By Oluwanifemi Sanni
One of the things we do not pay attention to in Nigeria, is our mental health. As Nigerians, we are no longer strangers to the pressures of academic and professional excellence, often at the expense of our well-being.
In this write-up, I will argue that prioritizing mental health is a necessary step towards promoting overall well-being, improved productivity and a healthier society.
The World Health Organization (WHO) conceptualizes mental health as a “state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community”.
When this is tampered on, the consequences are dire. Going forward, I’ll discuss what happens when mental health are not prioritized.
As a student of the University of Osun state, Nigeria, I’ve experienced firsthand, the devastating effects of neglecting mental health. I always seem to have everything put together as if my life was all colors and rainbows but behind the scene, I was struggling with anxiety and depression, constantly worried about meeting up with my parent’s expectations and trying to keep up with classes, assignments, getting good grades, making my papers and get a good paying job upon completion of my degree and even my part-time job as a business owner. Often times, I skip breakfast to meet up with morning classes, the days lectures will not hold and we are unsure and had to stay in school for longer period than the allocated time. Days I’ll eat unhealthy just because there was no time to cook.
One day, I simply could not do it anymore and broke down with a terrible sickness that was later diagnosed as Typhoid and had to be admitted. It took me 3weeks away from school and everything that I lived for as I was struggling with my health. I missed tests, classes, assignments and even group assignments. And that was when it dawned on me that life is really important and without a good sound health, nothing else really matter. Now I have resort to strict schedules and simple do my best without having to over worry about things that would lead me into a depressing state.
Also, in workplaces, many employers are fond of stressing their employees, they bombard them with too much tasks without giving them a moment to breathe. They compile duties and allocate work meant for 4people to two people. This overload of work on these people are much with no increasement in salary or tips! They are frustrated but know they cannot leave the job because there are no other jobs around. Most of them are in debts and resort to borrowing money from loan apps that will definitely add to their woes. In no time, they are in huge debts and their salary can no longer sustain them, they cannot pay their kids fees, perform their responsibilities as a father, husband and son to their families. They became very exhausted, frustrated and depressed in no time. Some get suicidal and if proper monitoring is not observed, they give in to depression and leave their families in pains and sorrows.
Mental health affects one in four various ways according to the World Health Organization (WHO). And the consequences of neglecting it can be severe– from decreased productivity to suicide. Poor mental health influences people’s relationships with their children, spouses, relatives, friends, and co-workers. Often, poor mental health leads to problems such as social isolation, which disrupts a person’s communication and interactions with others.Withdrawal from friends and activities. Significant tiredness, low energy or problems sleeping. Detachment from reality (delusions), paranoia or hallucinations. Inability to cope with daily problems or stress.
Prioritizing a good mental health have numerous benefits, including:
Reduced stress & anxiety: Taking a break from the hustle and bustle of academics and professional life can help alleviate stress and anxiety, allowing individuals to recharge and refocus.
Break the stigma: By prioritizing mental health, we can help normalize the conversation around mental health and break the stigma associated with seeking help.
Increased resilience: Taking care of mental health can help individuals develop coping mechanisms/strategies and resilience enabling them to better handle life challenges.
In a nutshell, by prioritizing mental health we can recognize that mental well-being is just as important as physical health and as Nigerians, let us embrace this necessary step towards a healthier and more supportive community. Let us encourage ourselves, our friends and family members to take a break off work and academics(all work and no play, makes Jack and Jane the dull boys and girls) when needed without fear of judgements or repercussions.