I am glad that the Nigerian press is carrying more news and awareness about depression. Over the last few months, there has been an increasing coverage of the illness which has got people talking about it. Even though that there is a huge coverage about mental health illness, there is still a need for awareness and information about the available help out there. Nigeria, although a developing country, has the human and material resources to invest in this area even though that the country is going through a recession.
There are still limited facilities that people could access and there is still a stigma associated with mental illness. It is a topic that is not spoken much about and in many homes, it is something that is not associated with being 'Nigerian'. Hence, there is little awareness of how to deal with it. I remember talking about depression with some acquaintances who were religious fanatics and it was like hitting my head against a rock.
Rhetorics such as the following are not uncommon:
"It is unNigerian" to be depressed!
"It is not your portion. You are a child of God"
"Encourage yourself in the word of God"
"I reject that on your behalf"
"You don't know your bible then" etc
People should be taught that there is no shame in admitting to depression or any mental health problem. There should also be an awareness on how to respond and deal with loved ones with mental health issues. People should be made to understand that there is no stigma attached to being depressed or suffering from any mental health issues and that they can get the help that they need.
No comments:
Post a Comment