The Medical Director, Synapse Services Resource
Centre, Dr. Vincent Udenze, has said that one in every four Nigerian is living
with one form of mental disorder or another.
Udenze also noted that
one in seven persons would suffer a serious episode of mental illness in their
lifetime.
He spoke during the inauguration of the centre at Lekki, Lagos.
He spoke during the inauguration of the centre at Lekki, Lagos.
According to the mental health specialist,
Nigerians suffer the consequences of mental health problems due to the acute
shortage of registered health facilities and the stigma attached to the
condition.
Udenze added, “One in every four Nigerian has one
form of mental disorder and one in every seven will suffer serious mental
health problems. This is a conservative estimate, considering that many
Nigerians with mental challenges do not seek help because they do not want people
to stigmatise them and their families.”
He also lamented that the
majority of the health care institutions in the country paid less attention to
mental illness cases.
He said, “Look around, we
have got over 50 government hospitals looking after pregnant women. We have
thousands of private hospitals and maternal homes for women and children. How
many mental health facilities are in Lagos with a population of over 18 million
people? They are very few.
“If you provide the
environment, facility and make people aware that it exists, you will be
surprised at the response you are going to get. The truth is that the
government will never be able to do enough in tackling the menace of mental
health because it does not have enough resources for that.
“While the government is
doing what it can, the private sector, non-governmental organisations, and
individuals must come together to address stigma and provide facilities for
those who need treatment before they fall into the wrong hands.”
To make a difference,
Udenze said the centre would establish more centres in the state, just as its
foundation would provide free treatment for indigent patients.
Reference:
punchng
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