So this week I had planned a very medical post with all the technicalities but after attending a session with Hauwa Ojeifo (a life, mind and mental health coach) and follow on conversations from this I thought perhaps it will be a good time to blog about mental health and wellness in its totality.
Psychiatrists have linked the rising increase in the incidence of mental illness to economic hardship, depression, distress and anxiety, among others. They have also highlighted that whilst most psychiatric disorders were related to drug abuse prior to 2016, non-drug related cases were now on the increase.
The last published WHO report on mental health in Nigeria (2006) highlights the sad state of mental health facilities and services which unfortunately persists 12 years later.
I would like to give honourable mentions to all individuals and organisations that are working to change this narrative one of which is She Writes Woman founded by Hauwa.
As women, society expects a lot from us, from earning an income, birthing and raising children, looking after husbands/partners all this whilst still looking good and upholding religious responsibilities. Not easy!
We worry about everything and everyone else sometimes and usually our default to the Question “how are you?” Is “I’m fine!” but are we really?
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Mental illness is not uncommon in Nigeria but this post is not meant to talk about the different diagnoses as that will require more than one post.The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that four percent of Nigerians suffer from depression but people still equate mental illness with scantily dressed, often aggressive men or women who roam the streets but how wrong is this picture!
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| Image credit:www.womenyeah.com |
We go through life, go through the motions and a lot of focus and resources is directed towards our physical health but every physical diagnosis has a psychological impact regardless of how small.
As our lives become busier, often people can miss the signs of low mood, anxiety or depression or forget to check up on that loved one that is going through a tough time. Many people will have mental health concerns during their lifetime . However a mental health concern only becomes a mental illness when ongoing signs and symptoms cause frequent stress and affect your ability to function in your usual capacity.Isolated women, pregnant women and new mums are particularly at risk of mental health concerns so it is important particularly attention is paid to them.
Signs and symptoms of mental illness can vary, depending on the disorder, circumstances and other factors. Mental illness symptoms can affect emotions, thoughts and behaviour and it is important you seek help if you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms such as:
- Feeling sad or down
- Confused/ disorganised thinking or reduced ability to concentrate
- Excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt
- Extreme mood changes of highs and lows
- Withdrawal from friends and activities previously enjoyed
- Significant tiredness, low energy or problems sleeping
- Detachment from reality (delusions), paranoia or hallucinations
- Inability to cope with daily problems or stress. Just living becomes stressful!
- Difficulty understanding and relating to situations and to people
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- Major changes in eating habits
- Excessive anger, hostility or violence
- Suicidal thoughts
Sometimes symptoms of a mental illness could present with very non specific physical symptoms like aches and pains.
I am no mental health expert but I believe wellness encompasses the physical and the mental aspects. Often mental health illness can have fatal outcomes so it is important we look after our mental health and also look out for loved ones and people around us.
What can you do?look inwards and identify when things start to become overwhelming so you can seek help sooner rather than later. Check up on friends and family members, be deliberate in your conversations and genuinely ask how they are doing!
If you’re struggling with symptoms described above or you know someone who is, please remind them that they are enough and that there is help out there. Please reach out to family, friends, counsellors, psychologists and even me! I am more than happy to speak to you or point you in the right direction.
Till next week, you are strong, you’re enough and you’re doing a great Job! Don’t forget to comment, subscribe and share!
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