“In a study done in 2016, about 20 to 30 per cent of our population have mental health challenges. “With the socio-economic issues that we are experiencing now in the country, more people are likely to come down with various mental illnesses.

“People fall into mental challenges, depending on each individual’s breaking point. We react differently to issues and situations, but the percentage of people coming down with the disorder is increasing,” he said.

He attributed the triggers to stress, depression, stigma, poverty, lack of social support, isolation, poor antenatal care for pregnant women, anxiety, mania, bipolar disorder and substance abuse, among others.

Adegbaju, however, said mental disorder is a health challenge that can be properly managed with the right approach.

“I also think the rate of recovery depends on the type of mental disorder we are dealing with and the severity. This could range from a few days to years.

“That notwithstanding, I have also seen people recover from it within two days.

“People falling into mental challenges depends on an individual’s breaking point. We react differently to issues and situations but the percentage is increasing,” he said.

The consultant psychiatrist also said most victims find it hard to open up on what they are passing through for fear of being victimised at work or seen as weak.

“Mental healthcare should also be accessible to everyone. The government can help by investing more in mental health through the employment of more professionals like psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, psychologists, medical social workers and occupational therapists.

“We cannot underestimate our mental health because, without it, there is actually no health. It is also stated that as time goes on, mental health will constitute a great burden across disease spectrum all over the world,” he warned.

In a related development, the World Health Organisation says the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted critical mental health services in 93 percent of countries worldwide.

While attributing its discovery to a recent survey, it disclosed that the demand for mental health is on the increase.

According to WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the survey of 130 countries provides the first global data showing the devastating impact of COVID-19 on access to mental health services and underscores the urgent need for increased funding.

“COVID-19 has interrupted essential mental health services around the world just when they are needed most. World leaders must move fast and decisively to invest more in life-saving mental health programmes ̶ during the pandemic and beyond.

“And the pandemic is increasing demand for mental health services. Bereavement, isolation, loss of income and fear are triggering mental health conditions or exacerbating existing ones,” he said.

The WHO also observed that many people may be facing increased levels of alcohol and drug use, insomnia, and anxiety.

Source: Punch