Magnificent Lawyer

 Mental Illness and the Challenges in Nigeria:

Mental illness is a global issue that impacts millions of people, yet in Nigeria, it is often misunderstood and stigmatized. Many Nigerians perceive mental illness as a spiritual problem due to limited awareness and education on the topic. In some traditions, especially within the Igbo and Nri cultures, there is a deep-rooted practice of investigating the family lineage for any mental health issues before marriage, aiming to avoid bringing mental illness into future generations. While this practice reflects an acknowledgment of the potential for mental illness to persist in families, it also highlights a broader misunderstanding of mental health conditions as something to be avoided rather than treated.

This article explores the nature of mental illness, how it can be managed, and what the government and society must do to improve mental health care in Nigeria.

Understanding Mental Illness

A mental disorder is characterized by a clinically significant disturbance in an individual's thinking, emotional regulation, or behavior. It is usually associated with distress or impairment in important areas of functioning. Mental disorders may also be referred to as mental health conditions, which encompass a range of issues, including psychosocial disabilities and other mental states associated with distress, impairment, or the risk of self-harm.

Globally, about 1 in every 8 people, or 970 million individuals, live with a mental disorder. In Nigeria, mental health issues are widespread, but they remain largely underdiagnosed and untreated. Disorders like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, and eating disorders are prevalent, and many individuals are unable to access appropriate care due to stigma and lack of resources.

Common Mental Disorders

1. Anxiety Disorders: Affecting over 301 million people worldwide, anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive fear and worry that significantly impair daily functioning. They range from generalized anxiety disorder to social anxiety and panic disorders. In Nigeria, anxiety often goes untreated as it is frequently dismissed as a normal reaction to stress or life's pressures.

2. Depression: Over 280 million people live with depression globally. Depression is more than a temporary emotional response to challenges; it is a persistent condition that significantly impacts daily life. People with depression are often at increased risk of suicide, making it critical to identify and treat it early.

3. Bipolar Disorder: With 40 million people affected, bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings between depressive and manic episodes. It requires long-term treatment involving both psychological therapy and medication.

4. Schizophrenia: Schizophrenia affects about 24 million people and is characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. Treatment often includes a combination of medication and psychosocial rehabilitation.

5. PTSD: PTSD is common in conflict-affected areas and among individuals who have experienced trauma. It involves re-experiencing traumatic events, avoidance of reminders, and heightened states of anxiety. Nigeria, with its history of conflict, is not immune to PTSD among its population.

Challenges in Nigeria

A significant issue in Nigeria is the lack of understanding surrounding mental illness. It is often dismissed as a spiritual or personal failing rather than a medical condition. This belief is perpetuated by cultural practices that aim to "protect" families from mental illness through marriage investigations, as seen in Igbo traditions.

Another major problem is the lack of access to care. The mental health care system in Nigeria is severely under-resourced. As of 2020, many Nigerians with mental disorders had no access to effective care, and the quality of care provided in the public sector was often poor. Only 29% of individuals with psychosis and one-third of those with depression received formal mental health care. This gap in care leads to worsening conditions and contributes to the high levels of stigma and discrimination faced by those with mental health disorders.

The Role of the Nigerian Government

The federal government has a critical role to play in improving mental health care. First and foremost, it must work to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness through public awareness campaigns. Education at the community level is essential to shift the perception of mental illness from a spiritual problem to a medical condition that requires treatment.

Key Government Responsibilities

1. Strengthening Mental Health Policies: The government must establish comprehensive mental health policies and ensure they are implemented at all levels of care. This includes providing mental health services in primary healthcare settings, where most Nigerians seek treatment.

2. Increasing Mental Health Funding: Currently, mental health care in Nigeria is grossly underfunded. The government should allocate more resources to mental health services, including training healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat mental disorders effectively.

3. Expanding Access to Care: Most Nigerians live in rural areas where access to mental health services is limited. The government must work to expand mental health services to underserved areas, ensuring that every Nigerian has access to the care they need.

4. Training Healthcare Workers: There is a critical shortage of mental health professionals in Nigeria. The government must invest in training more psychiatrists, psychologists, and mental health counselors to meet the growing demand for mental health care.

5. Promoting Early Intervention: Mental disorders often manifest during adolescence or early adulthood. The government should implement programs that promote early intervention, ensuring that individuals receive treatment before their conditions worsen.

6. Support Systems: The government should also focus on providing social support systems for individuals living with mental health conditions. This includes support for employment, education, housing, and reintegration into society.

Prevention and Treatment

Preventing mental illness requires a holistic approach. This involves addressing societal issues like poverty, violence, and inequality, which are significant contributors to mental health problems. The government should promote policies that reduce these risk factors while supporting protective factors such as emotional skills development and social support systems.

Effective treatment for mental illness exists, including medication, psychotherapy, and community-based interventions. By expanding access to these treatments and reducing stigma, Nigeria can significantly improve the quality of life for those living with mental health conditions.

Mental illness in Nigeria is a complex issue shaped by cultural beliefs, lack of awareness, and inadequate access to care. While traditions like those in Igbo and Nri cultures aim to prevent mental illness from entering families. The Nigerian government must take decisive action to improve mental health care, increase access to services, and promote early intervention and treatment. Only by addressing these challenges can we reduce the burden of mental illness in Nigeria and provide individuals with the care and support they deserve. Written by Daniel Okonkwo for Profile International Human Rights Advocate.