By Juliet Umeh

With the increasing cases of mental illness and the stigma attached to it, patients find it difficult to disclose or manage the condition to the extent of having easy help or access to professionals. This probably had led to the increasing statistics in the country.

Recently, during the World Mental Health Day, at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, FNPH, Yaba Lagos, a Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr. Oluwafunmilayo Akinola declared that: “One out of eight people suffer from mental health disorders and at least, 50 percent of adults that have mental illnesses started from adolescence like around the age of 15” .

Corroborating her, the Medical Director at FNPH, Dr. Olugbenga Owoeye also noted that studies have shown that about 25 to 30 percent of the population has one diagnosable mental health disorder and only about 25 percent of these have access to care.

However a technology application, My Mental Health Alert which comes in form of a game, has debuted to bridge that gap. The founder of the platform, Ms. Comfort Onyaga, said: “My Mental Health Alert, is a revolutionary tech platform that will bridge the gap between individuals seeking mental health assistance and the professionals who can provide it.

“I was more determined to launch this solution after my personal experience in June 2023 when I had to deal with childhood trauma and I was unable to access a Psychiatrist from the national hospital. They considered my case not to be an emergency case”.

Meanwhile, Co-Founder of the app, Dr. Promise Owai, in describing its functions said: “The platform           seeks to foster a supportive online community where users can connect with others facing similar challenges, share their experiences, and offer encouragement.

“Apart from the user-friendly self-assessment tools, the application empowers users to gain valuable insights into their mental health status, serving as a crucial first step toward seeking the right support.

“Whether you are experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, or simply seeking to enhance your emotional well-being, these self-assessment tools provide a safe and confidential space to better understand your mental health. They help users identify their unique needs and preferences, ensuring that the support they receive is personalized and effective.

Owai added: “The platform’s commitment to privacy and confidentiality is paramount, ensuring that users can explore and access mental health services without the fear of stigma or judgment.