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A consultant clinical psychologist, Dr Leonard Okonkwo, has urged Nigerians to change their perception of mental health challenges and stop describing people living with mental illness as “crazy”.”.
Okonkwo, who works with the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), said mental health conditions are medical problems that require professional understanding, support and care rather than discrimination.
He made the appeal on Tuesday while speaking with journalists at the 11th International Conference on Community Psychology held at the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, Lagos.
The psychologist represented the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, at the conference themed: “Reconnecting to Source: Waves of Water, Waves of Change.”
Mental health goes beyond traditional misconceptions
Okonkwo says the belief that any form of mental illness equates to insanity is outdated and prevents many people from seeking help.
“Most of the time, people think mental illness is crazy, but we’ve moved away from that concept,” he said.
He explained that mental illness occurs when significant changes occur that affect a person’s emotions, thoughts, behavior, or ability to function normally.
According to him, mental health problems can affect anyone, regardless of social background, financial status or personal circumstances.
He encouraged Nigerians to view mental health treatment the same way they view treatment for physical illnesses.
The psychologist criticizes harmful representations of mental illness
Okonkwo has also criticized some depictions of mental illness in Nigerian films, particularly narratives that link psychological conditions exclusively to supernatural causes or wrongful acts.
According to him, such portrayals contribute to misinformation and reinforce harmful stereotypes.
“Nollywood tends to give the impression that mental illness is caused by a village person. No, that’s not the reality,” he said.
The psychologist warned that stigma often forces people suffering from mental health problems to hide their difficulties, delaying access to professional support.
He encouraged Nigerians experiencing emotional or psychological difficulties to seek help from qualified mental health professionals.
“There are some things people can’t do on their own. They need help from professionals,” he added.
Mental health begins within communities
In his keynote address, Prof. Akin Abayomi said modern healthcare challenges require stronger community-based solutions that go beyond hospitals.
The commissioner said health is influenced by factors such as family relationships, culture, economic conditions, environment and social support systems.
He explained that community psychology helps society understand the broader factors that influence people’s well-being.
According to him, healthcare should go beyond treating diseases to prevent problems and create healthier communities.
“Communities should not simply be recipients of health care. The community must be a partner in creating health,” Abayomi said.
Need for stronger mental health support
The commissioner highlighted challenges such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse, trauma, suicide and family difficulties as issues affecting individuals and communities.
He called for better mental health awareness, early identification of challenges, community interventions and rehabilitation programmes.
Abayomi said psychologists must take their expertise beyond consultation rooms and work directly within the communities where people live, learn and work.
He noted that Lagos, as a rapidly growing city, faces unique challenges related to urbanization, youth development, substance abuse and access to healthcare.
The commissioner called for stronger partnerships between government institutions, universities, communities and health workers.
Universities urged to make research practical
The Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, said universities must ensure that their research addresses real problems facing society.
She said community psychology provides important insights into issues such as identity, inclusion, inequality, social support and mental wellbeing.
Olatunji-Bello urged researchers to go beyond studying communities and engage with them directly.
“We must therefore go beyond simply studying communities. We must listen to them,” he said.
He expressed hope that the conference would produce practical partnerships, research findings and policies that improve lives.
Basic information
Mental health stigma remains a major challenge in many societies, including Nigeria.
Experts say misconceptions often prevent people from seeking treatment for conditions such as: depression, anxiety disorders, trauma-related conditions, substance-related problems, emotional distress.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has consistently encouraged countries to integrate mental healthcare into primary healthcare systems and promote awareness to reduce discrimination.
