Mental health experts have called on Nigerians to shun stigma and seek professional help when experiencing psychological distress. The experts spoke at a community awareness programme organised by the Amity Centre for Mental Health to commemorate World Mental Health Day at Gracefield Island, Lekki, Lagos. The programme aimed to raise awareness of mental health conditions, combat stigma and connect people experiencing psychological distress with available support services.
The founder of the Amity Centre for Mental Health, Dr. Oluwafunmilayo Ilori, who practises in New Jersey, United States, said the initiative was designed to promote a better understanding of mental illness while reassuring affected individuals that help was available. She explained that physical and mental health were interconnected and should not be treated in isolation. Ilori stressed that greater public awareness was essential to ensuring that people living with mental health conditions received understanding and appropriate support rather than discrimination.
A mental health advocate at the event encouraged Nigerians to speak openly about their struggles and seek help when necessary. She described mental health challenges as genuine health concerns that should not attract shame, urging people experiencing emotional or psychological difficulties to understand that they were not alone. The advocate expressed concern about the limited recognition of postpartum depression in some Nigerian communities, calling for increased awareness and appropriate support for affected women.
Dr. Komolafe Ayo identified biological, psychological and social factors as major contributors to mental health conditions. He explained that biological factors could include genetic predisposition, while psychological factors could involve thought patterns, coping mechanisms and exposure to traumatic experiences. Komolafe added that social circumstances, family relationships and the availability of support systems could also influence an individual’s mental well-being.
Komolafe cautioned against attributing mental health conditions exclusively to spiritual causes, explaining that they could result from a combination of biological, psychological and social factors. He urged members of the public to pay attention to persistent behavioural changes, particularly when individuals lose interest in activities they previously enjoyed. He advised families, friends and colleagues to take such changes seriously and encourage affected individuals to seek professional assessment and appropriate care.
The mental health advocate also urged families and employers to prioritise mental well-being, recognise the importance of taking breaks and create environments where people could discuss their mental health without fear of discrimination. She maintained that access to mental health support should be regarded as a fundamental human right rather than a privilege. The programme featured a community walk, vital signs checks and a Pilates session, highlighting the importance of integrating physical wellness into mental health promotion.
World Mental Health Day is observed annually on October 10 to raise awareness of mental health issues and mobilise efforts to support mental well-being. The Amity Centre for Mental Health organised the community awareness programme on October 10, 2026, to commemorate the day.
Key points
- Mental health experts urge Nigerians to break the stigma surrounding mental illness and seek professional help when experiencing psychological distress.
- The Amity Centre for Mental Health organised a community awareness programme to commemorate World Mental Health Day.
- Experts identify biological, psychological and social factors as major contributors to mental health conditions.
