Mental Health Experts Urge Inclusive Care, Raise Alarm Over Immigrants’ Hidden Depression
Mental health experts have called for more inclusive psychological care in Nigeria, warning that outward success can conceal depression, chronic stress and emotional struggles, particularly among immigrants.
The call was made during the inaugural Nigerian Mental Health Summit, held virtually on October 10 to mark the 2026 World Mental Health Day.
This year’s observance, organised by the World Health Organisation (WHO), focused on the theme, “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change”, highlighting the importance of listening to people affected by mental health conditions.
The summit convener, Dr Oluyinka Oyeniji, said Nigeria needed a coordinated national strategy that incorporated the experiences of patients, caregivers and families into mental health policies and services.
He explained that the summit brought together professionals, advocates, researchers and other stakeholders to strengthen public awareness, improve healthcare delivery and promote evidence-based policy reforms.
Oyeniji also described the Federal Government’s reported move to decriminalise attempted suicide as a significant development following more than 14 years of advocacy.
He called for sustained cooperation among government agencies, civil society organisations, researchers and healthcare professionals to improve access to appropriate mental health services.
Nigerian Immigrants Face Hidden Psychological Pressures
Speaking on the topic, “Beyond Survival: Nigerian Immigrant Mental Health—Lived Experiences, Identity and the Brain”, registered clinical social worker Kehinde Ekpudu examined the emotional pressures Nigerians may experience after relocating abroad.
Ekpudu, who practises in Alberta, Canada, and founded Twin Ocean, explained that migration could affect identity, emotional stability and belonging beyond the practical challenges of settling into another country.
“When we talk about immigrant success, we celebrate how well people survive. But what happens when survival becomes a way of being?” she asked.
She said Nigerian immigrants frequently balance cultural expectations, professional responsibilities and family obligations while adjusting to unfamiliar environments and navigating experiences associated with being Black in their adopted countries.
Citing a 2023 study by Aluh and other researchers, Ekpudu reported that 51.7 per cent of Nigerian immigrants in Canada screened positive for depression.
She added that the research associated longer residence in Canada, particularly beyond 10 years, with higher odds of screening positive for depression.
According to Ekpudu, prolonged uncertainty, adjustment pressures and continuous adaptation may contribute to chronic stress, anxiety, disturbed sleep, emotional exhaustion, poor concentration and burnout.
“Sometimes what looks like resilience from the outside is a nervous system that has become very good at surviving,” she said.
She cautioned that maintaining employment, meeting family obligations and appearing productive should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of good mental health.
Ekpudu also warned that familiar expressions such as “I am just tired” and “God will help me” could sometimes prevent people from recognising emotional distress or seeking professional support.
She advocated a shift from celebrating survival alone towards helping immigrants develop belonging, reconcile different aspects of their identities and build healthier lives.
She explained that genuine belonging allowed people to feel accepted without abandoning their cultural backgrounds, while identity integration meant embracing different parts of themselves without feeling forced to choose between them.
Summit Highlights Mental Health Challenges Facing Nigerian Families
Beyond immigration, the summit examined the experiences of mothers affected by perinatal mental health conditions and caregivers supporting children with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, epilepsy and autism.
It also considered the emotional pressures experienced by families caring for relatives living with depression, highlighting the importance of support systems for patients and caregivers.
Oyeniji said mental health coach and corporate governance expert Ololade Sanusi was scheduled to address the topic, “Beyond Being Strong: Why Lived Experiences Must Shape Mental Healthcare in Nigeria”.
He identified Damilola Seriki and Babajide Balogun among advocates coordinating public and non-governmental efforts towards establishing a federal Mental Health Commission.
According to the convener, Lagos and Ekiti were the only states that had enacted mental health laws, while the Mental Health Act 2023 was undergoing amendments under the current administration.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the Human Rights Foundation, led by Victor Fakunle, and Philip Jakpor of the Renevlyn Development Initiative to human rights advocacy and public enlightenment.
Oyeniji stressed that conversations about insecurity, terrorism and violence should examine both their underlying causes and their psychological consequences for victims, families and affected communities.
He further recognised Dr Olufunto Adeleye, lead of the Ladoke Akintola Neuroscience Group, which co-organised the summit, and the Neuroscience Society of Nigeria for their contributions to brain-related research.
The convener urged professionals and advocates to use their experiences and expertise to advance reforms that would make mental healthcare more accessible, inclusive and responsive to Nigerians’ needs.
Executive Director of the Renevlyn Development Initiative, Philip Jakpor, also delivered a goodwill message in support of the summit.
The meeting ended with renewed calls for mental health policies and services that recognise individual experiences, support vulnerable families and address psychological distress that may remain concealed behind apparent strength or achievement.
