Mental health experts have expressed concern over the exacerbation of mental health disorders in Nigeria due to the prevailing economic hardship in the country.
According to psychiatrists, the economic strain has left many individuals frustrated, worried, and irritable, leading to marital disharmony and affecting overall mental well-being. The inability to fulfil basic needs has raised questions about individual survival, with heightened levels of anxiety about present and prospects.
A consultant psychiatrist, Richard Adebayo, emphasised the alarming increase in depression and economic-induced travails, resulting in a surge in suicide rates among Nigerians unable to achieve their life goals amid economic adversities.
“A lot of people are frustrated and worried and have become irritable, noting that there is a lot of marital disharmony as a result of the economic problems people are going through. And all this eventually affects their mental health,” he said.
Studies have consistently shown a correlation between economic hardship and psychiatric disorders, with socioeconomic disadvantage, unemployment, low income, poverty, debt, and inadequate housing contributing to diminished mental well-being.
Healthcare professionals across the nation have reported a rise in admissions related to high blood pressure and acute mental health breakdowns, exacerbated by economic challenges.
Larne Yusuf, a public health expert, highlights the strain on mental health services due to the influx of patients grappling with financial insecurities, necessitating immediate intervention to prevent further escalation.
The World Health Organisation estimates that a staggering 20 percent of Nigerians are affected by mental illness, with one in four individuals suffering from various mental disorders. Experts warn that severe distressing conditions can precipitate mental health disorders, particularly anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation.
The discontinuation of petrol subsidies and the unification of foreign exchange rates by the Tinubu administration have exacerbated economic instability and led to soaring food prices.
The president of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, Professor Taiwo Obindo, underscores the link between stress and mental health disorders, emphasising the need for timely intervention and support for individuals facing economic hardships.
Consultant Psychiatrist Olusegun Soyombo also warns of potential relapses due to the escalating cost of care, further underscoring the urgent need for holistic support and intervention strategies.
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