Stigma
The Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, has called for early intervention and an end to mental health stigma to improve access to care.
Its Medical Director, Dr Olugbenga Owoeye, made the call at a lecture organised to commemorate the 2026 World Mental Health Day on Monday in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the lecture has the theme “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change”.
Owoeye said mental health conditions should be treated like other medical conditions, noting that many are treatable and patients can recover with proper care.
“Individuals living with mental health conditions should not be neglected. Their voices should be heard, and they should not be stigmatised,” he said.
He urged families, religious institutions and communities to support affected individuals and encourage them to seek professional help without fear of discrimination.
Owoeye identified persistent sleep difficulties, unexplained anxiety or sadness, substance abuse, behavioural changes and unexplained physical symptoms as possible warning signs requiring professional assessment.
He called for increased investment in mental health research, more trained professionals and expanded treatment facilities to improve access to care nationwide.
The medical director said the number of federal neuropsychiatric hospitals had increased from seven to 10 under the current administration, expressing optimism about further expansion.
The Guest Lecturer, Dr Grace Ijarogbe, called for comprehensive mental health education in secondary schools.
Ijarogbe, also a Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at the hospital, said such education would equip students with the knowledge to recognise symptoms, make informed decisions and seek appropriate assistance when necessary.
Ijarogbe raised concern over drug abuse among teenagers, warning that experimenting with harmful substances could trigger serious mental health conditions later in life.
She urged schools to educate students on substance abuse, noting that some teenagers experiment with drugs because they believe their peers use them without consequences.
The psychiatrist also called for effective implementation of Nigeria’s Mental Health Act, urging relevant authorities to address delays and ensure reforms translate into accessible services.
In her remarks, a Consultant Psychiatrist and Head of Clinical Services at the hospital, Dr Olufunmilayo Akinola, said people with lived experiences should participate in decisions affecting their care.
Akinola stressed that listening with empathy could help policymakers improve services and direct people experiencing mental health challenges to appropriate support.
“Seeking help should not be seen as emotional weakness; it is actually a strength,” Akinola said.
She urged people with mental health issues to discuss their challenges with trusted individuals.
She called on communities and employers to avoid discrimination and provide suitable opportunities for people recovering from mental health conditions to live productive lives.
NAN reports that the event featured a health walk to sensitise the public on the importance of mental health. (NAN)
