2.5m Lagosians Mentally Ill

At least 2.5 million out of the 18 million estimated residents in Lagos State, southwest Nigeria, suffer from one form of mental illness or the other, according to recent studies in the state.

This represents an average of 14.1 percent of the total Lagos population, says Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris on Tuesday in Lagos at an event to commemorate the World Mental Health Day.

“Mental, neurological and substance abuse account for 14% of the global burden of diseases. According to recent studies in Lagos, an average of 14.1% of the total Lagos population suffers from one form of mental illness or the other. These illnesses may not necessarily be psychosis but untreated minor mental illnesses which affect the quality of life,” he adds.

“So many people suffer from isolation, loss of productivity and underdeveloped human potential which ultimately leads to gross underdevelopment of the state and the country as a whole. In Lagos State, it is estimated that 20-25 percent of down time in the workforce is due to the effects of mental health disorders,” he added.

The World Health Organization, WHO, estimates that about 150 million people are affected by alcohol use disorders; 40 million from depression; another 40 million from Alzheimer’s disease while about one million people commit suicide.

He calls for the active participation of private sector stakeholders, non- governmental organisations, religious groups, user groups and philanthropic organisations in the creation of a strong network of aftercare operations and facilities such as halfway houses and assisted employment programmes.

“The state government has recognised the significance of mental health and has decided to address these issues by investing in mental health and ensuring that the rights of people with these disorders are respected. We also hope to conduct awareness programmes and educate people on the effects of substance and alcohol abuse,” he says.

According to Idris, in many Lagos communities, stigma and marginalisation occur, lamenting that in most cultures within the state, marriage into families with history of mental illness is seen as a taboo.

Idris, however, explained that no matter the effects of mental issues, whether it is depression, epilepsy, dementia, alcohol dependence, disability or death, they can be managed effectively with the affected individuals living a reasonably normal life.

The commissioner stated that the government has adopted a carefully thought out policy on mental health that includes sufficient and detailed strategies aimed at reducing the impact of mental health disorders on the citizens.

He explained that the Lagos State Mental Health Policy which was based on the national philosophy of social justice and equity was informed by not only the need to address the issues of mental health but by investing in it and ensuring that the rights of people with disorders are respected.

The commissioner noted that highlights of the new policy include Mental Health Promotion; Primary Care and Access to Services; Treatment Guidelines at Primary Healthcare Level; Services for People with Severe Mental Illness; Reduction of Work Place Stress and the Risk of Suicide; and Human Resources for Mental Health.

“This is only the first step in our plan to invest in mental health in Lagos State. Lagos will not be left behind as our objective to remain at the forefront to provide qualitative and quantitative mental healthcare to the citizens of the state will remain our focus in this administration.”

—Kazeem Ugbodaga