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Enhancing Nigerians’ Mental Health Services

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By Samuel Abimbola

Nigeria faces a critical shortage of mental health resources and specialists.

Despite being a vital component of total well-being, emotional wellness is frequently disregarded and ignored in many nations, including Nigeria. In order to guarantee that everyone has the chance to seek assistance when required, there is an increasing need to enhance access to mental wellness services in the country due to the rise in stress and psychological disorders worldwide. There is a lack of proper facilities and resources for psychological care, as many hospitals and other medical facilities lack the tools, personnel, or prescription drugs required to treat patients with behavioural issues properly.

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This lack of resources frequently causes poor patient outcomes, insufficient therapy, and lengthy wait times. The stigma and discrimination attached to psychological disorders make many people feel reluctant to ask for assistance because they fear rejection or condemnation from their communities. This misunderstanding may keep people from getting the necessary care, which could worsen their emotional issues. Likewise, according to the World Health Organisation, Nigeria lacks qualified psychological specialists. There are just 0.5 psychiatrists per 100,000 people, far less than the recommended ratio of 1 Psychiatrist per 100,000 people.

Adequate funding and stigma reduction will enhance wellness nationwide.

Due to the shortage of specialists in this field, people find it challenging to get timely, high-quality care for their psychological advice needs. However, several tactics can be used to solve these issues, such as increasing financing for psychological care, the government can guarantee that necessary pharmaceuticals are easily accessible to those in need, training more psychological experts, and improving Infrastructure by increasing funding for cognitive medical programmes to enhance people’s access to psychological services in the country.

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Efforts should be made to reduce the stigma attached to intellectual disorders, improve awareness of issues related to psychological illness, and increase funds. Education programmes have the potential to break common misconceptions regarding intellectual wellness and motivate people to get the treatment they need. Encouraging an environment of tolerance and acceptance could make it easier for more people to get the care they need. Moreover, collaborations with non-governmental and international organisations can help close the gap and provide the necessary care for people dealing with intellectual issues in the country.

Telehealth growth allows remote psychological care via phone calls.

In addition, these organisations can sponsor community outreach initiatives, contribute supplies and medications, and train medical experts. Collectively, these collaborations could enhance access to intellectual help services nationwide. Also, Technology and telemedicine could help people access medical advice on psychological issues and receive advice in the comfort of their homes. Due to the growth of Telehealth services, people can now receive intellectual care remotely via phone calls, video conferences, or messaging applications. This enables people to get treatment from the comfort of their homes, which can be especially helpful for those who live in remote places or have limited mobility.

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Additionally, the Mental Health Foundation (MHF) is a non-governmental institution that supports people with emotional concerns and raises awareness of problems associated with cognitive wellness. The non profit runs advocacy campaigns, education initiatives, and community outreach programmes to reduce stigma and improve access to emotional care. They also partner with international organisations, governmental bodies, and medical providers to enhance intellectual services, educate those in the field, and guarantee that patients receive the required care. They are greatly improving emotional wellness services in the country and promoting a more inclusive and healthy society with their all-encompassing approach.

Related Article: Group advocates for proper mental health care

Lastly, expanding access to internal therapy for people in the country can be facilitated by incorporating intellectual services into primary care settings. More people can get care faster if primary care physicians are trained to screen for emotional problems and administer basic treatment. By addressing issues related to intellectual wellness early, this integrated strategy can help keep problems from worsening. Ensuring people’s well-being requires expanding access to psychological care. Together, the government and medical professionals can solve the issues about emotional care by increasing financing, spreading awareness, establishing alliances, using technology, and incorporating psychological services into primary care settings.

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