Nigeria's Mental Health Crisis Amid Frequent Disasters

Health experts in Nigeria are raising alarms about the country's escalating mental health crisis, exacerbated by a series of frequent disasters, including floods, building collapses, and insecurity. During a symposium organized by the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) for World Mental Health Day, Professor Olayinka Atilola described Nigeria as being in a "catastrophe mode," where disasters occur so often that they rarely make national headlines. He emphasized that millions are affected by these events, which have profound psychological impacts.

Experts decry worsening mental health crisis due to frequent disastersWorld Mental Health Day: Invisible Wounds Across the Eastern Mediterranean

Atilola highlighted that mental health interventions are often overlooked in emergency responses, stating, “These are not random events; they happen to real people.” He called for a shift in national response plans to prioritize mental health alongside physical health during emergencies. Dr. Adedoyin Aremu, chair of the planning committee, echoed this sentiment, advocating for mental health to be moved from the periphery to the center of emergency planning.

Experts decry worsening mental health crisis due to frequent disasters

Dr. Olugbenga Owoeye, Medical Director of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Yaba, noted that the scale of mental health challenges in Nigeria has reached alarming levels, with over 75% of individuals with mental health issues lacking access to medical care. This lack of access is particularly concerning given the increasing frequency of disasters and the resultant psychological toll on the population.

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Owoeye also urged the establishment of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and workplace wellness initiatives, particularly in high-stress industries such as the Nigerian Stock Exchange. He stressed that mental well-being should be recognized as a crucial component of productivity, and that both the Federal Government and private stakeholders must collaborate to improve access to mental health care.

Experts decry worsening mental health crisis due to frequent disastersWorld Mental Health Day: Invisible Wounds Across the Eastern Mediterranean

Critics argue that the current approach to mental health in Nigeria is insufficient, with many interventions being reactive rather than proactive. The neglect of mental health in emergency response plans has led to a growing number of individuals suffering from untreated mental health conditions, which could have long-term implications for societal stability and productivity.

World Mental Health Day: Invisible Wounds Across the Eastern Mediterranean

In response to these challenges, health authorities are being urged to integrate mental health services into primary healthcare systems, ensuring that individuals can access necessary support without financial hardship. The ongoing discussions at various health forums emphasize the need for a comprehensive strategy to address mental health as a fundamental human right.

World Mental Health Day: Invisible Wounds Across the Eastern Mediterranean

• “Millions of people in Nigeria are still affected by catastrophes and emergencies like floods, building collapses, insecurity, and displacement.” — Professor Olayinka Atilola, LASUTH

Experts decry worsening mental health crisis due to frequent disasters

• “Owoeye called for the establishment of Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) and workplace wellness initiatives within the NGX and other high-stress industries, noting that mental well-being should be treated as a key component of productivity.” — Dr. Olugbenga Owoeye, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital

Experts decry worsening mental health crisis due to frequent disasters

The mental health crisis in Nigeria, driven by frequent disasters and inadequate response systems, necessitates urgent action to integrate mental health care into national emergency frameworks.

World Mental Health Day: Invisible Wounds Across the Eastern Mediterranean