Mental Health in Nigeria
The mental health problem is global and millions of people are affected. It exists in Nigeria such that it has become a public health issue, yet the mental health system in Nigeria appears to be inept in meeting the needs of sufferers of mental illnesses.
This paper discusses the increasing importance of mental illness as a public health concern globally with particular emphasis on the Nigerian mental health issue. It is organised into various sections discussing the global mental health problem; the Nigerian mental health problem and system. It concludes with global guidelines in mental health and personal recommendations.
Introduction
Mental health is defined as “a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.” (WHO 2011).
Despite the dearth of required attention due it, mental health forms a vital aspect of overall health. The global prevalence of mental illness is enormous with 450 million people affected(1). 14% of worldwide disease burden is attributed to mental illness as an entity(2). A relationship is known to exist between mental and physical illness as individuals with mental illnesses are known to be more predisposed to physical illnesses(4). The most affected persons have been found to be located in developing nations (75%) and have only marginal accessibility to the necessary care and services(4). World health Mental Survey Consortium 2004 (WMHS2004), states that the health service gap for mental disorders was 35.5-50.3% of severe conditions in developed nations and 76.3%-85.4% in developing nations(1). Glaringly evident is the extent of the unmet need for mental health service in developing nations, Nigeria not being an exception.
Earliest recognition for mental health internationally came about in the 1990’s with the World Development Report (1993) by the World
This paper discusses the increasing importance of mental illness as a public health concern globally with particular emphasis on the Nigerian mental health issue. It is organised into various sections discussing the global mental health problem; the Nigerian mental health problem and system. It concludes with global guidelines in mental health and personal recommendations.
Introduction
Mental health is defined as “a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.” (WHO 2011).
Despite the dearth of required attention due it, mental health forms a vital aspect of overall health. The global prevalence of mental illness is enormous with 450 million people affected(1). 14% of worldwide disease burden is attributed to mental illness as an entity(2). A relationship is known to exist between mental and physical illness as individuals with mental illnesses are known to be more predisposed to physical illnesses(4). The most affected persons have been found to be located in developing nations (75%) and have only marginal accessibility to the necessary care and services(4). World health Mental Survey Consortium 2004 (WMHS2004), states that the health service gap for mental disorders was 35.5-50.3% of severe conditions in developed nations and 76.3%-85.4% in developing nations(1). Glaringly evident is the extent of the unmet need for mental health service in developing nations, Nigeria not being an exception.
Earliest recognition for mental health internationally came about in the 1990’s with the World Development Report (1993) by the World