Read with the understanding that we all have scars and everyone is a potential person with disability. If you are in doubt of this, please reach out to me on how and why you are a potential person with disability.
Disability, is often defined as a physical, mental, sensory, or intellectual impairment that, when combined with social and environmental factors, limits a person’s full and effective participation in society.
The World Health Organization (WHO) describes disability as a complex interaction between an individual’s health condition and the social and environmental barriers they encounter.
Disabilities can be temporary or permanent and vary widely, often categorized into physical, sensory, intellectual, and mental health-related impairments.
Physical disabilities, for instance, include mobility limitations due to paralysis or musculo-skeletal issues.
Sensory disabilities affect the senses, such as blindness or deafness, while intellectual disabilities affect cognitive functioning and comprehension.
Mental health-related disabilities encompass psychological conditions that significantly impair functioning, which can sometimes be less visible but equally impactful.
The relationship between disability and mental health is complex and reciprocal. Persons with disabilities face unique challenges that can directly impact their mental health.
Living with a disability often means navigating a world built for the able-bodied, a reality that can create physical and social obstacles contributing to isolation, discrimination, and feelings of inadequacy.
Studies have shown that persons with disabilities are at a higher risk of mental health issues or disorders due to these barriers.
According to Psychologist Carol Gill, mental health disparities among people with disabilities stem from both external societal factors and internalized experiences of exclusion, which cumulatively affect their self-esteem and resilience.
The nexus between disability and mental health demands a holistic approach to care, focusing on both physical rehabilitation and psychological support.
Mental health disorders are common among persons with disabilities, often manifesting as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or severe stress reactions.
Research indicates that people with disabilities in Nigeria, particularly those with sensory or intellectual impairments, face increased vulnerability to these disorders.
The stigmatization persons with disability experience can exacerbate mental health issues which in limits their social participation and access to support networks.
Authors like Kelechi Umeh and Ibrahim Yakasai have documented the social isolation experienced by people with disabilities in Nigeria, noting that stigmatization can be as debilitating as the physical or intellectual challenges they face.
Access to mental health care for this population is also limited, often due to financial constraints, lack of awareness and inadequate number of mental health professionals in the country.
The social impact of mental health disorders on persons with disabilities in Nigeria is profound. They often face exclusion from social gatherings, community activities, and educational institutions. Social isolation, coupled with negative societal attitudes, compounds their mental health challenges (this hurts so bad).
According to Emeka Ezeh’s research on disability in Nigeria, exclusion is frequently perpetuated by cultural and religious misconceptions about disability leading to a cycle of stigma that deepens their sense of alienation.
As a result, persons with disabilities may struggle with forming/ sustaining relationships, pursuing education and participating in recreational activities and all of these are essential for a balanced, happy and fulfilling life.
Economically, persons with disabilities face additional barriers due to both physical limitations and mental health challenges. Employment opportunities for people with disabilities are scarce in Nigeria, often due to inadequate workplace accessibility and employer biases.
The National Bureau of Statistics reports that unemployment rates are significantly higher among people with disabilities, affecting their financial independence and quality of life.
Many are forced to depend on family members or charitable organizations which can strain familial relationships and further marginalize them when too much.
The lack of economic independence among persons with disabilities can lead to chronic stress and increased susceptibility to mental health disorders, creating a vicious cycle of poverty and worse mental health issues.
Religiously, individuals with disabilities in Nigeria often encounter discriminatory attitudes within religious institutions (a supposed safe and loving place) where some view disability as a form of punishment or a lack of faith.
This misunderstanding can hinder or affect their sense of belonging and spiritual well-being. In many communities, religious institutions are central to social life but persons with disabilities may be excluded or discouraged from attending this worsen feelings of loneliness and despair.
Dr. Maryam Abdullahi, a Sociologist, has explored how some religious institutions in Nigeria lack the inclusivity needed to accommodate persons with disabilities thereby, affecting their mental health by reinforcing the sense of being “outsiders” within their own communities.
The overall well-being of persons with disabilities is shaped by these interwoven factors that extend beyond physical health. The challenges they face in social, economic, and religious spheres inevitably impact their mental health and vice versa.
This intersectional understanding of disability and mental health underscores the need for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to disability policy in Nigeria.
Authors like Elizabeth Oni and Olumide Alabi have advocated for a disability-inclusive mental health framework, emphasizing that addressing the mental health needs of persons with disabilities is essential for social equity and community resilience.
In a bid to improving the mental health and overall well-being of persons with disabilities, Nigeria must:-
- Prioritize inclusive and sustainable policies and programs, promote awareness campaigns that are essential to counter stigmatizing beliefs, educate the public and promote understanding of the challenges faced by persons with disabilities;
- Increase funding for disability services;
- Provide accessible and sustainable mental health care; and
- Encourage inclusive practices in religious and social institutions that can help create an accessible, safe, loving and supportive environment where persons with disabilities can feel loved, valued, wanted and empowered.
In conclusion, addressing both the visible and invisible challenges of disability requires everyones commitment to creating a more inclusive, empathetic and safe Nigeria for all irrespective of our biological differences.
