Professor Joel Afolayan, the first nursing science professor in northern Nigeria, has emphasised the need for critical transformative reforms in Mental Health to address widespread societal oversight. During his lecture at the University of Ilorin, titled “Mind Over Matter in the Removal of the Thick Veil of Negligence,” Afolayan argued that neglecting mental health affects personal development and collective progress. His insights stress the critical need for transforming Culture and policy, acknowledging mental health as vital for human capability and strength. In his address, Afolayan emphasised the harmful effects of social indifference, which restricts personal growth and obstructs community advancement.
He advocates for a transformative viewpoint on behavioural wellness, calling on involved parties to promote the nationwide implementation of the Mental Health Act. He believes that tackling the nation’s psychological issues requires changes in Legislation and policy to increase financial support, expand access to services, and ensure fair treatment for individuals across various economic backgrounds. Afolayan underscored the significance of medical care workers, especially nurses, in enhancing psychological and overall wellness. He referenced studies connecting behavioural challenges, such as anxiety, with poor academic outcomes, stressing the need for nurturing settings in both educational and medical facilities.
High risk of burnout and compassion fatigue among nurses was emphasised.
Afolayan cautioned that nurses face a high risk of burnout and compassion fatigue without sufficient support mechanisms, negatively affecting their capacity to deliver high-quality care. He argues that if the behavioural challenges nurses face are left unaddressed, the ability of the patient care system to serve its patients effectively may be compromised. In his view, tackling it involves more than just clinical care environments; it requires engagement at the community level. He calls on lawmakers and society to collaborate to eliminate the ignorance contributing to its stigmas. He advocates a comprehensive perspective that encourages diversity and challenges preconceived notions, believing these efforts are essential for enhancing community Bonds and nurturing a culture that embraces behavioural well-being.
On the other hand, it plays a crucial role in personal wellness and almost every facet of existence. Globally, the prevalence of behavioural issues is increasing, with Nigeria also facing this challenge. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reports that one in five adults currently experiences a moderate to severe psychological wellness disorder, underscoring the urgent requirement for an active strategy to promote psychological well-being. Its fitness includes emotional, psychological, and social aspects, which are crucial for overall quality of life and everyday functioning.
NIMH states that 20% of adults face a moderate to severe mental disorder.
Psychological well-being challenges like anxiety and depression are increasingly common, and neglecting these issues frequently results in significant disruptions in both personal and work environments. Anxiety, for instance, can present through a range of symptoms, including chronic stress and physical ailments, whereas depression may lead to enduring feelings of sadness, lack of drive, and various physical pains. Moreover, issues related to behavioural wellness, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can arise from traumatic events and may manifest through symptoms like intrusive memories and anxiety episodes. Various elements, such as negative childhood experiences, traumatic incidents, and hereditary factors, play a role in these psychological challenges.
Students represent a particularly vulnerable group whose psychological well-being affects their academic performance and general life satisfaction. The World Health Organization (WHO) noted increased emotional resilience concerns within this population, mainly due to difficulties intensified by the COVID-19 crisis. As they juggle academic and life commitments, stress remains an ongoing limitation for students. Effective stress management methods include getting plenty of rest, maintaining a nutritious diet, engaging in physical activity, and promoting supportive relationships. However, broader approaches, like enhancing school behavioural services, are crucial to addressing students’ comprehensive needs.
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The link between emotional and physical fitness cannot be ignored, as conditions like anxiety and depression can often be experienced as physical discomfort, including various unexplained sensations. These bodily expressions underscore the tight bond between psychological and physical wellness. Conditions such as psychosis, which face considerable stigma, need to be approached with understanding and compassion instead of isolation. Lastly, Nigeria’s mental fitness emergency is evident in a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, and more complex conditions such as bipolar disorder and psychosis. These issues limit people’s ability to live satisfying lives and participate in their communities, emphasising the necessity for a compassionate clinical care system and societal understanding.