mental health conditions, leading to discrimination, social exclusion, and marginalisation.
Major Causes of Stigmatisation
Cultural and traditional beliefs: Many Nigerians attribute mental illness to supernatural causes or spiritual problems
Lack of knowledge and awareness: Limited understanding of mental health issues contributes to stigma
Societal attitudes and misconceptions: Viewing mental illness as a sign of weakness or a personal failing
Fear and discomfort: Fear of people with mental health conditions can lead to avoidance and exclusion
Media portrayal: Sensationalised media coverage can perpetuate negative stereotypes
Stigma in healthcare: Healthcare providers may hold stigmatising attitudes, affecting care quality
Social and economic factors: Poverty, unemployment, and social inequality can exacerbate stigma
Lack of mental health infrastructure: Inadequate mental health resources contribute to stigma
Human rights abuses: Reports of human rights abuses in traditional mental health treatment settings
Policy and Legislation: Inadequate policies and laws to safeguard the interests of the patient can perpetuate stigma.
Prevention of stigmatisation
Education and awareness: Educate the public about mental health to dispel misconceptions
Positive media representation: Encourage accurate and respectful media coverage
Community-based initiatives: Organise community events and campaigns to promote mental health awareness
School-based programs: Integrating mental health education into school curricula will help to reduce the rate of stigmatisation in Nigeria.
Workplace Initiatives: Implement mental health-friendly policies and practices in workplaces and other public facilities.
Training: Train healthcare providers to address stigma
Advocacy: Support advocacy groups and organisations promoting mental health (i.e. NGOs)
Policy reform: Advocate for policy reforms promoting mental health and reducing the rate of stigma in our society.
Research and evaluation: Conduct research to understand stigma and evaluate interventions
Empower individuals: Empower individuals with mental health conditions to share their experiences, and there should be no form of stigmatisation in the area of job opportunities.
Modern ways to maintain good mental health
Mindfulness and Meditation: Practice mindfulness and meditation to reduce stress
Exercise and physical activity: Engage in regular exercise for mental health benefits
Social connections: Nurture social connections and build strong relationships
Healthy sleep habits: Prioritise sleep and maintain a healthy sleep schedule
Nutrition and diet: Focus on a balanced diet for mental health
Mental health Apps: Utilise mental health apps for support and resources
Psychotherapy and counselling: Seek professional help when needed
Self-care: Prioritise self-care activities, such as hobbies and relaxation
Stress management: Develop effective stress management techniques to reduce any form of stressors in our life
Leisure activities: Engage in enjoyable leisure activities that will reduce the rate of stress.
Effects of stigmatisation
Social isolation: People with mental illness may experience social avoidance, rejection, and isolation due to negative stereotypes and prejudices held by others.
Low self-esteem: Internalised stigma can lead to decreased self-esteem, self-efficacy, and confidence, making it harder for individuals to seek help and recover.
Discrimination: Stigma can result in discriminatory behaviours, such as withholding help, avoidance, and coercive treatment, affecting patients’ access to employment, housing, and healthcare.
Poor treatment Adherence: Fear of stigma can lead to non-adherence to treatment plans, worsening symptoms and outcomes that can lead to repeated relapses.
Increased symptoms: Stigma can exacerbate symptoms of mental illness, such as anxiety and depression.
Reduced opportunities: Stigma can limit opportunities for education, employment, and social participation.
Family burden: Families may experience emotional distress, social isolation, and financial strain due to stigmatisation.
Caregiver burden: Caregivers may feel overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed due to the stigma associated with caring for a loved one with mental illness.
Social exclusion: Patients and their families may feel excluded from social activities and other community events.
Mental health impact: Stigma can worsen mental health outcomes, including increased risk of suicidal behaviours and frequent relapses.
Reducing stigmatisation among people living with mental illness in Nigeria
Education and awareness: Educate the public about mental health to dispel misconceptions and promote understanding about mental illness and how it can be managed effectively.
Promote positive media representation: Encourage accurate and respectful media coverage to reduce negative stereotypes in our society.
Community-based initiatives: Organise community events and campaigns to promote mental health awareness and reduce the rate of stigma in our society.
School-based programs: Integrate mental health education into school curricula to promote awareness and understanding among secondary school students and other institutions of higher learning.
Workplace: Implement mental health-friendly policies and practices in workplaces to support employees with mental health conditions.
Training: Train healthcare providers to address stigma and provide culturally sensitive care.
Advocacy: Support advocacy groups and organisations promoting mental health in reducing the rate of stigma in our society.
Policy reform: Advocate for policy reforms promoting mental health and reducing stigma in Nigeria.
Empowerment: Empower individuals with mental health conditions to share their experiences and promote awareness.
Research and evaluation: Research to understand the rate of stigma in our society and evaluate interventions to reduce the stigma accordingly.
Management of Mental Illness in Nigeria
Professional help: Consult mental health professionals for diagnosis and treatment accordingly
Medication and therapy: Utilise medication and therapy for treatment as prescribed by a medical expert and psychologist, respectively
Support groups: Join support groups for connection and community
Lifestyle changes: Implement healthy lifestyle changes, such as exercise and nutrition
Family support: Engage family members in care and support for patient’s concerns
Community-based care: Leverage community-based initiatives for support
Cultural sensitivity: Consider cultural factors in treatment and care (i.e. Community members should be psycho-educated on mental illness and how it can be managed medically)
Access to care: Improve access to mental health services (i.e. mental health facilities should be brought closer to the community)
Early intervention: Prioritise early intervention and prevention (i.e. psycho-educate members of the public on early signs/warnings of mental illness)
Research and Innovation: Encourage research and innovation in mental health care.
References
Alexander, L. A., & Link, B. G. (2008). The impact of contact on stigmatising attitudes toward people with mental illness. JMH. 12:271 289.
Crisp, A., Gelder, M., Rix, S., Meltzer, H., & Rowlands, O. (2000). Stigmatisation of people with mental illness. Br. J. Psychiatry., 177:4–7.
Dr Suleiman Tajudeen is the CEO and Director of Clinical Psychology, Clear Mind Psychological Consult, Km 15, Badagry Expressway, Ojo, Lagos.
+234 803 402 4457
