Creating Awareness of Mental Health in Nigeria

Nigeria is facing an issue and that is, we lack the availability of sustainable mental health care in the country.

The awareness of mental health in our local communities still needs to be encouraged.

It is quite sad because most Nigerian homes have little or no knowledge about what mental illness is and it is mistaken for mental health.

Mental Health is the total sense of wellness of a person and it includes how effective we are able to interact with other people for a more engaging and inclusive sense of wellbeing.

Mental Illness on the other hand is largely based on having one or a combination of mental health challenges such as Autism, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Depression, Anxiety, Panic Attacks.

Now the issue is that most people have this notion that when you say mental health it means having a mental illness. This narrative must change as soon as possible.

Most communities in Nigeria and around so many African communities see someone that has a mental illness as cursed or possessed by a devil.

In order to better help our communities, effective training should be provided to better enlighten people on the dangers of not caring for one's mental health.

In our work as well, mental health awareness should be passed across into the workplace.

There are so many employees who suffer from depression and have suicidal thoughts but for fear of being judged or singled out, they hide it and suffer in silence.

Effective training must be provided at the workplace in order to better take care of the staff for maximum productivity.

Lagos is one part of Nigeria that is constantly known for its busy traffic, stressful commuting, and a host of other harmful experiences.

It is vital that people start better taking care of their mental health.

Lagosians live in their houses as early as 5 am or sometimes even earlier so as not to face traffic but this has a harmful effect when done for a long period of time.

It is vital that we better adhere to mental health education and busy professionals will be able to better adjust for a more holistic and productive life.

So spreading the awareness of mental health in Nigeria is absolutely important for a more inclusive and well-rounded life.