Mental health advocates have renewed calls for stronger awareness campaigns, improved access to mental healthcare, and an end to the stigma surrounding mental illness in Nigeria.
The appeal came from the Women’s Rights and Health Project (WRAHP) in partnership with the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF) during a two-day training programme for Mental Health Ambassadors held in Lagos State.
The training, themed “Building Community Leadership for Mental Health Promotion, Trauma Healing, and Psychological First Aid,” was designed to equip selected women with practical knowledge and skills to provide community-based mental health support while promoting early intervention and psychological first aid.
Community-Based Mental Health Support Takes Centre Stage
Speaking during the programme, the Centre Manager of Ireti Resource Centre and Programme Officer for the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Project at WRAHP, Precious Ndukwu, said the initiative was introduced to address the increasing need for accessible mental health services, particularly for women and other vulnerable members of society.
According to her, mental health remains a critical aspect of overall wellbeing throughout every stage of life, from childhood to adulthood.
She noted that rising economic pressures, social challenges, environmental issues, and other psychological stressors continue to affect the mental wellbeing of many Nigerians, making community support more important than ever.
Ndukwu stressed that sustained public awareness campaigns and community-based trauma education are essential for preventing mental health crises and improving long-term wellbeing.
WRAHP Wants More Mental Health Facilities Across Nigeria
The organisation also urged governments at every level to invest more in mental healthcare by expanding treatment facilities and increasing public awareness of existing mental health laws.
According to WRAHP, reducing stigma will encourage more people to seek professional help early, leading to better health outcomes while easing pressure on families and healthcare providers.
The organisation encouraged Nigerians to support one another by regularly checking on family members, friends, and neighbours, listening without judgement, and directing those in need to qualified mental health professionals.
Training Focused on Mental Health Education and Trauma Healing
Executive Director of WRAHP, Bose Ironsi, explained that participants received training in several critical areas, including:
| Training Area | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Mental health and psychosocial wellbeing | Understanding emotional and psychological health |
| Trauma healing | Supporting people recovering from traumatic experiences |
| Psychological first aid | Providing immediate emotional support during crises |
| Stigma and myths | Challenging misconceptions about mental illness |
| Early warning signs | Identifying symptoms and encouraging timely intervention |
Ironsi said the ambassadors are expected to use the knowledge gained to promote mental health awareness within their communities and support individuals facing emotional or psychological challenges.
Lagos Health Officials Advocate Inclusive Mental Health Awareness
Also speaking at the event, Public Health and Global Mental Health Professional with LagosMIND, Lagos State Ministry of Health Mental Health Desk, Joshua Nnatus, described mental illnesses as health conditions that affect emotions, thinking, and behaviour, often interfering with a person’s daily life.
He emphasised that continuous awareness campaigns and trauma education remain vital for reducing preventable mental health crises across communities.
Nnatus warned that stigma surrounding mental illness often discourages people from seeking treatment, leading to delayed diagnosis, discrimination, unemployment, and social isolation.
He added that existing legal frameworks, including the National Mental Health Act 2021, the Lagos State Mental Health Law, and the Lagos Mental Health Policy, provide legal protection and support for people living with mental health conditions.
Emergency Mental Health Support Lines
Health officials also encouraged residents to seek immediate assistance whenever someone shows signs of severe mental health distress.
Available emergency support numbers include:
| Support Service | Contact Number |
|---|---|
| Lifeline | 0700 000 6463 |
| SURPIN | 0908 021 7555 |
| DSVA | 0800 033 3333 |
| Emergency Services | 112 or 767 |
Mental health advocates at the event maintained that increased awareness, stronger community involvement, and greater investment in mental healthcare will play a major role in reducing stigma and ensuring more Nigerians receive the help they need before their conditions become severe.
