By Juliet Umeh
As Nigeria increasingly embraces the digital age, the impact of constant connectivity on mental health is emerging as a serious concern.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that one in every four Nigerians experiences some form of mental illness, and health experts warn that the prolonged use of digital platforms could be a key factor. While technology has undoubtedly revolutionized various sectors, from communication to business, it has also introduced new stressors that threaten the well-being of millions of users.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the digital shift, creating an “always-on” culture that has blurred the boundaries between work and personal life. Companies have embraced remote work, virtual meetings, and 24/7 online availability. While this flexibility has brought many benefits, it has also led to heightened feelings of isolation and stress.
Isolation in the digital age
Mr. Ina Alogwu, Group Director of Digital Transformation at ARM Holdings, highlights the unintended consequences of this shift. “The absence of in-person interaction in virtual meetings increases feelings of isolation and burnout,” he explains. Alogwu adds that digital platforms, particularly social media, further exacerbate mental health challenges by fostering a culture of comparison and validation. “Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok create an environment where users measure themselves against idealized versions of others’ lives, leading to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.”
The phenomenon of social media addiction is also alarming. Algorithms are designed to maximize engagement, keeping users glued to their screens for hours. This compulsive scrolling isolates individuals from meaningful, real-life interactions, eroding attention spans and contributing to mental health issues.
Alogwu recounts a personal story of his barber, who posts lavish images on social media despite his financial struggles. “He portrays a life of luxury online, but behind the scenes, he’s struggling to make ends meet. This duality contributes to a disconnect between one’s digital persona and reality, which can further exacerbate mental health problems.”
The role of tele-psychiatry
Despite these concerns, technology also holds the potential to improve mental health care access in Nigeria, where only one in 10 individuals can get adequate treatment. The country’s mental health infrastructure is woefully inadequate, with fewer than 300 psychiatrists serving a population of over 200 million. According to Dr. Tolu Aderemi, Director of Perchstone & Graeys Consulting Limited, “Nigeria has just eight neuro-psychiatric hospitals. As mental health cases rise, the country risks becoming a glaring example of the negative effects of unchecked technological growth on mental well-being.”
Recognizing the urgent need for innovative solutions, companies like Mindsplace are stepping in. Mindsplace CEO, Eniola Bello, recently announced the launch of a tele-psychiatry platform designed to expand access to mental health care in Nigeria. This new tech-based solution, set to debut by the end of the year, will connect users with licensed mental health professionals through web and mobile channels. The platform will provide everything from consultations to medication delivery, bridging the gap in mental health care access across the country.
“We’re leveraging technology to democratize mental health care in Nigeria,” Bello says. “Our platform will make it easier for Nigerians to access mental health services, especially in a country where stigma and lack of resources are significant barriers.”
AI and mental health innovation
Advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and predictive analytics are also playing a role in transforming mental health care from reactive to proactive. According to Alogwu, AI-driven platforms can provide instant responses to mental health queries and detect early signs of mental health issues through predictive analytics. This enables timely intervention before conditions worsen.
However, funding remains a challenge. Mental health startups in Nigeria often struggle to attract investment compared to more popular sectors like fintech or agriculture. Nevertheless, there is growing recognition of the need for tech solutions that address mental health, and companies like Mindsplace are leading the way.
Bridging the gap in workplace mental health
Occupational health physician, Dr. Taiwo Akinoso, further emphasizes the importance of digital tools in addressing workplace mental health. While traditional face-to-face interactions remain important, digital platforms that promote mindfulness, meditation, exercise, and sleep tracking offer employees essential tools for managing stress.
In Nigeria, these platforms are less common, and the stigma surrounding mental health persists, particularly in workplaces where mental health issues are often downplayed. Akinoso stresses the need for greater awareness and education about the benefits of digital mental health solutions.
A call for balanced digital transformation
As Nigeria continues its digital transformation, experts warn that mental health must be prioritized alongside technological progress. Governments, tech companies, and investors must collaborate to ensure that mental health solutions keep pace with digital innovation. Without significant investment and public awareness campaigns, the growing mental health crisis will remain unaddressed.
Alogwu concludes, “We cannot ignore the unintended consequences of digital growth. If we’re to harness the full potential of technology, we must also invest in solutions that safeguard our mental health.”
The launch of tele-psychiatry platforms like Mindsplace signals a step in the right direction, but Nigeria still has a long way to go in making mental health care accessible and reducing the digital pressures that fuel anxiety, stress, and isolation.