The development of every nation on the globe depends on the good health of its citizens. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as “a state of physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being, not just the absence of disease or incapacity.” Therefore, mental wellness is crucial to our physical and mental health.
According to WHO, mental health is defined as a state of mental well-being in which a person is aware of his or her own capabilities, able to handle life’s typical pressures, able to work efficiently, and able to give back to the community.
As a result, a person’s level of well-being and ability to contribute to the community are both based on their mental health.
Mental health problems are mostly ignored in this country.
Without a doubt, Nigerians have been careless when it comes to mental health issues. It is also really upsetting to see how much the Nigerian population is aware of mental health concerns and subjects.
Mental Health Statistics in Nigeria 2022
More than 60 million Nigerians, according to Taiwo Obindo, President of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria (APN), are affected by mental illnesses.
This was said by Mr. Obindo, who is also the head of the faculty of psychiatry at the Nigerian branch of the West African College of Physicians, in an interview with NAN on Sunday in Abuja.
Given that more than 60 million Nigerians suffer from various mental diseases and that only 10% of them were able to obtain competent care, mental healthcare is in a deplorable situation.
The treatment gap for mental diseases, as defined by Mr. Obindo, is made up of more than 90% of the population who are unable to get care.
He claimed that a number of reasons, including a lack of awareness about the origins and treatments of mental diseases, contributed to the difference.
Myths and traditional beliefs, insufficient mental health facilities, and a shortage of mental health specialists, according to Mr. Obindo, are among factors that hamper the care of mental illness in Nigeria.
He claimed that the few mental health institutions that were accessible were found in the urban cities.
Given that 60% of Nigerians reside in rural regions, Mr. Obindo stated that these people lack access to competent treatment and must travel great distances to reach services.
He added that there weren’t many mental health professionals because the number didn’t meet the WHO recommendation.
