Destigmatizing the Conversation: Mental Health Awareness in Nigeria

03

Jul

Destigmatizing the Conversation: Mental Health Awareness in Nigeria

5 months ago

| Written by Anuoluwapo Oni

Campus life in Nigeria can be a rollercoaster of emotions due to social anxieties, academic stress, and economic hardship. All these can negatively impact the student's mental health. Then what happens when it becomes overwhelming and affects your lifestyle? This is where mental health awareness comes in.

Over the years mental health problems in Nigeria have been cloaked in stigma and misconception. Words like “depression” or “mental health crisis” are often expressed in closets preventing victims from seeking the appropriate help. However, a new development is disputing these misconceptions and promoting public discussions about mental welfare.

Why is Mental Health Awareness Important for Students?

Students are highly susceptible to mental health issues. The pressures from academic pursuits, social anxieties, and economic hardship can create a perfect storm for emotional distress. If ignored, these problems can cause:

• Academic Decline: Distraction, apathy, and truancy can negatively impact academic performance.

• Solitude: Feeling overwhelmed can bring about social withdrawal, further aggravating the emotional state of seclusion and despair.

• Dipsomania/Substance abuse: Some students may find solace in alcohol or drugs as a means to cope with their mental health challenges.

Breaking the Stigma: How Can We Move Forward?

Fortunately, the tide is turning. Educational institutions across Nigeria are gradually acknowledging the significance of mental health awareness. Programs such as campus counseling services, stress management seminars, and peer support sessions are building a favourable environment for students.

Here's what you can do:

• Stay informed: Get sensitized about the signs and symptoms of regular mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression.

• Speak up: Feel free to discuss mental health with your friends, family, and peers. Being open about your experience can help lessen the stigma and inspire victims to seek help.

• Seek support: Learn to communicate your struggles and seek help. Confide in your friend, counselor, or mental health specialist. Remember, seeking help is not a weakness, but rather a sign of strength.

By encouraging victims to speak up and advocating for mental health literacy, we can build a favourable environment for students in Nigeria. Remember, caring for your mental health is just as important as caring for your physical health. Let’s collaborate to break the stigma and prioritize student wellbeing.