The everyday lives of many Nigerians who suffer from psychosis are shrouded by struggle—a never-ending wrestle against the illness and a society that offers little support and understanding. Psychosis, a severe Mental Health disorder characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and impaired thinking, often strips individuals of the capacity to interact meaningfully with the world around them. Yet, beyond the clinical symptoms, people impacted experience social exclusion, systemic neglect, and a severe lack of access to quality care. These barriers mirror the broader crisis in Nigeria’s mental health system, where those suffering from all types of mental illness are still burdened by stigma and inadequate care.
In Nigeria, psychosis is one of the most misunderstood mental illnesses. Its obvious and occasionally violent symptoms cause anxiety and perplexity in a society where mental illness is frequently viewed through the prism of myths. People who go through psychotic episodes are often perceived as being possessed, cursed, or under spiritual attack. These ideas lead families to turn to religious leaders and traditional healers for help rather than qualified mental health specialists. Although these cultural customs could provide emotional solace, they frequently subject people to cruel treatment, such as beatings, shackling, and confinement.
Barriers faced by individuals with psychosis in the country.
This approach is not unique to psychosis—it is a reflection of how mental health disorders are generally handled in Nigeria, where people with anxiety, bipolar disorder, or depression are likewise exposed to harmful practices out of ignorance and fear. A 2021 study titled “Living with Psychosis in West and Southeast Africa: SUCCEED Africa’s Four-Country Situation Analysis,” which was carried out across Nigeria, Malawi, Sierra Leone, and Zimbabwe, further revealed the structural gaps and disparities that characterize the experience of living with psychosis in the region.
Furthermore, the study highlighted barriers across five key domains set out in the World Health Organization’s Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) Matrix—health, education, livelihoods, social participation, and empowerment. It was revealed that those impacted frequently lack the fundamental rights necessary to fully engage in their communities, have restricted access to medical care, and are shut out of economic and educational prospects. The results showed that people with psychosis in Nigeria are continuously ostracized in all facets of their lives, much like people with other mental health conditions.
Long-embedded culture of exclusion for mental conditions.
Despite having less obvious symptoms than psychosis, depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders are also stigmatized and misunderstood. People with mental illnesses of various kinds often experience mockery, rejection, and social exclusion from their family and communities. This long-embedded Culture of shame and secrecy discourages many people from seeking prompt aid, which exacerbates illnesses that may have been controlled with early care. Particularly, these obstacles are deeply rooted in systemic flaws and societal attitudes.
Deficiencies in mental health advocacy and resources, and stigma also hamper social interactions and community integration. People with the condition frequently experience discrimination and rejection in social settings, which keeps them from taking part in group activities. Loneliness brought on by this seclusion may exacerbate their mental health and make recovery much more challenging. The issue is made worse by the lack of community-based support networks, rehabilitation programs, and support groups in the country that could aid in social reintegration. Without these opportunities, individuals with the condition struggle to regain their independence and lead fulfilling lives.
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Breaking down the barriers of stigma, inadequate advocacy, and limited access to services could pave the way for a more inclusive society. Individuals with psychosis deserve to be treated with dignity, respect, and the opportunity to thrive. The country needs to rise to the challenge and ensure that mental health is a priority in the country’s health and social development agenda rather than being viewed as an afterthought. Strengthening advocacy efforts to push for the full implementation of mental health policies and increased funding for mental health services is also as crucial as ever.