Rising Mental Health Crisis Linked to Insecurity in Nigeria

At the 5th annual conference of the Counsel Association of Nigeria (CASSON) held in Edo State, Professor Ajiroghen Eric Oghounu from Delta State University highlighted the alarming deterioration of public mental health in Nigeria. He attributed this crisis to a toxic combination of insecurity and harsh socio-economic conditions, stating that daily stressors push millions into severe psychological distress.

Oghounu pointed out visible abnormal behaviors in society, such as public outbursts and violent protests, as indicators of deeper psychological issues. He noted that insecurity disrupts economic activities, plunging families into severe poverty and increasing vulnerability to crime.

The prolonged exposure to violence severely impairs emotional regulation, particularly among children in conflict-prone areas. Oghounu called for multi-level coordinated interventions, including community empowerment policies, vocational training for unemployed youth, and the integration of mental health education into school curricula.

He urged stakeholders to prioritize community-based policy initiatives and dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health issues.