Mental health beyond stigma

World Mental Health Day is observed every October 10 to raise global awareness of mental health issues, mobilise support for those affected and reduce the stigma often associated with mental illness.

The theme for the 2026 commemoration, “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change,” highlights the importance of listening to people living with mental health conditions and involving them in shaping policies, services and decisions that affect their lives.

The theme is a timely reminder that those affected by mental health conditions are not merely patients or recipients of care but can also contribute meaningfully to developing solutions to healthcare challenges.

Undoubtedly, people feel valued and understood when encouraged to share their experiences. Their stories can provide mental health professionals, caregivers and policymakers with a deeper understanding of the realities of living with these conditions. Such engagement can also improve treatment approaches, guide funding decisions and challenge stereotypes.

Unlike physical illnesses, mental health conditions are not always easy to identify. They can affect an individual’s ability to cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively and contribute meaningfully to their community.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than one billion people worldwide live with mental health disorders. The most common conditions include anxiety and depression, while suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among young people.

Nigeria is not immune to this growing challenge. Available data indicate that an estimated 20 million to 40 million Nigerians are affected by one form of mental health condition or another.

The causes are not difficult to identify. Years of insurgency, banditry and violent crime in northern Nigeria, alongside other security challenges across the country, have left many citizens struggling with deep psychological scars. Many continue to live with trauma that either goes unnoticed or is deliberately ignored. Children have been forced to witness the killings of their parents and loved ones, while many others have endured abduction and prolonged captivity.

At the same time, many men and women remain trapped in abusive and toxic relationships, with little support from a system that lacks adequate social safety nets and often expects them to endure their suffering. These challenges are compounded by economic hardship, rising poverty, unemployment and uncertainty about the future. Pressure from social media also tends to increase stress and emotional distress among young people, pushing some to the brink. These factors are by no means exhaustive, but they are enough to make mental well-being a priority for any country that takes the welfare of its citizens seriously.

Beyond these causes, Nigeria lacks adequate infrastructure and personnel to address the challenge. Access to mental health services remains limited and unaffordable, particularly in rural communities, many of which also face security challenges. Consequently, people in remote areas are often left at the mercy of herbal and spiritual healers.

The country also faces a severe shortage of mental health professionals. With the continued mass exodus of healthcare workers, Nigeria has an estimated 300 psychiatrists to cater to a population of more than 220 million. This situation is unacceptable.

Perhaps not all these challenges can be addressed at once, but some can certainly be mitigated. Nigeria must begin to prioritise the overall well-being of its citizens, with mental health recognised as an essential component of healthcare.

We therefore urge the government to ensure that budgetary allocations to the health sector reflect this reality. Beyond funding, mental health services should be integrated into primary healthcare and health insurance programmes across the country. Everyone, irrespective of location or social status, should have access to mental healthcare.

One major misconception about mental health is the belief that anyone with a mental health condition is “mad” or mentally unstable. This attitude must change. Anyone can experience mental health challenges at some point in life, and those affected deserve understanding, support and appropriate care rather than ridicule or discrimination.

We call for increased public awareness to combat stigma and discrimination. The National Orientation Agency should work with mental health experts, including the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, to sustain public education, challenge misconceptions and promote early intervention.

We also call for the full implementation of the National Mental Health Act 2021 and urge government authorities at all levels to create safe spaces where people can speak openly about their mental health without fear of discrimination.