The President of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria (APN), Taiwo Obindo has said that the current economic hardship and social factors in the country may lead to an increase in mental health conditions among Nigerians.
In a recent interview in Lagos, Obindo revealed the challenges posed by poverty, high cost of living, insecurity, kidnapping, financial problems, inflation, child abuse, rape, broken homes, and traumatic experiences, among others.
He explained that individuals exposed to these social factors are more likely to develop mental health issues, particularly during this period of economic challenges. Obindo also criticized the multiple taxes imposed on small businesses and individuals, stressing the need for tax reform to alleviate the pressure on citizens.
He urged the federal government to take immediate action to address these pressures and safeguard the mental health of Nigerians. Specifically, he called for the swift implementation of the National Mental Health Act, which was signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari in January 2023 but has yet to be implemented.
Consultant psychiatrist Olufunmilayo Akinola, who works at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Yaba, echoed Obindo’s concerns and stressed the need for the government to address the factors driving the exodus of health workers to other countries.
While acknowledging the government’s efforts in establishing nursing and medical schools and equipping healthcare facilities, Akinola believed that more needs to be done to retain health workers and ensure adequate mental healthcare for Nigerians.
