Participants today during an online mental health talk facilitated by Mental Health Drive Initiative (MHDi) has called on individuals, groups and government at all levels to pay an urgent attention to the state of the nation's mental health system. This was done in commemoration of Nigeria's 59 years of Independence.
Speaking during the session, which was centered on Nigeria's Mental Health System @ 59 - The past, present and future, the convener of the Initiative, Nurse Faleti D. D. stated that much support is not being given to mental illness unlike the case of HIV and TB whereby there are free drugs.
He also stated that this can help a lot in reducing the financial stress being posed by this illness. He urged the government to also revive the primary health centres nationwide to allow for easy access to affordable mental health care.
Imurain Abiola, a contributor on the session stated that although the mental health system has changed from the crude method of healing to the scientific, with the recent introduction of community mental health (CMH), are we really encouraging CMH brought to our doorstep? She also stated that the awareness of mental health and illness is not hitting the roof of our houses because the myths of mental illness have chopped our bones deep down.
According to Taiwo Modupeoluwa, the mental health system has not improved, it has only gotten worse and it is seen in the high rate of depression and suicide due to the poor economic state of the country and insecurity almost everywhere.
Another contributor, Tẹmilade Alonge, said that it is quite appalling that the channel of concentration in our country is over unnecessary things. The mental health system in our country for the past years has not been promising. He stated education has the answer. 'If the health sector wants to get it right, it must first educate and advocate for mental health', he said.
Ajayi Damilola was of the opinion that the mental health system of the nation hasn't improved. Though a lot of volunteering teams have been putting in their best to its awareness; nevertheless, it's still minor compare to the height of naivety out there. Also, few out of the large population in Nigeria have adequate knowledge on mental health and illness. The misconceptions about mental illnesses and the assumptions about mental health had crippled the nation to some extent. Even, some health workers still propound stigmatization amongst others. She opined that Nigeria's health constitution needs amendment towards implementing concrete schemes and sections that would promote mental health and mental illness management.
Olaleye Elizabeth, was of the opinion that until something is seen as a problem, it can hardly change from what it is to what it should be. The issue of mental illness has not been seen as a problem that needs to be tackled; which is why less attention is given to it compare to other illness like TB.
Kessy Paul, another contributor, added that until now, the issue of mental illness has not been seen as a medical condition. People still give it spiritual connotation which is why our reaction to the mentally ill has been lackadaisical. This has prompted even policy makers in the health system not given it a serious approach. Funding has not made available as the nation has not seen it as something serious and this has made donors failed in coming to join the fight against mental illness.
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