By Florence Okpeti
Health professionals and mental health advocates have called for greater public awareness, improved access to mental health services and increased support for people living with mental health conditions as the world marks World Mental Health Day on October 10.
The annual observance provides an opportunity to highlight mental health challenges, promote emotional well-being and encourage people experiencing psychological difficulties to seek professional assistance without fear of stigma or discrimination.
Mental health is an essential component of overall well-being, influencing how individuals think, feel, interact with others and cope with everyday challenges. However, many people continue to suffer in silence because of social stigma, inadequate awareness and limited access to appropriate healthcare services.
In Nigeria, economic hardship, unemployment, insecurity and the rising cost of living can contribute to stress, anxiety and emotional distress, underscoring the need for affordable and accessible mental healthcare across the country.
Mental health advocates have stressed that conditions such as depression and anxiety should not be regarded as signs of personal weakness or dismissed solely as spiritual problems. Instead, people experiencing such conditions should receive understanding, compassion and appropriate professional care.
They also emphasised the importance of early intervention, noting that support from family members, friends, schools, workplaces and healthcare professionals can encourage people experiencing emotional difficulties to seek help before their conditions deteriorate.
The experts further urged governments and relevant stakeholders to strengthen mental health policies, expand access to counselling and treatment, and integrate mental health services into primary healthcare facilities to make support more readily available.
As the world commemorates the day, stakeholders have called for practical measures beyond awareness campaigns, including improved healthcare funding, affordable treatment and stronger protections against discrimination for people living with mental health conditions.
They maintained that promoting mental well-being requires collective responsibility and sustained action to build a society where people can discuss their struggles openly, access timely assistance and live with dignity.
Florence Okpeti is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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