There's no shame in taking care of your mental health | Sangu Delle

Summary

The speaker candidly shares his journey with anxiety and the cultural stigma surrounding mental health in African communities. He describes the misconceptions and lack of resources in Africa, where mental health is often equated with madness and is deeply stigmatized. Drawing from personal experiences and statistics, he calls for an end to the silence and stigma, advocating for open conversations and the recognition of mental health as integral to overall well-being.

Takeaways

• 😔 The speaker experienced immense personal turmoil and anxiety, which affected their work and daily life.
• 😷 The concept of mental health was initially met with resistance and shame due to cultural stigmas associated with it.
• 🌍 Mental health is a global issue, affecting the ability to cope with life's stressors and contribute to society.
• 🏥 There is a significant disparity in mental health care, with low-income countries bearing the majority of cases but receiving minimal investment.
• 🇳🇬 In Nigeria, there is a severe shortage of psychiatrists, with only an estimated 200 for a population of nearly 200 million.
• 🌐 The lack of mental health services in Africa leaves 90% of the population without access to treatment, leading to silent suffering.
• 🤔 Misconceptions about the causes of mental illness are prevalent, with many attributing it to supernatural or moral failings rather than medical causes.
• 📸 The stigma against mental illness can result in ostracization and abuse, as documented by photojournalists in various African countries.
• 👫 Personal experiences with mental illness, such as the speaker's friend with schizophrenia, can be a catalyst for advocacy and support.
• 💪 The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing mental health as equally important as physical health and encourages open dialogue.
• 🗣️ The call to action is to end the stigma associated with mental illness, promote vulnerability, and seek help without fear of judgment.

Q & A

What was the speaker's experience with Nigerian 'jollof' rice?

The speaker humorously mentions eating Nigerian 'jollof' rice as a significant event, but it was overshadowed by personal turmoil and an anxiety attack they experienced that year.

How did the speaker initially react to the suggestion of speaking with a mental health professional?

The speaker initially reacted with a sense of shame and stigma, violently shaking their head in protest and refusing to consider the idea of discussing their feelings of pain with anyone.

What cultural perceptions of mental health did the speaker encounter growing up in West Africa?

Growing up in West Africa, the speaker associated the term 'mental' with a madman, someone with a negative connotation, and believed that mental health issues were strange diseases of white people.

What is the World Health Organization's definition of mental health according to the script?

According to the script, the World Health Organization defines mental health as the ability to cope with the normal stressors of life, to work productively and fruitfully, and to be able to make a contribution to your community, including emotional, psychological, and social well-being.

What percentage of mental illness cases are found in low-income countries globally?

Globally, 75 percent of all mental illness cases can be found in low-income countries.

What is the estimated number of psychiatrists in Nigeria, and how does this compare to the population?

Nigeria, a country of almost 200 million people, is estimated to have only 200 psychiatrists, which is a severe shortage compared to the population.

What are some of the common misconceptions about the causes of mental illness among the respondents in the study by Arboleda-Flórez?

In the study, 34 percent of Nigerian respondents cited drug misuse, 19 percent said divine wrath and the will of God, and 12 percent mentioned witchcraft and spiritual possession as causes of mental illness, while few recognized other known causes such as genetics or socioeconomic status.

What personal experience did the speaker have that made them passionate about mental health?

The speaker became passionate about mental health after witnessing their best friend's diagnosis with schizophrenia and the subsequent stigma and isolation he faced from their community.

What actions did the speaker take to support mental health awareness and support?

Inspired by their friend's experience, the speaker helped found a mental health special interest alumni group at their college and supported undergraduates with mental health challenges during their tenure as a resident tutor in graduate school.

Why is it important for the speaker to emphasize that mental health struggles do not detract from one's virility or taint one's strength?

The speaker emphasizes this to challenge the stigma and misconceptions associated with mental health in African culture, where mental struggles are often seen as a sign of weakness, rather than a common human experience.

What is the speaker's call to action for addressing mental health issues?

The speaker calls for an end to the stigma associated with mental illness, encourages open conversations about mental health with friends, loved ones, and health professionals, and promotes the idea that being honest about feelings does not make one weak but human.