A Neurologist at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan and Founder of Brain Centre Neuro-Critical and Rehabilitation Services, Dr. Temitope Farombi, has raised concerns over the rising cases of depression, substance abuse, and suicide-related behaviours among young Nigerians, warning that overstretched coping mechanisms are worsening the country’s mental health crisis.
Farombi said increasing stress levels across society are pushing many individuals, particularly youths, beyond their psychological limits, leading them to adopt harmful coping strategies such as drug abuse and self-harm tendencies.
The United Kingdom-trained brain expert explained that when young people are overwhelmed, they often turn to psychoactive substances such as ecstasy and other illicit drugs that alter brain function and create a false sense of relief or “high,” noting that such substances severely damage normal brain activity.
According to her , the growing availability of drugs, coupled with weak regulatory systems, has made substance abuse more widespread, as many users resort to drugs as an escape from personal and socio-economic pressures.
“The bottom line is that stress distorts the brain’s coping mechanisms and pushes individuals toward harmful behaviours as a form of escape,” she said.
The neurologist further warned that prolonged stress is contributing significantly to severe depression, not only among youths but also among middle-aged adults, adding that this trend has led to a worrying increase in suicidal thoughts and attempts.
Farombi noted that while stress is a major factor, genetic predisposition and family history also play a role in the development of mental health disorders.
She explained that mental health conditions cover a wide spectrum, including psychosis, mood disorders, schizophrenia, and manic episodes, stressing that not all individuals seen with unusual behaviour are mentally ill, as some cases may be linked to substance abuse.
The neurologist also cautioned that anger, though a normal human emotion, becomes dangerous when it leads to self-harm or violence, describing such cases as indicators of deeper psychological conditions that require medical attention.
The expert expressed concern over the rising cases of substance abuse among young women, attributing the trend to peer pressure, social media influence, and the desire for social acceptance.
She further highlighted Nigeria’s shortage of mental health professionals, noting that many specialists are leaving the country, worsening the already fragile healthcare system.
Farombi advocated task shifting, where primary healthcare workers are trained to identify and manage basic mental health conditions, while more complex cases are referred to specialists.
He also called for stricter drug regulation, warning that easy access to prescription medications without proper authorization is fueling addiction and abuse.
On healthcare access, she lamented the high cost of treatment and low health insurance coverage, stressing that most Nigerians still pay out of pocket for medical services.
According to her, preventive healthcare remains the most sustainable approach, urging Nigerians to adopt healthier lifestyles, while calling for stronger government policies, improved funding, and systemic reforms to address the growing mental health burden.
