By Dakat Densen Peter

INTRODUCTION

In Nigerian today, mental health challenges rubbished a lot of promising young people, shattered their dreams and destroyed families.

This has become a menace to many individuals stripped of their self worth and what is left of their humanity also taken away from them.

Unfortunately, research has shown that an estimated 25-30% of the Nigerian population suffers from a mental illness, which translates to roughly 40-60 million people. This highlights a significant mental health crisis, as many Nigerians lack access to adequate care due to limited funding, a shortage of mental health professionals, and cultural stigmas associated with mental illness.

ISSUES

Mental health is not just about avoiding illness, but about cultivating a resilient mind that can weather life’s storms. It’s about embracing emotions, nurturing well-being, and unlocking full potentials.

Owing to this, there is urgent need to break the silence, shatter the stigma, and celebrate the strength of mental wellness.
mental health is a vital aspect of our overall well-being, encompassing emotional, psychological, and social stability. It affects how we think, feel, and behave; influencing our relationships, productivity, and quality of life.

Good mental health isn’t just the absence of mental illness, but a state of well-being where individuals realize their potential, cope with normal stresses, work productively, and contribute to their communities.

Mental health refers to emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It encompasses various aspects of our lives, including:
– Emotional well-being: The ability to manage emotions, develop resilience, and maintain a positive outlook.
– Psychological well-being: Self-acceptance, personal growth, and openness to new experiences.
– Social well-being: This has to do with building and maintaining healthy relationships and connections.
It is also worthy of note that mental health is not just the absence of mental illness, but a state of well-being, where individuals realize their potentials, cope with normal stresses, work productively, and contribute to their communities.
Mental health is essential for overall health: It’s interconnected with physical health, and both are crucial for overall well-being.

MENTAL ILLNESS

The Storm Inside:
Imagine being caught in a storm that rages within you, where thoughts swirl like dark clouds and emotions crash like thunder. The winds howl with anxiety, the rain pounds with sadness, and the lightning flashes with fear. This is what it’s like to live with mental illness – a turbulent storm that can be overwhelming, but with the right support and treatment, the sun can shine through the clouds again.
The above scenario highlights the intense emotional turmoil that can come with mental illness, while also emphasizing the hope for recovery and healing.
Now, follow me on a ride to understanding what mental illness is all about. Though definitions abounds about mental
health- but I see it as a slow weapon that kills its prey slowly on the inside without the prey even knowing that it is being consumed.

TYPES OF MENTAL ILLNESS

– Mood disorders: These are conditions like depression and bipolar disorder that affect mood and emotional regulation.
– Anxiety disorders: These are onditions like generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder that involve excessive fear or anxiety.
– Psychotic disorders: These are conditions like schizophrenia that involve distorted thinking, perceptions, and reality.
– Trauma and stressor-related disorders: They are conditions like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) that develop after experiencing trauma or stress.
– Personality disorders: These are conditions that affect personality, behavior, and relationships.

SYMPTOMS AND EFFECTS

– Emotional symptoms: Changes in mood, feelings, or emotional regulation.
– Cognitive symptoms: Changes in thinking, perception, or concentration.
– Behavioral symptoms: Changes in behavior, such as withdrawal or aggression.
– Physical symptoms: Changes in sleep, appetite, or energy levels.
Treatment and Support
Since,we have seen the symptoms of mental illness,any one around us presenting with either of these can be advised to visit the hospital for the following treatments:
– Therapy: Various forms of talk therapy, like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or psychodynamic therapy.
– Medication: Medications like antidepressants, antipsychotics, or mood stabilizers.
– Lifestyle changes: Changes to diet, exercise, sleep, or stress management.
– Support groups: Connecting with others who experience similar challenges aids in the treatment and full recovery.

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS

This involves promoting understanding, acceptance, and support for mental health issues. Mental health awareness is a critical issue that affects us all, whether directly or indirectly. By promoting awareness and understanding, we can work together to create a more supportive and inclusive environment where individuals feel empowered to prioritize their mental health.

WHY MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MATTERS

– Reduces Stigma: Mental health awareness helps to normalize conversations surrounding mental health, encouraging individuals to seek help without fear of judgment.
– Promotes Early Intervention: Awareness campaigns can facilitate early detection and intervention, preventing mental health conditions from escalating and improving outcomes for individuals.
– Supports Individuals: Mental health awareness initiatives provide valuable resources and support for individuals struggling with mental health conditions, helping them navigate their challenges and improve their quality of life.
– Fosters a Supportive Community: By promoting mental health awareness, we can create a more compassionate and understanding society where individuals feel empowered to prioritize their mental well-being.

THE IMPACT OF MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS

– Improved Mental Health outcomes can be achieved by promoting awareness and understanding. We can improve mental health outcomes and reduce the risk of having different mental health conditions.
– Increased Support: Mental health awareness initiatives can provide valuable support and resources for individuals struggling with mental health conditions, helping them navigate their challenges and improve their quality of life.
– Reduced Stigma: Mental health awareness helps reduce stigma and promote a more supportive and inclusive environment among the mentally ill people and mentally healthy ones.

WAYS TO PROMOTE MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS

Mental health awareness can be promoted through the following:
– Education and Information: Provide accurate and accessible information about mental health, mental illness, and treatment options.
– Public Awareness Campaigns: Organize public awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and promote understanding of mental health issues.
– Community Events: Host community events, such as walks, social events, or fundraising, to raise awareness and funds for mental health initiatives.
– Social Media: Utilize social media platforms to share mental health resources, personal stories, and awareness messages.
– Support Groups: Establishing support groups for individuals and families affected by mental illness, providing a safe space for sharing experiences and receiving support.
– Mental Health Professionals: Encourages individuals to seek help from mental health professionals, such as therapists or counselors.
– Workplace Initiatives: Implement mental health initiatives in the workplace, such as employee assistance programs or mental health days.
– School Programs: Develop mental health programs in schools to educate students about mental health, reduce stigma, and promote healthy habits.
– Media Representation: Promote accurate and respectful representation of mental health issues in media, reducing stigma and stereotypes.
– Personal Stories: Share personal stories and experiences of mental health journeys to promote empathy and understanding.

TAKING ACTION

– Start the Conversation: Be open and honest in discussions about your mental health to reduce stigma and promote understanding.
– Get Involved: Join support organizations and initiatives that promote mental health awareness, provide resources, and advocate for mental health policies.
– Prioritize Your Mental Health: Take care of your mental health by prioritizing self-care, seeking help when needed, and promoting awareness and understanding.

STRATEGIES FOR MAINTAINING GOOD MENTAL HEALTH
– Practice Self-Care: Engage in activities that bring joy and relaxation.
– Build Resilience: Develop coping skills and learn to adapt to challenges.
– Seek Support: Connect with friends, family, or mental health professionals when needed.
– Prioritize Physical Health: Regular exercise, healthy eating, and sufficient sleep.

Major Challenges
Lack of Access to Care:Less than 10% of Nigerians with mental health conditions have access to professional assistance.
Insufficient Funding:Mental healthcare receives a disproportionately small portion of the government’s overall health budget.
Shortage of Professionals:There are very few psychiatrists and mental health support workers, with most located in urban areas.
Cultural & Religious Stigmas:Many Nigerians associate mental illness with supernatural causes, leading them to traditional or religious healers instead of professional medical help.
Outdated Legislation:Nigeria’s mental health laws have not been updated since 1958, making them outdated and misaligned with current mental health research.
Impact

CONCLUSION

As we journey through life, let’s prioritize our mental health and well-being. Let’s create a supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable opening up about their struggles. By promoting mental health awareness and reducing stigma, we can empower individuals to seek help and thrive.
Let’s strive to be understanding, compassionate, and supportive friends, family members, and community members. Together, we can build a world where mental health is valued, and everyone has the opportunity to flourish.
Let’s take care of our minds, and our minds will take care of us.

Nurse Dakat Densen Peter, writes from Pankshin.

Author: MCCDA