Today is a special day when the whole world hits pause to reflect on the most precious treasure we all possess — our health. It’s World Health Day, a time to remind ourselves that without good health, everything else loses its shine. But what many fail to realize is that health isn’t just about physical well-being; it’s also deeply intertwined with mental wellness.
At I Choose Life Foundation, we strongly believe in bringing mental health to the forefront of conversations. It’s time to shine a light on this often overlooked aspect of well-being because, without a healthy mind, true wellness remains elusive.
Mental Health: The Key to Overall Wellbeing
Mental health tends to be shrouded in misconceptions and stigma, pushed into the shadows by physical health concerns. However, mental health is as vital as breathing air—it encompasses your emotional state, psychological balance, and social connections. It reflects how you handle stress, interact with others, and navigate life’s ups and downs.
Having sound mental health isn’t a luxury; it forms the very foundation upon which a fulfilling and successful life is built. Yet, in today’s society where challenges like financial instability, political unrest, and societal expectations loom large, discussions around mental well-being are often muted or avoided altogether.
This silence comes at a cost—a steep one.
A Silent Crisis Unfolding
Statistics reveal an alarming truth: between 40 and 60 million Nigerians grapple with various mental health disorders—an astounding 20 to 30% of the population—according to data from the World Health Organization.
Depressive disorders alone affected 7 million Nigerians in 2017 while anxiety plagued another 4.9 million individuals. Conditions like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are not uncommon either. The scarcity of mental healthcare professionals further exacerbates this issue—a mere 200 psychiatrists serve Nigeria’s sprawling population of over 200 million people alongside just 1,000 psychiatric nurses.
The AXA Mind Health Report underscores these concerns by indicating that almost half of Nigerian youths aged between18-24 face significant mental health hurdles. These harrowing figures demand urgent attention towards bolstering mental health infrastructure and support systems across Nigeria.
Research conducted among internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Kaduna uncovered startling figures—nearly sixty percent displayed signs of probable depression while sixteen percent had definitive diagnoses—an unsettling reflection of unaddressed trauma within vulnerable communities nationwide.
At I Choose Life Foundation’s grassroots level assessment in Lagos’ Iwaya community revealed high levels of post-traumatic stress symptoms among women—an issue not limited but prevalent throughout various Nigerian communities.
Unveiling Everyday Consequences
The repercussions of neglecting mental well-being reverberate through society daily:
– Domestic strife fuelled by underlying emotional turmoil
– Road rage spiraling into tragic outcomes
– Youth falling prey to destructive addictions
– Burnout sabotaging workplace efficiency
– Apathy hindering national progress
These aren’t merely isolated incidents but warning signs hinting at deeper-rooted mental health crises crying out for attention.
A Call for Change
As World Health Day unfolds this year, every Nigerian is urged to make an intentional choice—to place emphasis on safeguarding their own mental wellness as an immediate priority.
Individually:
– Embrace your emotions openly
– Seek assistance when overwhelmed
– Normalize discussions around therapy
– Grant yourself grace for rest and recovery
Within families & communities:
– Listen attentively sans judgment
– Recognize distress signals in others
– Eradicate stigmas surrounding seeking help
On a national scale:
– Integrate mental healthcare into primary medical services
– Campaign for policy reforms supporting community-based care
– Demand transparency regarding investments into enhancing mental healthcare infrastructure
Acknowledging that nurturing good mental health isn’t optional but integral stands pivotal toward enhancing productivity levels,
education standards,
national security measures,
and securing our youth’s futures.
In Closing,
Every monumental victory commences within one’s mind realm first.
For fortified families,
secure societies,
and an optimistic nation ahead,
let us begin by investing profoundly into fortifying our collective inner resilience.
This World Health Day beckons each one through I Choose Life Foundation’s voice—to opt for vitality—not merely by safeguarding individual minds but equally by championing each other onward along this transformative journey because remember—mental wellness equals overall vigor; deprived thereof lays barren grounds where prosperity fails bloom.
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TEXT AD: Reach Willie @ +2348098788999
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