Mental health, an issue that knows no boundaries, is a universal concern, affecting millions of lives, even in Nigeria. Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) paints a grim picture. Each year, suicide claims more lives than HIV, malaria, or even violent deaths such as homicide, war, or terrorist attacks. It is also the fourth leading cause of death among 15-29 year olds globally. Nigeria leads Africa in the prevalence of depression. Consequently, Nigeria ranks 15th worldwide in terms of suicide rates, with an estimated age-standardized suicide rate of 17.3 individuals per 100,000, which according to the Centre for Disease Control (CDC), is higher than the global (10.5 per 100,000) and Africa (12.0 per 100,000) estimates. This places Nigeria as the seventh-highest country for suicide rates in Africa. This data only scratches the surface. Among the most prevalent mental illnesses in Nigeria are depression and anxiety disorders. In 2017, depressive disorders affected around 7 million Nigerians, constituting 3.9% of the population, while anxiety disorders affected 4.9 million Nigerians, accounting for 2.7%. In addition to these, substance abuse disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and personality disorders are also widespread in the country.
October 10th was World Mental Health Day with the theme: Mental Health is a Universal Human Right. This theme serves as a reminder that mental health is not a privilege; it’s an intrinsic part of our humanity, a right as undeniable as the air we breathe. It also reminds us that behind every diagnosis, there is a person with dreams, aspirations, and untapped potential. It would serve us to remember that a single compassionate act can make a world of difference in someone’s life.
In line with this year’s World Mental Health Day theme, Stilt Mental Health Initiative (Stilt Ng) is taking bold steps – quite literally – to make a difference on Saturday, 14th October, 2023 by 7:00 AM WAT. Takeoff point is the Millennium Park, Calabar.
This walk is not just a symbolic gesture; it’s a resounding call to action. It signifies our collective commitment to destigmatize mental health, raise awareness, and ensure that mental health services are accessible and affordable for all. It will feature: road rally, mental health screening and free counselling, medical checkups, entertainment and other activities.
A special shout-out to our partners: Nigerian Mental Health, Federal NeuroPsychiatric Hospital, Calabar, EaseHouse Mental Health Advocacy, International Society of Substance Abuse Professionals Cross River State Branch, American Corner Calabar, Urban Designer, Bethgho Global, Akpabuyo Island Leo Club, Initiative for Health and Equality, National Association of Public Health Students, Shape African Health, Rotaract club, YALI Network Nigeria – Cross River Hub, Deeproot International Academy, Safe Space Counseling Center, National Society of pharmacology students, Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP UNICAL), NIMELSSA UCC, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences Students’ Association (FAMEDSSA -UCC), Pink Africa Foundation, In My Head Support Group, Pacesetters Initiative, Light-It Nigeria, Neolife international company Uyo Express Hub, Unical Youth Friendly Hub, Winnieharry Global Foundation, BrenCare Foundation, D-PLOTS Art Hub, The WiDE Project, Human Nutrition and Dietetics Students Association, BridgingSpace, Efik Leadership Foundation, Rayve.ng and Festival Poetry Calabar.
For additional information, please contact: 09053728605
You can stay tuned for announcements about future mental health initiatives by connecting with us on our social media channels –
Facebook – www.facebook.com/stiltng
Instagram – www.instagram.com/stilt.ng
LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/company/stilt-ng