The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu has called on Nigerians to come together and end the stigma around mental illness.
She made the call to action in a statement issued on Tuesday to mark the 2023 World Mental Health Day.
Tinubu urged Nigerians to pay more attention to their mental well-being.
She lamented that many are suffering from emotional and psychological burdens which have taken a toll on their mental health
The First Lady subsequently called on Nigerians to ensure they support those affected in one way or the other.
She said: “The challenges of our times have tested our resilience, especially social media and societal pressure which has left many faced with emotional and psychological burdens that have taken its toll on their mental well-being.
“It is crucial that we recognize the significance of mental health and take collective action to support those who are affected in one way or the other.
“As we strive for a more promising nation, let us prioritize engaging our youth in candid conversations that will enhance their mental health, help them manage their emotions and expectations better while promoting healthy relationships and ultimately improve their productivity.
“Let us foster a culture of understanding and empathy, breaking the stigma surrounding mental health issues. We all have a role to play in this global scourge.”
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental illness or disorder is characterized by a clinically significant disturbance in an individual’s cognition, emotional regulation, or behavior.
In September 2022, the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria (APN), said more than 60 million Nigerians are suffering from mental illness.
