Dr Olufunmilayo Akinola, a consultant psychiatrist, has urged Nigerians to end the stigma against people with mental health conditions and replace discrimination with empathy and care.

Akinola, Head of Clinical Services at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.

She warned that stigma, isolation and negative judgment could prevent affected people from getting timely help.

“The important thing is that we need to listen to those people who have mental illnesses or have experienced them, as well as their caregivers,” she said.

According to her, incorporating their experiences into discussions and policy decisions will help identify their needs and improve mental healthcare services.

The psychiatrist urged Nigerians to pay closer attention to their children, neighbours, friends, classmates and colleagues, noting that early intervention could prevent psychological distress from worsening.

“If we can listen intentionally and actively, then we will be able to help most times and direct people to the right place to seek help,” she said.

Akinola cautioned against interpreting every expression of anger or unhappiness by people with mental health conditions as a relapse, urging families and society to exercise greater tolerance.

She also called on employers to promote workplace inclusion by giving people recovering from mental health conditions opportunities to work and considering alternative roles where necessary.

The psychiatrist identified economic and financial difficulties as challenges affecting mental wellbeing, advising individuals not to keep their problems to themselves.

She emphasised the need to confide in trusted individuals and seek professional help when necessary, stressing that discussing personal challenges should not be considered a sign of weakness.

“Don’t look at this as an emotional weakness, but it’s actually a strength. Always speak out, and seek help when necessary,” she said.

Akinola warned that suppressing emotional distress could worsen people’s conditions, potentially causing sleep difficulties, loss of appetite and mental health crises, underscoring the importance of timely intervention and compassionate care.(NAN)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa