Experts Warn Against Heightening Mental Issues Among Nigerian Youths
By Steve Ndubueze
Experts have warned that unless urgent steps were taken to curb the growing mental challenges among Nigerian youths, the situation would get worse in no distant time.
Already, the World Health Organisation, WHO said, Nigeria has serious mental health challenges, including shortage of mental health professionals, inadequate infrastructure, as well as its stigma.
This, the WHO noted is prevalence among the youths, as about 25% of Nigerians, or 50 million people, have a mental illness.
The global health body estimates that more than 13% of adolescents, aged 10–19 years have a mental disorder.
A lifetime prevalence rate of a major depressive episode of 3.1% among adults aged 18 years and above.
About 80% of people in Nigeria with severe mental health needs are unable to obtain care.
A medical expert, Dr Leo Osagho, said Nigeria’s mental health infrastructure is grossly inadequate, overwhelmed by increasing demand and underfunding.
He said, the cultural perceptions in Nigeria significantly influence the treatment and acceptance of mental health conditions and there appears to be prevailing stigma associated with mental illness.
It would be noted that in January 2023, Nigeria signed the Mental Health Bill 2021 into law, replacing the outdated Lunacy Act of 1958
The Mental Health Act provides a comprehensive framework for providing mental health services and protecting the rights of people with mental illness
According to reserach, over 20 percent youths globally suffer from health mental challenges, according to emerging reports.
Depression, anxiety, and behavioral disorders are among the most common mental health problems among the youths.
Suicide, according to the report, is the third leading cause of death for people within the age brackets of between 15 and 29 years.
The report however noted that
50% of mental health problems prevalent at age 14, and 75 percent by age 24.
Some of the risk factors
included substance abuse, self-harm, and sexual risk behaviours are common risk factors.
It could strain mental health disorders in youths, as well as family relationships, leading to social isolation.
It may also lead to losing interest in activities, low energy, difficulty in sleeping or eating, as well as spending more time alone. It may lead to destructive behavious like committing suicide.
Experts call for improved access to mental health services for young people, including increased availability of school-based counseling programs and readily accessible support networks.
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