Dealing with mental illness stigma

By Ibiyemi Shindara I can already guess that when you saw the topic for this article, the first picture that came to your mind is the picture of a mentally ill person (persons most of us call mad) on a street wrapped up in dirt with a makeshift drum and microphone. However, this is why this article is being written, to enlighten you on what mental illness is and how to treat people with mental illness. Truth be told, there are a large chunk of Nigerians roaming freely and going to their various destinations on a daily basis but they don’t know that they have a mental illness. I can imagine that if they all got to find out, they will most probably treat people who are also dealing with it better or worse, they act hypocritical and pretend to ignore its existence. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that a whopping 20 percent of Nigerians, or around 40 million people, are affected by mental illness. In the same vein, a survey of over 5,000 Nigerians conducted in 2020 revealed that many Nigerians only perceive a person as having a mental health disorder when disruptive behavior attracts public attention. This stigma is also evident in romantic relationships, with most Nigerians, especially females, unwilling to engage in relationships with people living with mental health disorders. Respondents were also of the view that mental health diseases can be prevented if people stop taking hard drugs and are prayerful. Many believe that a mental health disorder is a curse from God or punishment for the victim’s wrongdoing. The reason is because mental health is not a topic that is often talked about in a place like NIGERIA. I mean, imagine the law saying if you are caught attempting suicide, you are going to be jailed. Make it make sense to me. Not saying suicide is an option and I am not also judging you for thinking of suicide. If you are looking for someone who actually thinks of suicide most of the time, na me be this, it accompanies the illness I am battling with. Back to my point, they don’t need to be jailed for God’s sake! Take them to a hospital and get them treated. Why do you think we have mentally ill people roaming on the streets? It just doesn’t make sense. When I see this people roaming on the street, I see myself in them. Not so fun fact: my diagnosis started with severe depressive disorder and PSYCHOSIS. Yes, psychosis but proper treatment made me better. Because in all honesty, if they had started treatment earlier it wouldn’t have gotten to the stage of loosing total control. But it’s not too late for them to get the necessary help that they need. All I am saying is we have emotions too. And yes, there is something called MENTAL ILLNESS! It deals with a an abnormality brain! Okay? I can’t even begin to talk about the sleepless nights, weakness, screaming, being stabilized with injections, scars on my laps from cutting myself, overdosing on drugs and a whole lot more. I also posted a video recently of me dancing and jumping giving vibes and that might make mental illness seem easy to deal with. However, I might be smiling on the outside, but deep within I am hurting so bad. I have experienced depression so I definitely know what I am talking about. You see, that’s one of the problems we face as mental health warriors. Recently, I got admitted to the hospital 28th of September and got discharged 9th of October. Most mental health warriors won’t tell you all this because it requires a lot of strength and courage to be vulnerable considering the fact that some people will call us “attention seekers.” But I have made that decision to put myself out there. Yes, it might seem like you know everything about me but trust me you don’t. As humans, we must do better in treating each other with grace and respect. You don’t have to downplay what someone else is feeling because there are yet to be any physical manifestations as with illness such as malaria or ulcer. For this introductory article, the focus on dealing with mental illness stigma is YOU reading this. Here are 5 things you should never presume about a person dealing with mental illness:

1. They are attention seekers

No, we are not attention seekers. Being vulnerable about your struggles takes a lot of courage and the moment a warrior chooses to do that; instead of labeling them; why not show empathy?

1. They are responsible for the illness

It’s debilitating enough that they subconsciously self-stigmatize themselves; you shouldn’t add to that. Like I explained earlier, mental illness can be a combination of various factors like genetic, alteration in brain chemistry, environmental factors and so much. It is such a broad concept and the warriors shouldn’t be judged for experiencing something they didn’t ask for.

1. Never assume that an individual with a mental illness cannot function normally in the society

There are millions of people out there with mental illness are are holding high positions in their respective fields. Mental illness doesn’t mean mediocrity or inability to function. Personally, as a mental health warrior, I have never allowed my illness stop me from pursuing my goals and dream just like I am doing right now. With proper personalized treatment, an individual can cope effectively.

1. The healing process differs 

We are all humans beings with different interests right? Same thing works in the mental health world. Coping mechanism for person A might not be the same for person B. So don’t assume because you met person A with a mental illness and he/she is doing really well in academics doesn’t mean it would be the same with Person B. In therapy, a personalized treatment plan is developed to help each individual cope with their triggers and stressors in the best way they can utilizing their various strengths.

1. They would always be in pain

Mental illness is not marked by a constant period of elongated “suffering” or pain. NO. We also have joy, peace and happiness regardless of our struggles. Proper Treatment is a very important factor in the healing process of every mental health warrior because you get to learn that battling a mental illness doesn’t mean the end of the world for you. With the above, I hope I have been able to adopt you as an advocate for mental illness. Join me next week as we explore the topic of depression as prominent mental illness. For my mental health warriors; both diagnosed and undiagnosed. I will always end all of my articles this way; I love you and I am rooting for you on your healing journey. Ibiyemi Shindara is a mental health advocate. She can be reached on Instagram: ibiyemi_shindara or via email ibiyemishindara@gmail.com