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“KÍ LÓ DÉ BÉ? Mentál Héálth: Démystifying Madness & Embracing Wellness in Naija!

A Conversational Diversion

Eriki Joan UgunushebyEriki Joan Ugunushe
December 10, 2023
in News
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“KÍ LÓ DÉ BÉ?  Mentál Héálth: Démystifying Madness & Embracing Wellness in Naija!
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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?

Table of Contents

Toggle
    • Unpacking Mental Health
    • The Essence of Behavioral Health
    • The Vast Spectrum of Mental Illness
    • The Global Disregard
    • Nigeria’s Perception
    • Nigeria’s Mental Health Predicament
  • A Glimmer of Hope: The Mental Health Bill of 2021
    • Hurdles on the Path
    • Pathways to Change
    • The Role of Nollywood
    • Empowering Solutions
    • The Call to Action

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.

Unpacking mental health
Unpacking mental health

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

Mental health bill of 2021
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

A call to action
A 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.

Tags: "KÍ LÓ DÉ BÉ? 🤔 Mentál Héálth: Démythifying Madness & Embracing Wellness in Naija!federal characterhealthHealth articlemental health awareness in NigeriaNews
Eriki Joan Ugunushe

Eriki Joan Ugunushe

Eriki Joan Ugunushe is a dedicated news writer and an aspiring entertainment and media lawyer. Graduated from the University of Ibadan, she combines her legal acumen with a passion for writing to craft compelling news stories.Eriki's commitment to effective communication shines through her participation in the Jobberman soft skills training, where she honed her abilities to overcome communication barriers, embrace the email culture, and provide and receive constructive feedback. She has also nurtured her creativity skills, understanding how creativity fosters critical thinking—a valuable asset in both writing and law.

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