A political aspirant, Mrs. Lola Fadipe, has revealed that she has been experiencing mental health symptoms but avoided visiting a psychiatric clinic due to fear of stigma.
Fadipe, a retired senior civil servant, told reporters on Tuesday in Lagos that societal perceptions around mental health deterred her from seeking care, as she feared it could jeopardize her prospective political appointment.
“Society presumes that anyone who visits a psychiatric clinic has a mental illness. Because of this, I declined going to the clinic as I did not want my political aspiration to be at risk,” she said.
She added, “I do experience some mental health symptoms, though they occur occasionally. Due to my political ambition, I have chosen to live with these symptoms rather than risk being judged for seeking mental health services.”
Similarly, a businessman at Balogun Market, Lagos, Christopher Gabriel, recounted how stigma allowed his mental health condition to escalate into aggressive behavior.
Gabriel said he was denied proper medication early on because his family, fearing societal judgment, initially took him to a prayer house instead of a psychiatric hospital.
“It was at the prayer house that my condition escalated before I was finally taken to a psychiatric hospital. The treatment I received there helped me recover, and I am now back to running my business,” he said.
Consultant Psychiatrist Dr. Taiwo Sheikh lamented that fear of stigma is preventing many Nigerians from accessing mental healthcare. He urged society to reject both active and passive discrimination against people with mental health disorders.
Sheikh, who is also the Coordinator of the Suicide Prevention Advocacy Working Group, highlighted how stigma contributes to neglect and the poor recognition of mental health issues in Nigeria.
“Mental health illness should be viewed like other treatable conditions such as malaria, ulcer or typhoid. Stigmatizing those with mental illness can push them toward more serious consequences, including suicide or death,” he said.
He explained that stigma fosters feelings of shame and self-consciousness, doing far more harm than good.
“We should approach mental health with empathy. It is a disease, not a result of enchantment or supernatural causes, as some people presume. Mental illness can be managed with proper care, and society should treat it accordingly,” Sheikh added.
The psychiatrist also encouraged individuals living with mental illness to resist self-stigmatization, such as negative attitudes or internalized shame.
“Negative beliefs toward people with mental health conditions are common in Nigeria. Do not let stigma create self-doubt or isolation. Seek help, speak out against stigma, and pay attention to the symptoms and management of your condition rather than defining yourself by your illness,” he advised.
