The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, has urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on mental health in Nigeria. This call was made during a mental health awareness walk in Abeokuta, themed “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change”. The doctors expressed concern over the alarming rate of mental health challenges in the country, exacerbated by economic hardship, unemployment, poverty, and insecurity.
According to Dr. Abayomi Olajide, a consultant psychiatrist at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, and Chairman of the Mental Health Action Committee in Ogun State, the prevalence of mental health challenges has increased significantly. He cited factors such as economic hardship, kidnapping, poverty, and unemployment as contributing to the rising cases. The awareness walk aimed to sensitize residents to mental health issues and reduce stigma, with doctors carrying placards with inscriptions emphasizing the importance of mental health.
Dr. Olajide also highlighted the urgent need for government action on substance abuse, which he described as another area requiring emergency intervention. He stated that about 90% of occupancy in mental health facilities across the country was linked to substance use disorders. The situation is further complicated by the fact that substance use is prevalent among secondary school students and in public places.
The doctor emphasized the need for a multi-pronged approach to tackle mental health challenges, including creating awareness in educational sectors, providing support groups for those affected, and rehabilitating and reintegrating individuals struggling with substance abuse. He stressed that government should prioritize mental health, given the limited access to mental health services and treatment.
Dr. Olajide noted that less than 10% of people have access to mental health care, and most of these services are not covered by health insurance. He called for a collective effort to advocate for better focus on mental health services, access to care, and support for mental health treatment. The situation requires urgent attention to address the growing burden of mental health challenges.
Dr. Sunday Amosun, Acting Provost and Medical Director of the hospital, also emphasized the need for collaboration among NGOs, government, families, and individuals to raise awareness about mental health. He stressed that mental health is a critical aspect of overall health and well-being, requiring a comprehensive approach to address the challenges.
The mental health awareness walk and calls for a state of emergency on mental health highlight the critical need for urgent action to address the growing mental health challenges in Nigeria. The Association of Resident Doctors and other stakeholders are advocating for a comprehensive approach to tackle mental health issues, including substance abuse, and improve access to mental health services.
Key points
- The Federal Government is urged to declare a state of emergency on mental health amid rising cases.
- Mental health challenges in Nigeria are exacerbated by economic hardship, unemployment, poverty, and insecurity.
- Less than 10% of people have access to mental health care, and most of these services are not covered by health insurance.
