First of all, what is mental health disorder?
Mental health disorder, also called mental illness, refers to a wide range of mental health conditions — disorders that affect your mood, thinking and behaviour.
Examples of mental illness include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders and addictive behaviours.
According to the Annals of Nigerian Medicine, mental health disorders are not uncommon, and the global burden of mental health disorders is projected to reach 15% by the year 2020. By this time, it is estimated that common mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse-related disorders, will disable more people than complications arising from AIDS, heart disease, accidents, and wars combined!
This information is a shocking statistic and poses serious questions as to why mental health disorders are not given much more attention than it currently receives.
The 2006 WHO-AIMS report on the mental health system in Nigeria made some astonishing revelations. It reports that “there is considerable neglect of mental health issues in the country. The existing Mental Health Policy document in Nigeria was formulated in 1991. Since its formulation, no revision has taken place, and no formal assessment of how much it has been implemented has been conducted. No desk exists in the ministries at any level for mental health issues, and only four per cent of government expenditures on health is earmarked for mental health. It also unearthed other issues related to mental health.
“These include unavailability of essential medicines at health centres, unavailability of physicians to run primary health care centres and the lack of restrictions to the prescription of psychotropic medications. It also identified that there are only a few nongovernmental organizations involved in individual assistance activities such as counselling, housing, or support groups.”
It concluded that “in general terms, several countries in Africa are better resourced regarding mental health personnel. Countries such as South Africa, Egypt, and Kenya have more psychiatrists per 100,000 persons and have higher psychiatric beds. Also, many countries in Africa give better official attention to mental health issues than Nigeria.”
Addressing Mental Health Disorders
According to Dauda Eneyamire Suleiman, “In Nigeria, an estimated 20%–30% of our population are believed to suffer from mental disorders. This is a very significant number considering Nigeria has an estimated population of over 200 million. Unfortunately, the attention given to mental health disorders in Nigeria is, at best, fleeting; the level of awareness of the Nigerian public on mental health issues is also understandably poor, and the misconceptions regarding mental health have continued to flourish.”
This poses the need for government at all levels to put necessary measures in place to ensure that this scourge of mental health is not only tackled but equally prevented.
Prevention of mental disorders are measures that try to decrease the chances of a mental disorder occurring. 2004 WHO report stated that “prevention of these disorders is obviously one of the most effective ways to reduce the [disease] burden.”
The 2011 European Psychiatric Association (EPA) guidance on prevention of mental disorders states, “There is considerable evidence that various psychiatric conditions can be prevented through the implementation of effective evidence-based interventions.”
The recent suicidal episodes recorded in parts of Lagos (which are obviously the tip of the iceberg) compel a rethink in our general attitudes to mental health and question our current maintenance of the status quo.
Suleiman said, “As far as policy issues are concerned, there is at least some evidence that there is currently some change going on in the country. The new National Health Policy (2016) notes the increasing numbers of persons with mental health issues and addressing mental health.
“Furthermore, a policy for mental health services delivery was developed in 2013 even though several key provisions of the policy, including establishing a body at the Federal Ministry of Health to be focused on mental health, are yet to be implemented.
He added that “a national strategy to address mental health problems in Nigeria by the government at all levels is needed, one which should emphasize prevention.”
“It is necessary to undertake the widespread education of the Nigerian public on the recognition of mental health disorders as a disease and the need for societal and family support and the avoidance of stigmatization of people suffering from mental health disorders”. He stated.
In addition, the government should fund mental health research as this would create opportunities to study causes of, treatments for, and recovery from mental health disorders that might not otherwise be available.
Government agencies should lead research, administer grants, and educate the public about findings. This information would be contributing to our overall understanding of mental health disorders and services and can improve treatment and future research.
Also, the government should be subsidizing mental health services so that the citizens can find them affordable.
The government should also work to protect the rights of individuals with mental health disorders in various settings, including the workplace, schools, and treatment. It sets privacy standards, prohibits abuse, and fights discrimination to promote civil liberties and inclusion. It works to provide reasonable accommodations and supports to those who need them. (source: Mental Health America, Inc)
