Mental health myths perpetuate harmful stigma which remains a serious issue in Nigeria, fueled by persistent myths and misconceptions. These false beliefs not only harm individuals living with mental health conditions but also contribute to widespread discrimination in workplaces, schools, and communities. Below are some of the most common mental health myths in Nigeria, and the facts that debunk them.
Myth 1: People Don’t Recover from Mental Illnesses
Fact: Recovery is possible. With access to therapy, medication, and community support, many people living with mental illnesses lead productive lives. Even when symptoms persist, individuals can learn to manage them and continue working toward their goals. Mental illness is not a permanent state of suffering.
Myth 2: People with Mental Illnesses Are Weak and Can’t Handle Stress
Fact: Stress affects everyone. In reality, many people with mental health conditions develop strong coping skills such as problem-solving and stress management. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Myth 3: People with Mental Illnesses Can’t Work
Fact: Workplaces across Nigeria and the world are filled with people who have experienced mental health challenges. Most individuals are capable of working productively, though systemic barriers often make employment harder to access. A diagnosis does not erase someone’s skills or potential.
Myth 4: Mental Health Problems Are Permanent
Fact: A diagnosis is not a life sentence. Many people experience episodes and recover with the help of medication, therapy, or lifestyle changes. Recovery looks different for everyone, but improvement is possible.
Myth 5: Addiction Is a Lack of Willpower
Fact: This is such a dangerous mental health myth. Addiction is a chronic disease, not a moral failing. Recovery depends on strategies and support systems, not simply “trying harder.” People with addiction often show remarkable resilience when given the right environment and treatment.
Myth 6: Schizophrenia Means Split Personality
Fact: Schizophrenia involves distortions in thinking, emotions, and perception — not multiple personalities. Dissociative identity disorder is a separate condition. This confusion has fueled stigma for decades, but accurate information can change perceptions.
Myth 7: Eating Disorders Are a Lifestyle Choice
Fact: Eating disorders are serious medical conditions that can be life-threatening. They are not choices but illnesses requiring treatment. Reducing them to “lifestyle issues” trivialises the struggles of those affected.
Myth 8: All People with Mental Illness Are Violent
Fact: The majority of people with mental health conditions are nonviolent. Violence is rare and often exaggerated by stigma and misinformation. Most individuals living with conditions such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder are far more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators.
Myth 9: People with Mental Illnesses Aren’t Trying Hard Enough
Fact: Severe mental health conditions cannot be overcome by willpower alone. Professional treatment and support are essential, and recovery is often a long-term process. Suggesting that people “just try harder” dismisses the seriousness of their struggles.
Mental health myths in Nigeria continue to fuel discrimination, but knowledge is the antidote to stigma. By challenging false beliefs and spreading accurate information, we can create a society where people living with mental health conditions are respected, supported, and empowered. Breaking these myths is not just about awareness — it’s about building a future where mental health is treated with the same seriousness as physical health.
