Stakeholders stress importance of resilience to manage growing stressors in Nigeria

STAKEHOLDERS have emphasized that Nigerians must develop mental resilience to cope with environmental and global changes that may increase their risk of mental health disorders, which are currently on the rise in Nigeria.

Dr. Victoria Olafimihan, a family physician, who spoke at a symposium organized by the Society of Family Physicians of Nigeria in Oyo State with the theme “Building Mental Resilience in a Changing World”, declared that developing individual resilience will ensure they possess the psychological resilience to adapt swiftly, recover, and maintain their normal lives, regardless of what is occurring within or around them.

According to her, family physicians can support their clients in building mental resilience, identifying individuals at risk of developing mental health challenges, and recognizing those showing signs suggestive of mental illnesses for appropriate referral.

“We can help our patients first identify the challenges they are facing. If they do not recognize these pressures, they will be unable to address them. We can provide training on coping mechanisms. Additionally, we can determine who should see a psychiatrist as soon as possible,” she added.

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Dr Taiwo Soyinka, a family physician and head of Staff Medical Services at UCH Ibadan, stated that different life stages present unique challenges that can render individuals vulnerable to mental health conditions.

According to her, developing mental resilience should begin in childhood to equip individuals with the ability to cope with various stressors throughout life and individuals need to establish life goals and remain committed to them, learn to relax, avoid procrastination, seek support when necessary, and prioritize effectively to manage potential stressors.

“When we focus on the negatives, we often overlook the positive aspects. In the long run, this tendency can lead to exaggeration, turning minor issues into significant problems that adversely affect our mental health. There are certain things that, if we choose not to dwell on them, allow life to continue smoothly,” she added.

Dr Tunde Ayinde, a consultant psychiatrist at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, stated that genetics, bullying, substance use, and social determinants of mental health—such as adversity, poverty, pandemics, and unsafe divorce—undermine mental well-being and can lead to the development of mental disorders.

He stated that resilient factors are elements that protect individuals from mental illness, adding that some of these factors are intrinsic, while others are developed through cognitive flexibility, effective coping strategies for life and adversity, and strong social support.

Dr Ayinde stated that social support enables individuals with mental illness to maintain a good quality of life and helps prevent serious outcomes, such as suicide.

The Oyo State Commissioner for Health and chairman of the panel discussion, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, stated that one in every eight people worldwide is living with a mental health condition, and the number of cases continues to rise across all age groups and communities.

According to her, in low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria, more than 75 per cent of individuals with mental disorders do not receive treatment, which is deeply concerning.

Ajetunmobi, however, urged the doctors under the aegis of the Society of Family Physicians of Nigeria to reflect, learn, and renew their commitment not only to caring for mental health patients but also to supporting the healthcare workforce, which is facing emotional fatigue, burnout, and increasing professional pressures.

Chairman of the Society of Family Physicians of Nigeria, Oyo State, Dr Matthew Olawuyi, stated that Nigerians need to develop adaptability and coping strategies to manage life’s stressors, as it is impossible to achieve a perfect environment.