-Deborah Akinyosoye
The Federal Government has expressed concerns over increases in depression and suicide attempts among Nigerians, attributing these issues to the prevailing economic hardship.
Mohammad Pate, coordinating minister of heath and social welfare, speaking at an event to mark the 2024 World Mental Health Day in Abuja, acknowledged that Nigerians are currently facing a lot of challenges, particularly in the wake of the recent removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the exchange rate, which have substantially increased the cost of living.
“We find that more and more people are becoming depressed due to economic hardship,” the minister said.
“Globally, more than 700,000 people die each year by suicide and many more attempted. I’m sure we are aware that it is rising in Nigeria,” he noted.
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The minister, represented by Daju Kachallom, parmanent secretary of the ministry, said that over 20 percent of Nigerians suffer from mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression and substance use disorders.
According to him, these conditions have often been neglected, while stigma has silenced many who need help. Pate said suicide, one of the most tragic consequences of untreated mental health issues, is particularly alarming among the youth.
“One of the gravest consequences of untreated mental health conditions is suicide, and this is often driven by untreated depression, substance abuse and the overwhelming pressures faced by our people. Young Nigerians in particular are at risk as they grapple with challenges related to education, employment and societal expectations. But it’s not just the youth, its everybody,” he said.
Pate emphasised the need to prioritise mental health in the workplace in line with the 2024 theme which focuses on workplace.
The minister stressed that mental health is just as important as physical health, noting that workplaces should be supportive environments that promote well-being.
“By prioritising mental health in workplaces, we can improve the well-being of our citizens and the performance of our economy,” the minister explained. He assured that government will work towards ensuring that all workplaces are conducive for Nigerians.
The minister also launched the contextualized WHO Mental Health Action Program (MHGAP2), which will equip health care workers across Nigeria with the skills and resources needed to prevent and manage suicide and other mental health conditions.
This, according to him, is a critical step in scaling up evidence-based interventions at the grassroots level, providing support to those most in need.
The WHO estimates that untreated mental health issues cost the global economy over $1 trillion annually. However, Pate said the cost for Nigeria is not just financial but also human, noting that workers who struggle with mental health conditions are often less productive, more likely to lose work, and in severe cases, may even be at risk of suicide.
Also speaking at the event, the permanent secretary, who was represented by Chukwuma Anyaike, director of public health, emphasised that the 2024 theme speaks volumes to a challenge that affects all, including employers, employees, policymakers, and indeed the society at large.
She said mental health crisis has become an urgent issue deserving urgent attention. She warned that the consequences of neglecting mental health at work are staggering, ranging from increased absenteeism and reduced productivity at work, and even economic losses at national, local, and global.
Cheluchi Onyemelukwe, the Executive Director, the Centre for Health Ethics Law and Development ( CHELD) and chairperson pf the National Task Force on Decriminalisation of Attempted Suicide, said, “Attempted suicide is a cry for help, ttempted suicide says I am in pain and I am overwhelmed. The law should create a supportive environment for help-seeking, not one that penalizes, criminalizes and punishes a person for their own wellness.”
She said nobody wants their family members and loved ones to be criminalised when all they are looking for is support.Onyemelukwe also noted the challenges in implementing the National Suicide Prevention Strategic Framework launched last year due to existing laws.
She said a primary objective of her task force would be to work with the legislature to repeal criminalisation laws across the country.
She said the task force under her leadership will galvanise efforts to ensure that suicide decriminalisation happens as soon as possible.