Health experts have raised alarm over the rising prevalence of mental health disorders and drug abuse in Nigeria, warning that the situation has become a national emergency.
According to medical professionals, between 25 and 30 percent of the country’s population is currently battling mental health challenges.
They noted that inadequate treatment facilities across the states have made it difficult to manage the growing crisis.
The concern was raised during the inauguration of a new neuropsychiatric facility, Minds Medica Specialist Hospital and Drug Rehabilitation Centre, in Ondo City.
Stakeholders said the centre was established to help fill the gap in access to mental health care, especially in a state where government-owned psychiatric services are limited.
Dr. Jibayo Adeyeye, a medical doctor and lawyer, said:
“Mental ailment is not the end of life; it is treatable. But we must be proactive because the problem is huge. Drug abuse is an epidemic in our society and a national emergency.”
Also speaking, Professor of Medicine, Olufunke Adeyeye, linked rising cases of suicide to substance abuse among young people.
She warned that untreated mental illness not only destroys lives but also inflicts hardship on entire families.