Expert advocates community engagement in mental health management

A Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr Zubairu Umar, has called for stronger community engagement and increased awareness to improve mental health management across Nigeria.

Umar, the Deputy Director of Clinical Services at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital (FNPH), Kware, Sokoto State, made the appeal during a meeting with traditional leaders and Community Development Committee (CDC) chairmen in Sokoto on Sunday.

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The training session, themed “Strengthening Mental Healthcare, Access, and Linkages,” was organised by FNPH Kware in collaboration with Numora Integrated Limited and aimed to enhance mental health awareness across Nigeria’s northwest region.

Umar stressed that addressing mental health challenges requires a collaborative effort involving individuals, families, community leaders, and healthcare stakeholders.

Citing research, he noted that one in four people would experience a mental health disorder in their lifetime. Common issues such as depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, and persistent unexplained pain should not be overlooked, as they often indicate underlying mental health conditions.

He outlined various factors contributing to mental illness, including genetics, environmental influences, trauma, drug abuse, stress, poor parenting, and brain disorders.

Umar also cautioned against relying solely on traditional healers due to cultural misconceptions and a lack of awareness about the effectiveness of psychiatric treatment. He emphasized the need for better synergy between medical institutions and traditional or religious healers, as many mental health cases are initially addressed outside formal healthcare settings.

In his remarks, the Chief Medical Director of FNPH Kware, Prof. Shehu Sale, echoed Umar’s concerns, highlighting the urgent need for greater government funding, policy attention, and public education on mental health.

He pointed to the rising epidemic of drug abuse and the persistent belief that mental health disorders stem from supernatural causes as key obstacles to effective treatment.

Sale advocated for the integration of mental health services into general healthcare, particularly at the primary healthcare level, to ensure broader access and comprehensive care.

Also speaking, the state CDC Chairman, Dr Bala Gadanga, underscored the vital role of community groups in raising awareness, improving referrals, and supporting mental health patients.

He encouraged traditional leaders and CDC chairmen to spread knowledge within their communities and foster a culture where mental health is openly discussed and treated like any other medical condition.

Gadanga further called for stronger social support systems and collaboration between communities and healthcare providers to tackle mental health challenges effectively. He also urged health professionals to prioritize best practices in mental healthcare and address substance abuse, particularly among youth, as a significant risk factor for mental disorders.

The session also featured an insightful discussion led by Psychiatric Nurse, Tukur Jelani, who explored key mental health issues, treatment approaches, challenges, and potential solutions.

The meeting marked a significant step toward bridging the gap between communities and mental health services, reinforcing the importance of education, collaboration, and policy support in improving mental healthcare access across Sokoto State and beyond.