Mental health problem has become a global health burden, with close to one billion people living with a mental disorder and one person dying every 40 seconds by suicide.
“In Nigeria, a study of 21 out of 36 states representing about 57 per cent of the country’s population, reported a lifetime prevalence of major depressive disorder of 3.1 per cent. This value may increase to 5.2 per cent if you add a chronic depressive condition called dysthmia. According to the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria , in 2019, there were about 250 psychiatrists and 200 psychiatrist trainees in Nigeria. The Chief Medical Director, Dr Igwe, however, said that the figures may have changed as new psychiatrists are graduated twice yearly, adding that many have left to practice abroad.
He said “Stigma in mental illness could be public or self-stigma. Interventions to prevent or reduce stigma could be classified into three namely: Protest – a reactive measure; it seeks to diminish negative attitudes, but does little to promote positive attitudes supported by facts. “Investment in mental health programmes at the national and international levels, which have already suffered from years of chronic underfunding, is now more important than it has ever been. Hence the goal of this year’s World Mental Health Day campaign is increased investment in mental health.
Also, Mental Health Physician and Advocate, Dr Maymunah Kadiri, told LEADERSHIP Sunday that a huge number of Nigerians are currently living with mental illnesses, who need mental health services, but it is not readily available for various reasons. “This just translate to the fact that over 800,000 people die from suicide every year and the sad part is that for every one suicide case, about 25 people have attempted suicide. And for every one suicide completed case, about 135 people are affected. They suffer intense grief, including family members, loved ones and of course colleagues,” Kadiri added.
“It is paramount that mental health is being taught in the educational sector, where the curriculum can be revamped to make that happen. As for the workplace, employers must ensure that mental health activities are being carried out in the workplace. All these are the things that we need to carry out, in order to reduce the stigma, and if possible, eliminate discrimination and stigma attached to people with mental illnesses, including their families.
Health Health Latest News, Health Health Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Source: LeadershipNGA - 🏆 4. / 77 Read more »
Source: THISDAY LIVE - 🏆 14. / 51 Read more »
Source: MobilePunch - 🏆 8. / 63 Read more »