Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet many don’t talk about it or comprehend it very well. The stigma around mental health may be a big problem for people who need help all throughout the world, but especially in places like Nigeria. To be mentally healthy, you need to know what you need and fight to break down these societal boundaries.
Why It’s Important to Break the Stigma It’s Important Stigma is when people have a terrible opinion of someone because of what they think is bad. This is generally due to not knowing enough, being afraid, or getting the wrong information. In Nigeria, for example, mental health problems are generally thought to be caused by supernatural forces like bad spirits, sorcery, witchcraft, or divine punishment. This leads to a lot of prejudice and social isolation. This not only makes people less likely to get professional care, but it can also lead to dangerous actions by unskilled traditional healers.
It’s important to break the stigma since it:
Encourages Help-Seeking: People are more likely to get expert help when they don’t feel ashamed of their problems.
Fosters Compassion and Understanding: It encourages empathy and support instead of judgement and intolerance.
Enhances Quality of Life: People can lead more open and satisfying lives free from shame and isolation.
Changes in policy: More knowledge and less stigma can lead to better legislation and funding for mental health care.
Normalises Mental Health: It helps us understand that mental health is a range, and like physical health, it has to be cared for and paid attention to.
How to Help Get Rid of the Stigma
*Learn about it and teach others:
Know the Facts: Mental diseases are actual medical conditions, just like physical illnesses. They often have biological, psychological, and social causes.
Disprove false ideas: If you hear inaccurate information or bad comments, politely correct them with facts and, if it’s appropriate, your own experiences.
If you feel comfortable, please tell us your story. If you can, sharing your lived experience is really powerful. Personal stories make mental health problems more relatable and can motivate others.
*Pay Attention to Language:
Words Matter: Don’t use words that are rude, such “crazy,” “mad,” or “insane.”
Language That Comes First: Instead of “a depressive,” say “a person with depression.” This puts the focus on the person, not the condition.
Make normal Discussion: Talk about mental health in the same way you would talk about physical health in regular interactions.
*Show kindness and support:
Listen Without Judging: When someone tells you anything, listen and show that you care.
Give them practical help by asking what they need. Do they need help finding a therapist, getting to an appointment, or just talking to someone?
Encourage Professional Help: Suggest that people get help from trained mental health experts.
*Push for Change:
Help organisations that work on mental health: Give money or time to groups that are trying to enhance mental health care and lower stigma, such the Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative or She Writes Woman in Nigeria.
Push for better rules: Push for more money and better access to mental health care in your area and throughout the country. The Mental Health Bill 2021 that Nigeria just passed is a good move, but it needs to be put into action well.
Looking for help: Your First Steps to Getting Better
It takes guts to admit that you have a mental health problem and ask for help.
*Talk to Someone You Trust:
Start with small things: Talk to a trusted friend, family member, religious leader, or coworker about what you’re going through. They can help you think about your alternatives and give you emotional support.
Clearly Say What You Need: Be clear about what kind of help you need, whether it’s someone to talk to, advice, or help seeking professional services.
*Talk to a doctor:
Primary Care Doctor: Your family doctor or general practitioner is a great place to start. They can do an initial screening, give you advice, and send you to a professional if necessary.
People who work in mental health:
Psychiatrists are medical specialists who can figure out what’s wrong with someone’s mental health, give them therapy, and give them medicine.
Psychologists have extensive degrees in psychology and use several types of therapy (such CBT and talk therapy) to diagnose and treat mental health problems. However, they usually can’t prescribe medicine.
Therapists and counsellors are licensed professionals, such as licensed professional counsellors, marriage and family therapists, and licensed clinical social workers, who offer counselling and psychotherapy.
*Look into online resources and telehealth:
Online Therapy Platforms: Services like BetterHelp and Talkspace make it easy to talk to certified therapists over video calls, chat, or the phone. This can be especially helpful in places where it’s hard to see a therapist in person.
Apps for mental health: Apps like Headspace and Calm (for mindfulness and meditation) or mood-tracking apps can help you help yourself and get support.
Organisational Websites: Websites of well-known mental health groups, such WHO, NAMI, and Mental Health America, have a lot of information, tools for self-assessment, and lists of experts.
*Become a part of support groups:
Peer Support: Local community groups or the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offer safe places to talk about your experiences, learn how to deal with them, and realise that you’re not alone.
Online Communities: There are a lot of online forums and social media groups that are all about helping people with their mental health.
Use the resources available at work or school:
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): A lot of companies offer EAPs that give employees free, private counselling and referrals.
Student Health Services: Many colleges and universities offer mental health counselling to their students.
Particular Problems and Resources in Nigeria:
The general rules work in all countries, but Nigeria has its own problems:
Cultural and Religious Beliefs: Strong cultural and religious views on mental illness might make it hard for people to get help.
Lack of specialists: There aren’t enough psychiatrists and other mental health specialists to go around.
Services that don’t get enough money: Mental health care often doesn’t get enough money and is mostly available in cities, leaving people in rural regions without care.
Old Laws: The Lunacy Act of 1958 used to be in charge of mental health, however it was criticised for not giving patients enough rights. The new Mental Health Bill 2021 is a good thing.
Help for Nigerians:
Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI): A well-known group that works to fight stigma through school programs, social media campaigns, and services for people in distress.
She Writes Woman is a program run by and for women with mental health issues that offers free online therapy and a mobile helpline that is always open.
Community Health Centres and Local NGOs: Look for local NGOs or community health centres that might offer mental health assistance or referrals.
Leaders in Faith: Some religious leaders are becoming more open to talking about mental health, even though traditional beliefs might be a barrier. They can be the first place people go for help.
Mental health is a journey, not a place to go to. We can all work together to create a society where mental health is prioritised, understood, and treated with the compassion it deserves by breaking the chains of stigma, encouraging open conversations, and actively looking for the right help. Keep in mind that your health is important and that aid is available.
