As Nigeria grapples with worsening economic conditions, citizens are increasingly raising alarms about the impact on their mental well-being, with anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts on the rise across the nation.

Amid skyrocketing costs of food, transportation, and healthcare, the economic crisis has severely reduced purchasing power, leaving millions struggling to meet daily necessities and fueling a mental health crisis.

At the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Yaba, Lagos, Medical Director Dr. Olugbenga Owoeye reports a significant uptick in mental health cases.

“Previously, the hospital received five to ten patients daily; this has increased to approximately 25 to 30 patients, marking an increase of over 200 per cent,” he told Business Day.

He added that the facility now sees around 750 new cases monthly, indicating the widespread strain on mental health resources.

The crisis extends beyond the walls of hospitals into homes and communities, where many individuals, like Chike, a father of three, face unrelenting pressure to meet basic needs.

His words: “Every day is a struggle to survive. We cannot keep food on the table, nor meet transportation costs; medical costs have become an overwhelming source of stress.”

Similarly, Grace, a tailor, finds herself skipping meals to ensure her children are fed.

“Every day feels like a battle,” she said, expressing the exhaustion from constant anxiety about providing for her family.

Rising prices, a devalued currency, and inflation at record levels are forcing Nigerians into a cycle of despair that affects not only individual mental health but also family dynamics and social relationships.

Psychologist Richard Adebayo explains, “When people are worried about how to feed their families or afford basic necessities, mental health becomes an afterthought.”

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 40 million Nigerians, or 20 per cent of the population, are affected by mental illnesses, with conditions ranging from anxiety and depression to more severe disorders.

Psychologist Aisha Bubah, Executive Director of the Sunshine Series, notes that untreated mental illnesses, including depression and schizophrenia, are exacerbated by the economic downturn.

“When there is economic hardship, many people struggle to make ends meet, creating a sense of hopelessness and, in some cases, thoughts of suicide.

“Things can get overwhelming, but it’s important to speak to someone you trust, who won’t judge you. Bottling up your feelings only worsens your mental health,” she stated.

helinues:
Should we say some people have stopped taking responsibility for their personal needs without allowing the situation to deteriorate

Because this one that any small thing, government must be responsible. Are the so called politicians Aliens from Pluto? Are they not the same products of the Nigeria community which refused to produce good products.

The yahoo boys, the Oloshos, the criminals, abeg where are their parents? Are those also government?

helinues:
Should we say some people have stopped taking responsibility for their personal needs without allowing the situation to deteriorate

Because this one that any small thing, government must be responsible. Are the so called politicians Aliens from Pluto? Are they not the same products of the Nigeria community which refused to produce good products.

The yahoo boys, the Oloshos, the criminals, abeg where are their parents? Are those also government?

VinnyBaba:


Helunius, Just LEAVE your Parent's house plz.

Be a man and rent a Place, instead of eating Free food from ur parents and Idling away on this site.

At 35yrs, You are getting old, you don't know

helinues:
Should we say some people have stopped taking responsibility for their personal needs without allowing the situation to deteriorate

Because this one that any small thing, government must be responsible. Are the so called politicians Aliens from Pluto? Are they not the same products of the Nigeria community which refused to produce good products.

The yahoo boys, the Oloshos, the criminals, abeg where are their parents? Are those also government?

happney65:


After blaming the Govornors and it didn't work,na the parents of politicians and the parents of olosho and yahoo boys and others remain make we blame now?

Ani ashiere niyin..

happney65:


After blaming the Govornors and it didn't work,na the parents of politicians and the parents of olosho and yahoo boys and others remain make we blame now?

Ani ashiere niyin..

Bobloco:
It shall never be well with those who worked, supported and encouraged this calamitous Tinubu regime

helinues:


Has it been well with you? Abi what's the frustration for?

SpiritMoney:


Obviously, his curses are working na 😂... look at your life!

helinues:


Those who are not well with have been the one putting unnecessary aggressions in those who knew nothing about their lives woes

SpiritMoney:


Your grammar gives me a splitting headache every damn time. 😓😪

helinues:


Has it been well with you? Abi what's the frustration for?

helinues:


Has it been well with you? Abi what's the frustration for?

Bobloco:


I didn't mention you in my comment but you deliberately chose to insult me

Seun Mynd44 Nlfpmod

helinus have violated Nairaland Rule 2

IniobongEno:
The mods will pretend not to see it but if it were to be the other way around they'll jump fast and ban the person.

helinues:


Mention them with this moniker, I want to check something