This month's installment of M.A.D is dedicated to the Mental Health Foundation (MHF) of Africa's Nigerian wing. The MHF's vision is to "fight stigma, reduce discrimination, and demystify mental illness in Africa"
They list their action areas as:
· Social reforms and Mental/emotional rehabilitation.
· Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
· Information and training.
· Stress Management/Counseling.
· Capacity building.
I highlight social reforms/emotional rehabilitation as well as information and training because I believe these are two key areas that mean a lot to me, and are clearly lacking in Nigeria. Mental illness in Nigeria is still highly stigmatized. A majority of Nigerians believe that mental illness is caused by evil spirits and the like. I'm not one to ignore the supernatural, however I know that there are many causes of mental illness that don't involve a curse from the victim's village.
Victims are usually abandoned by their families and left to roam the streets, often ignored or insulted by pedestrians. Victims of mental illness can still live fulfilling and productive lives, and I have seen that happen many times. Unfortunately, this is not the norm in Nigeria.
Some of MHFA's projects include:
Care on Wheels: A mobile advocacy project for the masses, targeted at the mentally challenged on the streets/roads.
Emotional Development Academy: a training arm of Mental Health Foundation with an intensive curriculum in stress management, behavioral rehabilitation, occupational therapy and clinical psychology as it relates to organizational performance and human dignity.
Mental Health and You: A publication that promotes awareness on mental health issues and advocates against stigmatization. It also solicits policy reforms for mental health care in Nigeria. Also providing adequate information, education, encouragement, and support for people living with either mild or severe mental disorders.
You can reach the MHFA at their Head Office located at 16, Harvey Road, Sabo-Yaba, Lagos State, Nigeria.
Phone: +234-803-323-6814 , 234-1-736-9871
Email: info@mentalhealthnigeria.org
Alternatively by Facebook or Twitter.
I can't wait for a day when victims of mental illness are loved on and cared for. A day when being mentally ill does not automatically mean a bleak existence.
They list their action areas as:
· Social reforms and Mental/emotional rehabilitation.
· Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
· Information and training.
· Stress Management/Counseling.
· Capacity building.
I highlight social reforms/emotional rehabilitation as well as information and training because I believe these are two key areas that mean a lot to me, and are clearly lacking in Nigeria. Mental illness in Nigeria is still highly stigmatized. A majority of Nigerians believe that mental illness is caused by evil spirits and the like. I'm not one to ignore the supernatural, however I know that there are many causes of mental illness that don't involve a curse from the victim's village.
Victims are usually abandoned by their families and left to roam the streets, often ignored or insulted by pedestrians. Victims of mental illness can still live fulfilling and productive lives, and I have seen that happen many times. Unfortunately, this is not the norm in Nigeria.
Some of MHFA's projects include:
Care on Wheels: A mobile advocacy project for the masses, targeted at the mentally challenged on the streets/roads.
Emotional Development Academy: a training arm of Mental Health Foundation with an intensive curriculum in stress management, behavioral rehabilitation, occupational therapy and clinical psychology as it relates to organizational performance and human dignity.
Mental Health and You: A publication that promotes awareness on mental health issues and advocates against stigmatization. It also solicits policy reforms for mental health care in Nigeria. Also providing adequate information, education, encouragement, and support for people living with either mild or severe mental disorders.
You can reach the MHFA at their Head Office located at 16, Harvey Road, Sabo-Yaba, Lagos State, Nigeria.
Phone: +234-803-323-6814 , 234-1-736-9871
Email: info@mentalhealthnigeria.org
Alternatively by Facebook or Twitter.
I can't wait for a day when victims of mental illness are loved on and cared for. A day when being mentally ill does not automatically mean a bleak existence.
