Lagos: Dr. Edward Obalanle, a psychiatrist at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital in Yaba, Lagos, has urged Nigerians to prioritise mental health by scheduling checkups at least twice a year.
Obalanle, who works with the Federal Neuro-psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, gave the advice in Lagos on Friday.
He stated that the advice had become necessary because individuals, regardless of their status, background, tribe, or religion, faced challenges such as stress, particularly in light of the current nationwide economic hardship.
According to him, such challenges can affect the way people reason or interact.
“Such challenges are predisposing factors to mental health conditions like depression, anxiety and can even lead to suicide, if not properly checked.
“People should consider going for mental health checkups regularly, just like they do for physical checkups.
“For normal circumstances, individuals can aim for at least twice a year, but in cases where one is experiencing significant stress, life changes, or symptoms of mental health issues, it is important to seek evaluation sooner.
“Additionally, if there is already a history of mental health concerns or a family history of mental illness, more frequent evaluations would be beneficial,” he said.
The psychiatrist, however, identified stigma and cultural beliefs as significant factors contributing to “why many do not seek proper care and support that they need for their mental health and well-being.
He decried such an attitude, noting that many Nigerians perceived mental health evaluation as only meant for “mad people” or mentally challenged persons.
According to him, such discriminative behaviour will only have detrimental effects on both the individual and society at large.
“Unfortunately, in Nigeria, once an individual is seen seeking psychiatric services or going to a psychiatric clinic, people will start to stigmatise such an individual with the notion that they are having a mental illness.
“That is why most people find it difficult to go to psychiatric clinics, seek psychiatric services or have anything to do with a psychiatric doctor,” he said.
The psychiatrist, however, urged people to be mindful of their mental health; listen to their bodies and minds, and seek help whenever they felt overwhelmed or noticed changes in their mental well-being.
He said no one was immune, saying, at least, one in every five people would at some point in their lifetime experience one type of mental illness or the other.
According to him, most of the mental illnesses that people have are not psychotic, such as hallucinations and schizophrenia; they are anxiety, stress and depression.
Obalanle said, “Many who have mental disorders, whether major or minor, do not get to see any psychiatric healthcare provider at all for relief of their symptoms.
“So, they are not diagnosed or treated, which is a risk because it has a detrimental effect, not just on the individuals, but also on society.
“They might not be disturbing other people, but they may be under-performing at their tasks or making wrong decisions as a result of the mental health condition.
“Untreated mental illness, whether major or minor, carries a cost both for the individual and the society,” he added.