In Nigeria, the weight of myths about mental health can be overwhelming. These misconceptions threaten to drown out the voices of those who need help, leaving them to suffer in silence. It’s time to shine a light into the darkest corners of our culture where these myths reside and dispel them.
The Mask of Strength
Meet Emmanuel, a young man from Nigeria who is struggling with the loss of his mother. His friends and family tell him to “be strong” and “move on”,” besides he’s a man, and men don’t cry because crying is being soft, and being soft is synonymous with being bitchy, but the pain is crushing. Emmanuel feels like he’s drowning in a sea of emotions, he turns to drugs for solace, broken but he’s afraid to ask for help. In Nigerian culture, strength is often associated with stoicism, bootling up and suppressing feelings and emotions is seen as a sign of weak masculinity. This stigma surrounding mental illness discourages many from seeking help, leaving them to suffer in silence.
The Power of Prayer
Adeola, a devout Christian, has been struggling for months with anxiety caused by her unresolved personality disorder and childhood traumas. Her pastor advises her to “pray more”, fast and “have faith”,” but the anxiety persists. While prayer can provide comfort, it’s no substitute for professional medical help. Mental illness requires evidence-based treatment, not just spiritual intervention. Adeola’s story shows how important it’s to find a balance between faith and medical care.
The Evil Spirit Myth
In a small village in Nigeria, a young girl named Nneoma struggles with depression stemming from an undiagnosed neurodiversion. Her family believes she’s possessed by an evil Ogbanje spirit and takes her to a traditional healer. The healer performs a ritual involving pain and traumatic experiences, but Nneoma’s depression persists. This myth, based on traditional beliefs and superstitions, only serves to stigmatize sufferers and discourage them from seeking proper treatment.
The Technology Trap
Meet Ibrahim, a social media influencer who struggles with the pressures of online fame. He spends hours every day cultivating his online persona, but feels empty and unfulfilled. While overuse of technology can contribute to mental health issues, it’s not the only cause. Social media, for example, can have both positive and negative effects on mental health. Tunde’s story shows how important it’s to find a healthy balance between the use of technology and other aspects of life.
Breaking the Cycle
To combat these myths, we need to promote a culture of openness, empathy and understanding. We need to encourage those affected to speak out and seek help without fear of judgment. By promoting education and awareness of mental health, we can break the cycle of misinformation and stigmatization. It’s time to dispel the myths about mental health and work towards a society that supports and uplifts those affected. In this way, we can promote better mental health and well-being for all Nigerians and Africans in general.