By Obiabin Onukwugha
Renowned psychiatrist, Professor Taiwo James Obindu has issued a sobering prediction that by the year 2030, one out of every four or five individuals in Nigeria could grapple with a mental health disorder if immediate measures are not implemented to confront the issue.
Professor Obindu, who also holds the position of President of the Nigeria Association of Psychiatrists, shared this concerning forecast during a lecture on Mental Health in Nigeria at a training event organized by Mental Health KAFE (MHKAFE) in partnership with the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJIDAfrica) on Monday.
Delving into the dynamic nature of mental health, the psychiatrist highlighted that many people at some point in their lives experience mental disorders, often without recognizing it.
He defined mental health disorders as conditions that impact an individual’s thoughts, emotions, mood, and behavior, potentially leading to distress and impairment in daily functioning.
Quoting data from the World Health Organization (WHO), which projects that 30-60% of the global population will encounter some form of mental illness during their lifetimes, Professor Obindu urged the media to remain vigilant in reporting on mental health issues.
Addressing the challenges within the mental health landscape in Nigeria, he identified key issues such as limited mental health professionals, inadequate facilities, stigma and discrimination, insufficient funding, and a lack of political commitment from the Federal Government.
He emphasized that mental health significantly influences both social and physical well-being, with each impacting the other in a reciprocal manner.
In her welcome address, MHKAFE Director Deborah Adenikinju, who participated virtually, called upon attendees to utilize the knowledge gained from the training to contribute towards addressing mental health concerns in Nigeria.
She underscored the importance of ethical and respectful reporting on mental health conditions to promote understanding and empathy.
Adenikinju expressed gratitude to all participants and partners who contributed to the success of the training and expressed optimism that the training’s essence would be realized by the end of the session.
A significant highlight of the event was the launch of the Mental Health Toolkit by MHKAFE, which was attended by participants from various media organizations, both onsite and virtually.
This toolkit aims to provide valuable resources for responsible and sensitive reporting on mental health matters.