At the Vanguard 3rd Mental Health Summit held at the Civic Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos, the Continental Representative for Lifeline International, Prof.
Taiwo Sheikh, has called on Nigerians to take their mental health seriously, stressing that it is an essential part of everyday life and overall well-being.
Delivering his keynote address, Prof. Sheikh said mental health should not only be discussed when people experience crises or illnesses but treated as a vital aspect of daily living. He explained that good mental health influences how individuals think, feel, and act, as well as how they handle stress, make decisions, and relate with others.
“Our mental health is an aggregate of our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we feel and act, and also determines how we relate with people and make choices. The truth is, we all have mental health, and we must make conscious efforts to promote and protect it to avoid distress and mental illness,” Sheikh noted.
The mental health expert expressed concern over the rising rate of suicide and the lack of adequate access to mental healthcare in Nigeria. He said stigma and poor treatment options have worsened the situation, describing them as key factors contributing to suicidality in the country.
“Suicide itself is not a mental illness, but mental illness is linked to suicide. About 90 percent of suicide deaths are related to mental health and substance use disorders, while over 70 percent result from untreated mental conditions. The lack of proper access to care remains one of the greatest risks,” he explained.
Citing the World Health Organization’s data, Sheikh said suicide is the third leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 29 worldwide, and the second leading cause in Africa, just after road accidents. He urged the government to adopt a comprehensive national suicide prevention plan, decriminalise suicide, and establish a national fund to improve access to mental health support and interventions.
He concluded by stressing that mental health protection should be a national priority. “This is not an individual issue; it concerns every Nigerian regardless of status or background,” he said.