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Mental health crisis looms for Nigerians, psychiatrists warn
The President of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria (APN), Taiwo Obindo, has raised alarm over the escalating stress and distress facing Nigerians, warning of a potential surge in mental health issues in the country.
In a recent interview in Lagos, Obindo highlighted the adverse effects of economic hardship, social challenges, and other factors on the mental well-being of Nigerians.
He emphasised the impact of poverty, insecurity, financial strains, and traumatic experiences on individuals’ mental health, particularly amidst the current economic climate.
Obindo also criticised the burden of multiple taxes on small businesses and individuals, urging for tax reform to ease the financial strain on the populace.
READ ALSO: Nigerians should pay more attention to mental health issues now – FCT Psychiatrist
He called on the federal government to intervene urgently to address these pressing issues and protect the mental health of Nigerians. Specifically, he urged the swift enforcement of the National Mental Health Act, which was passed into law in January 2023 but is yet to be implemented.
Consultant psychiatrist Olufunmilayo Akinola, from the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Yaba, voiced support for Obindo’s concerns and emphasized the necessity for the government to tackle the factors fueling the migration of health workers to other countries.
While acknowledging the government’s efforts in bolstering healthcare education and facilities, Akinola stressed the need for additional measures to retain healthcare personnel and ensure accessible mental health services for Nigerians.
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