1 in 5 Nigerian adults suffer mental illness —Psychiatrists

A Consultant Psychiatrist with the Lagos University Teaching Hospital , Idi- Araba, Dr Erinfolami  Rasheed, has  said that one in five Nigerian adults is living with a  mental challenge.

Rasheed spoke at a seminar organised by the department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, to mark the World Mental Health Day.

The event was themed, Mental Health and The Work Place.

This, he noted, means that one out of every five worker is suffering from a mental illness.

The consultant also described the hostile work environment as a major factor why workers  are developing mental problems in recent times.

Apart from poor working environment, he said that if workers were not getting what they deserved at their places of employment; it could lead to mental issues.

The psychiatrist advised employers to set reasonable targets for their workers, while creating avenues for them to be rewarded for meeting such demands.

He said, “If the target set by the employers is too much of a stressful, of course they will have mental health challenge. When these things are happening, it is nice for their co-workers could intervene by referring them to the right places for therapy.

“We want to promote good mental health among workers, so that people living with this challenge can be identified early. This will also ensure that they get the right therapy.”

Another Consultant Psychiatrist in LUTH, Dr Kehinde Shodimu, said that, even in normal settings, some employees might be going through some psychological stress, which, could impact negatively on their productivity.

Instead of sacking their workers, Shodimu advised employers to be sensitive and to support them so as to help them to overcome this phase.

Shodimu said, “We have noticed that more people are coming down with psychological disorders because of their work environment and the criteria they have to work with.

“We want to encourage employers to watch out for their employees. If anybody is working beneath you, try to be considerate and look out for the psychological wellbeing of your client or your staff.

“Let there be a structure where employers and employees can get therapy when they are depressed.” Shodimu said.