A former Minister of Health in Nigeria, Prof. Chinedu Nebo said in 2015 that 64 million Nigerians suffer from mental health challenges or illness. In other words, out of 170 million Nigerians, 64 million have mental health challenges. Fast forward to 2017, the number would have increased with the trending economic situation.
Furthermore, research showed that Nigeria has 1,800 mental health workers. This means it is 11.4 workers per 100,000 Nigerians. This is dire.
The situation is not made better by the stigma associated with mental health in the country. As a result, rather than going to see mental health doctors, Nigerians prefer to either keep patients at home or take them to churches or Mosques for care. It is until it exacerbates before they go to a mental health clinic.
The fact remains that there needs to be a quick solution to this problem. And trust Nigerians, viable solutions are being provided. One of them is PsyndUp.
PsyndUp is an online community where you can interact with mental health experts as well as book appointments with them on behalf of yourself or the patient.
Founded by Funmilade Taiwo (CEO) and Eghosa Ogbeifun (CTO) this year, PsyndUp aims to make mental health care seamless in Nigeria.
On PsyndUp, there are different mental health issues you can make enquiries about including depression, anger management, anxiety/stress, family matters, financial stress, Eating disorder and concentration deficit among others.
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There is no doubt that PsyndUp has arrived at the right time to tackle the myth and erroneous belief associated with mental health in the country as well as connect Nigerians with mental health doctors.
