Nigerians battle mental health challenges
Following the decline of Nigeria’s economy, citizens are crumbling under the effects of these tough times on their mental health. The rate of mental disorders has skyrocketed alongside the cost of food, healthcare, transportation, and electricity. The stress and pressure an average Nigerian is dealing with daily is perilous, and many Nigerians are struggling with mental health issues.
According to Dr Olugbenga Owoeye, The Medical Director at The Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Yaba, “There is a significant rise in mental health cases among Nigerians. Previously, the hospital received five to ten patients daily, increasing to approximately 25 to 30 patients, marking an increase of over 200 percent. The facility now handles at least 750 new cases each month, reflecting the growing mental health challenges facing the nation.”
This number only accounts for Nigerians who seek professional help, and connotes that many others are suffering in silence. Due to the stigma attached to mental health challenges, many Nigerians will never admit to struggling. It just hasn’t become a piece of common knowledge in Nigeria that mental illnesses are as real and attention-deserving as physical ailments.
“The pressure is constant. You can no longer plan; every day is a struggle to survive. We cannot keep food on the table nor meet transportation costs, medical costs have become an overwhelming source of stress.” Chike, a father of three in Lagos laments.
“Every day feels like a battle. I am constantly anxious, wondering if we’ll have enough for tomorrow. Sometimes, I’m just so overwhelmed I feel like giving up, but I must stay strong for my children.” Grace, a tailor who has to skip meals to ensure her children are fed, states.
According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, human beings need more than physiological needs to thrive. Nigerians, however, can barely meet their physiological needs which is the barest minimum. Hence, survival has become a daily battle.
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