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Temi, a once-bright and full-of-life 23-year-old, suddenly loses interest in what she used to love doing best: writing codes. She just can’t get her head around her interest, which has now turned into a boring job. She becomes more tired, sleeps more, and eats more. All of this has an impact on her productivity at work and at home.

While her family and colleagues are constantly blaming and rebuking her for being lazy, moody, sad, and unproductive, Temi has a problem that must be addressed. Perhaps, she isn’t even aware she isn’t healthy, and that alone bothers me.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that the number of mentally ill Nigerians ranges between 40 million and 60 million. Disorders such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia are also common in Nigeria, as they are in other African countries.

But how many people receive treatment? 

According to an article by the Lancet Global Health, an online source for global health, the percentage of Africans receiving treatment for mental health issues is extremely low. 

And Temi, like many other young Africans, suffers from mental illness. A mentally ill person is as sick as a physically ill person. However, due to a lack of knowledge, we make their situation worse! We just assume they are lazy which shouldn’t be.

As humans, I believe we should demonstrate empathy in this situation. When we notice that someone isn’t being themselves, we should simply show them that we care.

How do we know if someone is mentally unhealthy?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual recognises his or her own abilities, can cope with normal life stresses, can work productively, and can contribute to his or her community.

Looking at Temi’s condition, we can conclude that she is mentally ill because of the following:

• Because of her lack of interest, she is currently unaware of her coding abilities.
• She easily becomes overwhelmed, eats and sleeps excessively, making her incapable of dealing with stress.
• She isn’t productive at work or at home.
• All of these signs indicate that she is incapable of making a positive contribution to her society simply because she is not productive to herself or those around her.

As a result, Temi is mentally ill and requires assistance, just like someone suffering from malaria, typhoid, or a sexual illness such as Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) or Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) requires help.

Furthermore, according to the WHO, mental health is “more than just the absence of mental disorders or disabilities.” Maximum mental health entails not only avoiding active conditions, but also ensuring long-term wellness and happiness.

They also emphasise the importance of preserving and restoring mental health on an individual level, as well as in various communities and societies around the world.

What factors contribute to mental health problems? 

A person’s mental health can be influenced by social and financial circumstances, biological factors, and lifestyle choices.

It is important to point out that good mental health is dependent on a delicate balance of factors, and that many aspects of life and the world at large can contribute to disorders.

Mental health disorders include anxiety disorders, mood disorders, depression, and schizophrenia.

More warning signs to look out for:

• Withdrawing from friends, family, and coworkers, and avoiding activities they would normally enjoy 

• Sleeping excessively or insufficiently 

• Eating excessively or inadequately

• Feeling dejected

• Having consistently low energy

• Being perplexed

• Being unable to complete daily tasks

How do you prioritise your mental health?

Take proper care of yourself. Prioritise yourself. Eat healthily. Drink plenty of water and mind your own business. To continue working, and helping others, you must be in good health. So, prioritise yourself and treat others as you would like to be treated.

You must be at peace with yourself. Talk to someone — a trusted friend or a therapist — whenever you are sad, happy, grieving, or experiencing any other emotion. If you can’t, write down how you’re feeling. Try not to be too hard on yourself. When you fail, see it as an opportunity to learn and grow! 

Regular exercise is essential. Don’t keep toxic emotions bottled up. Get out more often. Give yourself a treat. Enjoy your life to the fullest. Most importantly, be quick to forgive! This will assist you in coming to terms with yourself.

You are important. If you need to talk to someone but they don’t appear to be available, you can always email me here or message me here. I’m only a click away. Take proper care of yourself.

I apologise for the delay. This week has been extremely hectic for me. In fact, today was also long and hectic. But I had to write this because I promised to write to you once a week. Thank you very much. Please accept my apologies for the delay in receiving this. 

One last thing,

Have an amazing week ahead! Cheers.