A psychiatrist at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital Aro, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Dr Emmanuel Abayomi, says about 60 million are currently battling mental illnesses.

He spoke on Friday in Abeokuta at a workshop organised by the NAS Medical Mission under the aegis of the National Association of Seadogs in commemoration of this year’s World Mental Health Day.

The programme put together by Ash Montana Deck in collaboration with Atlantis, Americana 1 and Longhorn Deck, attracted police and other paramilitary operatives in the state.

Speaking on the “Access to services—mental health in catastrophes and emergencies,” Abayomi expressed concern over growing cases of mental struggles among Nigerians.

Quoting WHO statistics, the medical expert said one in eight persons suffer from mental health conditions.

But in Nigeria, Abayomi said the figure is higher with about 60 million citizens estimated to be battling mental health conditions.

“For Nigeria, the figure is higher. As a matter of fact, about 60m Nigerians, according to the latest estimate, have a mental health struggle. And if you put our population to 200m or 240m , that is one in five, one in six people who have mental health conditions.

“So, it’s quite much and it is a thing of concern in Nigeria,” he said.

The expert identified anxiety disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress, alcohol and substance use as some of the behind-the-scenes of mental struggles.

“Staying too long in isolation with a phone thereby reducing interaction with people also has an effect on people’s mental wellbeing,” he said.

He called for regular sleep, balance diet, water intake, physical activity and connection as part of moves to improve mental health

“It is important that we talk about mental health so that people who are suffering can get access to treatment because mental illness is actually treatable. When people get help, they can get better, recover from their mental illness and live life to their full potential,” Abayomi said.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Ogun State Alternate Medicine Board (OGAMB), Balogun Nurudeen Olaleye, represented by Dolapo Junaid, the Press Officer of the board, said traditional and cultural approaches to mental health in catastrophes involve recognizing and leveraging existing community structures, spiritual beliefs, and traditional healing practices to provide psychological support.

This, he said, includes integrating mental health into primary care, implementing community-based, locally adapted programs, educating the public on self-care and resilience, and ensuring culturally sensitive responses that empower local populations to take ownership of their mental health recovery.

“There are a lot of powers and solutions embedded in our traditional setting and institutions to so many problems that are confronted by human beings only if we shun sentimental western lifestyle cultural imperialism beliefs,” Olaleye said.

The Capoon of Ash Montana Deck of Ogun State, Ganiyu Omitogun, said the workshop is crucial to driving the advocacy required to change the narrative and challenge the government to improve access to mental health services in Nigeria and your community around the globe.

Omitogun also said the theme highlights the critical need for mental health and psychosocial support for those affected by crises, including conflicts, public health emergencies, and natural disasters.

“It is pertinent to note that mental health is a priority not just during major crises but in our everyday life. Our collective well-being is vital, and creating access to care is important in sustaining our mental health and well-being,” he said. (Daily Trust)