, devoid of access to crucial mental health services.
Pathways to Change
Mental health awareness campaigns emerge as crucial instruments for societal transformation. Educating the public about mental health disorders, debunking myths, and fostering acceptance form the bedrock of initiatives to destigmatize mental health issues.
The Role of Nollywood
Surprisingly, Nollywood, the Nigerian film industry, has stepped into the fray. Films like “For Maria” and “Iyawo Mi” delve into the complexities of postpartum depression and psychosis, shedding light on silent yet pressing issues affecting women and families.
Empowering Solutions
Understanding mental health disorders and their treatment is pivotal. Conversations, awareness, and proactive steps—like speaking up about emotions, ensuring good sleep, maintaining a balanced diet, staying active, practicing mindfulness, nurturing relationships, and extending care to others—form the bedrock for a mentally healthy society.
The Call to Action
Dear Nigerians, the line between mental health disorders and madness isn’t as stark as perceived. Seeking professional help, not traditional healers or pastors, is the key to addressing mental health issues.
