Emerging Adults’ Awareness and Perceptions of Mental Health Problems and Services in Nigeria

Despite the high prevalence of psychiatric disorders among Nigerian youths, mental health care access and usage in this population is extremely low. This review examines emerging adults’ awareness and perceptions of mental health problems and services in Nigeria. Specifically, we (1) provide background information about mental health perception, services, and challenges in Nigeria; (2) describe the current state of mental health among the emerging adult population in Nigeria; (3) discuss risk factors among emerging adults in Nigeria; (4) document emerging adults’ perception of mental health problems and services in Nigeria, and potential explanations for this mental health trend. We conclude with a discussion of practices and policies. In a nation like Nigeria, where mental health services are scarce and health gaps and disparities abound, the value of mental health awareness and realistic health policies cannot be overstated.