Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Rayyan Alhassan
Published on 2024-02-28 14:36:32
Dr. Taiwo Obindo, a Consultant Psychiatrist and President of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, expressed concerns about the potential rise in mental health conditions among Nigerians due to the visible hardships in the country. In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos, he highlighted the impact of the current economic challenges, poverty levels, and other social factors on the mental well-being of the population.
According to Dr. Obindo, the high cost of living, kidnapping, financial struggles, inflation, child abuse, rape, broken families, traumatic experiences, and violence are some of the social factors contributing to an increased risk of mental health issues in Nigeria. He pointed out that individuals who are vulnerable to these factors are more likely to develop mental health conditions, especially during times of economic hardship like the present situation in the country.
Poverty was identified as a major cause of mental health illnesses by Dr. Obindo, emphasizing that many Nigerians are grappling with poverty, which could predispose them to mental health challenges. He highlighted the devastating effects of inflation, poverty, insurgent attacks, insecurity, and other social crises across the nation, leading to a growing need for psychiatric evaluation and treatment.
The psychiatrist noted that some individuals may not even be aware that they are being exposed to mental health conditions, but the social crises in the country are undeniably affecting the mental well-being of the citizens. Dr. Obindo raised concerns about the increasing number of mental health cases in Nigeria, attributing it to the challenging economic and social circumstances faced by the population.
Quoting statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Obindo revealed that over 64 million Nigerians are affected by various forms of depression, with depression and stress being significant factors contributing to mental illness. WHO data also indicated that one in every four Nigerians may develop mental health issues during their lifetime.
The lack of mental health facilities and professionals in the country was another issue highlighted by Dr. Obindo. He lamented that a significant number of mental health workers have been lured to foreign countries, leading to a shortage of qualified psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, psychologists, and other mental health professionals in Nigeria. This shortage exacerbates the challenges faced in treating and managing patients with mental health conditions.
In conclusion, Dr. Obindo emphasized the urgent need for increased awareness, support, and resources to address the growing mental health challenges in Nigeria. He called for more investment in mental health facilities, training programs for mental health professionals, and initiatives to curb the brain drain of mental health workers to other countries. As the country grapples with economic difficulties and social crises, prioritizing mental health care is crucial to ensuring the well-being of the population.
Read the original article on DailyNigerian.com
