Bad economy affecting mental health of Nigerians, says mental-health nurse

Abdul-Baaqi Adenekan (Intern)

A Mental Health Nurse, Prof Joel Adeleke Afolayan has identified bad economic situation and insecurity in Nigeria as major factor affecting mental status of the citizens, which may equally result into depression and psychiatric cases.

Penpushing reports that Afolayan made this known while delivering paper at Sub-regional conference, with the theme, ’Changing Global Impact on Individual’s and Famillies Mental Health: The Coping Mechanism’, organized by the West African Postgraduate College of Nurses and Midwives, held at Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta

The Head of Department of Nursing Science at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State emphasized that mental health of individuals and families is progressively impacted by a multitude of global challenges which include economic shifts, pandemics, climate change, technological advancements and sociology as well as political disturbances.

‘I am happy I am addressing this topic, ‘Changing Global Impact on Individuals and Families’ Mental Health: The Coping Mechanism. The mental health of individuals and families is progressively impacted by a multitude of global challenges’, he stated.

‘Economic shifts, pandemics, climate change, technological advancements and sociology political disturbances are transforming societies at an alarming pace. These changes are not isolated events but interrelated phenomena that collectively exert significant pressure on mental well-being”, he added.

Penpushing further reports that he, however, enlightened participants about the changing global impact on individuals and families mental health, equally lamented that it has been herculean task for people to cope in the harsh atmosphere in the country

“I keep wondering, how are people able to cope with this situation where things are expensive, salaries are not increased, thinking about these things will surely be a burden to us which will be a problem to our mental health’, Afolayan lamented.

‘A parent who cannot afford to pay their children’s school fees or even find it hard to cater for the needs of their children, their mental health will get affected when they start to get depressed, when they start to get depressed and think about their inability to cater for their children’s needs”, he stressed.

‘Mental health is total health, In the last few weeks in Nigeria we have seen how the citizens of our nation have been protesting, we see terrorism, the people are complaining of bad governance and hunger, our roads are not are not safe, foods are expensive’, he noted.

‘All of these things can affect our mental health drastically. Global economic stability is affecting the nation and other nations globally, technological advancement has exploded in Nigeria and this is affecting us drastically, imagine you’re a refugee in your own state. Please let’s not disregard our feelings or keep our emotions to ourselves, I do not have a solution but I think our collective efforts can make a difference”, he emphasized.

Penpushing also reports that Chairman, Faculty of Mental-Health and Psychiatric Nursing, West African Postgraduate College of Nurses and Midwives, Temitope Opaleye earlier in her welcome speech explained that the conference was a celebration of the relentless pursuit of nursing practice excellence and meeting societal needs, where ideas converge, collaborations flourish, and boundaries are pushed as it is not limited to mental health specialists or nursing practice alone.

‘It is an opportunity for each of us to share our work, learn from one another, and explore the frontiers of our respective fields. Whether you are presenting cutting-edge research, engaging in thought-provoking discussions, or networking with fellow professionals, your presence and participation are what make this event truly impactful’, Opaleye said.

Penpushing reports that she pointed out that the conference theme reflects the urgency and significance which resonates across disciplines and underscores the vital role mental health plays in shaping the individual life’s and make better family and fulfilling hope and home.

‘As we embark on this journey together, let us remember that the exchange of knowledge and ideas is the foundation of progress. Let us embrace the diversity of thought, challenge conventional wisdom, and inspire one another to reach new heights in our work’, she added.

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