The World Health Organization, WHO, estimates that one in every four Nigerians, experience some form of mental illness or the other.
Part of what causes this, according to health experts is the prolonged use of digital services.
This is even when access to mental healthcare in Nigeria is limited, with a situation where just only one in 10 individuals can get adequate treatment.
This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need to address the mental health crisis in the country.
However, a new tech-based mental health diagnosis, called tele-psychiatry could provide rescue.
The innovation was announced by the CEO of Mindsplace, Eniola Bello, who said the tech based diagnosis will ameliorate the challenges of accessing mental healthcare in Nigeria.
At a recent Mental Health Conference, one of the keynote speakers and Director of Perchstone & Graeys Consulting Limited, Dr Tolu Aderemi, said: “Nigeria with a population of over 200 million people has fewer than 300 psychiatrists accounting for a ratio of about 700,000 people per psychiatrist. “There are only eight neuro-psychiatric hospitals in Nigeria. So, Nigeria is not a place to get mental issues. “Unfortunately, the number of mental health cases are increasing”. Aderemi’s drift was that If nothing is done urgently to boost healthcare in Nigeria, particularly as use cases of mobile device spike, Nigeria may be an example of negative effects of a positive technology growth.
Buttressing how digital platforms aggravate mental health cases, Group Director of Digital Transformation at ARM Holdings, Mr. Ina Alogwu, explained the complex relationship between technological advancement and mental health, is that while digital transformation streamlines operations and improves efficiency, it also has unintended consequences on well-being, especially in the workplace.
Alogwu highlighted how the pandemic accelerated the digital shift, pushing companies toward remote work and constant virtual connectivity.
He said: “This flexibility blurred the boundaries between personal and professional life, leaving employees in a state of being “always on.” The absence of in-person interaction in virtual meetings has increased feelings of isolation, stress, and burnout.
Alogwu pointed out that beyond the workplace, digital platforms, especially social media, have intensified mental health challenges.
He said: “Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok fuel a culture of comparison and validation, leading users to measure themselves against curated, idealized versions of other people’s lives. This constant comparison fosters anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.” Alogwu shared a story of his barber, whose social media posts depicted a luxurious lifestyle while he struggled financially.
He noted that social media addiction is another dangerous aspect of digital platforms.
He said: “Algorithms designed to maximize engagement result in hours of mindless scrolling, isolating users from meaningful face-to-face interactions. This overreliance on digital platforms erodes attention spans and fosters a demand for instant gratification, contributing to anxiety and depression.
Alogwu emphasized the need for a balanced approach to digital transformation, one that prioritizes mental health alongside innovation. Governments, tech companies, and investors must work together to address the mental health challenges posed by technological advancements. Without significant investment in digital mental health solutions, the growing demand for support will continue to be unmet, especially in regions like Africa where mental health services are underfunded and stigmatized.
As digital transformation advances, it is crucial to address the mental health crisis it has sparked. The tech industry must acknowledge the unintended consequences of its innovations and invest in solutions that promote mental well-being. AI, predictive analytics, and mental health platforms offer vast opportunities to tackle this issue, but success will require focused investment, public awareness, and a commitment to integrating mental health into the digital future.
Tech tool to address mental health
However, despite its adverse effects, technology also presents opportunities for addressing mental health.
Alogwu explained that advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence, AI, can help transition mental health care from reactive to proactive.
He said: “AI-driven platforms provide instant responses to mental health queries, while predictive analytics can detect early signs of issues, enabling timely intervention.
“However, funding remains a challenge, as mental health tech startups often struggle to attract investment compared to fintech or agriculture technologies.”
Also, an occupational health physician, Dr Taiwo Akinoso while discussing at a panel session also touched on the role of technology in mental health care.
He highlighted the availability of digital platforms focused on improving mental well-being, offering tools that track sleep, mindfulness, meditation, exercise, and hydration—all essential for mental health.
However, in Nigeria, these platforms are not as common, and the stigma surrounding mental health remains a significant barrier. Akinoso noted that many people, particularly in the workplace, are resistant to digital solutions, preferring face-to-face interactions. Despite these challenges, he emphasized the importance of promoting awareness about these tools, making mental health care more accessible for those in need.
Similarly, the convener of the summit, CEO of Mindsplace, Eniola Belo announced the upcoming launch of their tele-psychiatry platform, which aims to connect Nigerians with mental health professionals and provide comprehensive resources, from consultations to medication delivery.
She noted that the platform, set to launch by the end of the year, is designed to expand access to mental health care through web and mobile channels.
