The Federal Government has raised concerns over the increasing rates of depression and suicide attempts among Nigerians, linking the surge to the prevailing economic difficulties.
This was disclosed by Mohammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, during an event in Abuja marking the 2024 World Mental Health Day.
Speaking at the event, Pate acknowledged the numerous challenges Nigerians are facing, particularly in the wake of recent government policies such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the exchange rate, which have significantly increased the cost of living.
“We find that more and more people are becoming depressed due to economic hardship,” Pate said.
He further highlighted that, globally, over 700,000 people die by suicide annually, with the rate rising in Nigeria.
“Many more attempt suicide, and I’m sure we are aware that it is on the rise in Nigeria,” he added.
The minister, represented by Daju Kachallom, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, revealed that over 20 percent of Nigerians suffer from mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders.
He emphasized that these conditions have been largely neglected, while stigma has silenced many individuals who need help.
“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; it affects everyone,” Pate stated.
The minister also stressed the need to prioritize mental health in workplaces, aligning with the 2024 theme focused on workplace mental health.
He noted that mental well-being is as important as physical health and urged employers to create supportive work environments.
“By prioritizing mental health in workplaces, we can improve the well-being of our citizens and the performance of our economy,” Pate explained.
He assured that the government would work towards ensuring that workplaces are conducive for Nigerians.
During the event, Pate launched the contextualized WHO Mental Health Action Program (MHGAP2), which aims to equip healthcare workers across Nigeria with the skills and resources needed to prevent and manage suicide and other mental health conditions.
The initiative seeks to scale up evidence-based interventions at the grassroots level, providing critical support to those most in need.
Pate further noted that untreated mental health issues cost the global economy over $1 trillion annually, according to WHO estimates.
For Nigeria, the cost is not just financial but also human, as workers struggling with mental health conditions are often less productive, more likely to lose work, and, in severe cases, at risk of suicide.
Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, represented by Chukwuma Anyaike, Director of Public Health, emphasized the importance of the 2024 theme, noting that mental health challenges affect all aspects of society, including employers, employees, policymakers, and the general public.
“The mental health crisis has become an urgent issue deserving immediate attention,” Anyaike said. She warned that neglecting mental health in the workplace could lead to increased absenteeism, reduced productivity, and significant economic losses on local, national, and global levels.
Cheluchi Onyemelukwe, Executive Director of the Centre for Health Ethics Law and Development (CHELD) and Chairperson of the National Task Force on Decriminalisation of Attempted Suicide, called for reforms in the legal treatment of suicide attempts.
“Attempted suicide is a cry for help. It 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,” Onyemelukwe said.
She noted that families do not want their loved ones criminalized for seeking support.
Onyemelukwe also highlighted the challenges in implementing the National Suicide Prevention Strategic Framework, which was launched last year, citing existing laws that criminalize suicide attempts. Her task force aims to work with the legislature to repeal such laws.
“Our task force will galvanize efforts to ensure that suicide decriminalization happens as soon as possible,” she added.
The event emphasized the urgent need for mental health awareness, legal reforms, and better workplace policies to tackle Nigeria’s rising mental health crisis.
