As Nigeria grapples with worsening economic conditions, citizens are increasingly raising alarms about the impact on their mental well-being, with anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts on the rise across the nation.
Amid skyrocketing costs of food, transportation, and healthcare, the economic crisis has severely reduced purchasing power, leaving millions struggling to meet daily necessities and fueling a mental health crisis.
At the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Yaba, Lagos, Medical Director Dr. Olugbenga Owoeye reports a significant uptick in mental health cases.
“Previously, the hospital received five to ten patients daily; this has increased to approximately 25 to 30 patients, marking an increase of over 200 per cent,” he told Business Day.
He added that the facility now sees around 750 new cases monthly, indicating the widespread strain on mental health resources.
The crisis extends beyond the walls of hospitals into homes and communities, where many individuals, like Chike, a father of three, face unrelenting pressure to meet basic needs.
His words: “Every day is a struggle to survive. We cannot keep food on the table, nor meet transportation costs; medical costs have become an overwhelming source of stress.”
Similarly, Grace, a tailor, finds herself skipping meals to ensure her children are fed.
“Every day feels like a battle,” she said, expressing the exhaustion from constant anxiety about providing for her family.
Rising prices, a devalued currency, and inflation at record levels are forcing Nigerians into a cycle of despair that affects not only individual mental health but also family dynamics and social relationships.
Psychologist Richard Adebayo explains, “When people are worried about how to feed their families or afford basic necessities, mental health becomes an afterthought.”
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 40 million Nigerians, or 20 per cent of the population, are affected by mental illnesses, with conditions ranging from anxiety and depression to more severe disorders.
Psychologist Aisha Bubah, Executive Director of the Sunshine Series, notes that untreated mental illnesses, including depression and schizophrenia, are exacerbated by the economic downturn.
“When there is economic hardship, many people struggle to make ends meet, creating a sense of hopelessness and, in some cases, thoughts of suicide.
“Things can get overwhelming, but it’s important to speak to someone you trust, who won’t judge you. Bottling up your feelings only worsens your mental health,” she stated.
