DIGITAL MENTAL HEALTH TOOLS AMONG NIGERIAN STUDENTS: HOW FEASIBLE?

While the term well-being might be somewhat relative, it doesn’t change the fact that mental health is becoming more attention-grabbing than it used to be.

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Unlike the physical ailments that are readily acknowledged, mental health, for a long time, has been bathed in societal stigma and misconceptions. Seeking help for mental well-being is often seen as something for the weak, the nouveau riche, or the mentally derailed.

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, acted as a catalyst, forcibly bringing mental health concerns to the forefront. Directly and indirectly, the SARS-CoV-2 virus intensified psychological distress among the masses, especially anxiety and depression.

This unsettling phenomenon highlighted the essentials of mental well-being. In Nigeria, a nation grappling with economic uncertainties and steady inflation, the toll on mental health is profound.

Many Nigerians lament daily on the frustrations they encounter due to the state of the country.

Many people struggle to save money due to the high expenses resulting from the crippling inflation that continues to affect the economy. These have threatened the mental and emotional health of a lot of Nigerians.

Of course, there is a need to applaud Nigerians for their resilience and doggedness. Transforming problems into jokes and challenges into memes, it is amazing how seemingly easy Nigerians adapt to ugly situations.

A screenshot from X (formerly Twitter) showing Nigerians making a meme regarding Nigeria issues

However, beneath the humor lies the hidden struggles: the fractured mental health of a lot of Nigerians.

Disturbingly, the President of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, Prof. Taiwo Obindo reported that one in four Nigerians, equivalent to a staggering 60 million Nigerians, is grappling with mental health illnesses (The Cable, 2022).

STUDENTS: SILENT STRUGGLERS IN THE CACOPHONY

Focusing on students, the pressures they face in tertiary institutions are undeniable.

From overcrowded lecture theaters to poorly structured education systems, poor eating and sleeping habits due to back-to-back classes, all these take a toll on them and contribute to their stress.

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Bullying, learning difficulties, neglect, and mistrust from friends and acquaintances are also among the prime causes of mental health issues among students. The lack of adequate means to deal with mental health issues can push students to drug and alcohol dependence and/or addiction, among other things.

NURTURING MENTAL WELL-BEING THROUGH TECHNOLOGY

In the Nigerian landscape, mental health systems face numerous challenges and gaps, especially in local communities battling with access to quality care among other challenges.

Prof. Taiwo Obindo mentioned that Nigeria has less than 250 psychiatrists, which is a major concern because, according to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs data, Nigeria has an estimated population of 216 million. This implies that one psychiatrist will need to attend to about 864,000 Nigerians. (Punch, 2024).

In these times, technology materializes as a potential ally.

There is also little awareness and understanding about mental health for many Nigerians, which leads to stigma and discrimination. This worsens existing issues and creates barriers to accessing quality care.

The Guidance and Counseling Unit is an integral part of a learning institution. Yet, there is an acute shortage of well-developed guidance and counseling units in Nigerian institutions. With the urgency to fill the yawning gap, digital mental health tools offer a bridge between students and professional support.

EXPLORING DIGITAL MENTAL HEALTH TOOLS

In the era of technological advancement, digital mental health tools can serve as potential springboards and offer a promising avenue for students to fortify their mental well-being.

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These tools, ranging from online therapy platforms to virtual communities, chatbots, podcasts, and articles, provide a multifaceted approach to mental health support.

The online realm often offers a sense of anonymity, which is quite crucial in this case. It can be a refuge for those seeking help, especially men who may be put under the societal microscope for acknowledging mental health issues.

Digital mental health tools can act as a bridge, shielding students from scrutiny and empowering them to reach out for professional support without fear of judgment.

Also, the connection of like minds.

Digital Mental Health Tools facilitate connections among like minds, creating a supportive community. More often than not, the power of shared experiences enhances understanding and provides the strength needed to overcome mental distress.

DIGITAL MENTAL HEALTH TOOLS: POTENTIAL ALLIES

For students to comfortably embrace digital mental health tools, certain ingredients must be put in place, some of which are:

1. Trust:

The fear of privacy compromise and data leaks may hinder them from adopting digital tools to counter mental distress.

To cultivate trust, stakeholders must address concerns related to data security as well as privacy. Developers must abide by ethical practices and ensure user privacy is at the focal point.

Government policies should act as a safeguard, ensuring that the digital mental health ecosystem prioritizes user confidentiality. Without trust, there is no health or mental health, and it is understandable that hardly anyone would want their most private and vulnerable information shared in today’s digital mental health atmosphere.

2. Authenticity and clarity:

While digital platforms can genuinely support mental health, measures must be in place to protect users from potentially harmful or unscrupulous platforms.

Platforms that could provide seemingly ‘safe’ suggestions for those who seek help, while in the long run, prove to be harmful or unhealthy for mental health.

Adequate Authenticity measures need to be put in place to ensure students do not fall victim to such platforms to prevent psychological distress caused by misleading or unsafe suggestions.

THE CONTROVERSY AND POTENTIAL OF DIGITAL AID

Some may debate whether or not digital mental health support can completely replace conventional therapy persists.

However, there is no doubt that these tools would play a key role in helping students stabilize their mental health, ultimately contributing to the formation of well-grounded individuals in society.

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In Conclusion, the journey of academia is filled with challenges and rough patches. When students navigate this ‘quest’, they may be caught up in the whirlwind that could affect their mental health.

In light of this, digital mental health tools can serve as useful support.

Trust, clarity, and authenticity must be embedded in these tools to ensure their effectiveness. While they may not necessarily replace traditional therapy, their integration into the mental health landscape holds promise for a healthier, more resilient society.

REFERENCES

1. The Cable. (2022). 60 million Nigerians suffering from mental illnesses, says Psychiatrists Association.

2. Punch. (2024). APN urges govt to recruit more psychiatric doctors.

3. Ekoh, P. C., et al. (2023). Barriers to the use of mental health services amongst men in Nigeria and the potential of digital mental health support. Advances in Mental Health. DOI: 10.1080/18387357.2023.2277757