The imperative of implementing the National Mental Health Act, By Queen Ekanem Essien

Your Majesty,
Muhammadu Buhari GCFR,
The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,
Presidential Villa,
Asokoro, Abuja.

Sir,

Obligations to implement the National Mental Health Law

Your consent to the Mental Health Bill 2021 is greatly appreciated. It has galvanized mental health stakeholders and the Nigerian community, showing evidence that the efforts of advocates are finally paying off. This law is historic for the region, after 63 years of operation under the basic framework that came from the colonial rulers. According to the provisions of this Act, mental health care is now guaranteed in the light of availability, accessibility, acceptance, quality criteria and community inclusion, fostering equality of rights of people with mental health conditions.

Since time immemorial, people with mental health conditions have been subject to various human rights violations under laws such as the Lunacy Ordinance of 1916 and the Lunacy Act of 1958. These rights violations are enforced by law, without the need for treatment. . Accompanying these violations are restrictions on the right to freedom, an adequate standard of living, education, expression, decision-making, exclusion from the workforce, and increased social isolation.

The National Mental Health Act has now addressed these violations by strengthening the right to independence, an adequate standard of living, decision-making, employment, access to housing facilities, better access to treatment and more, while combating stigmatization and eliminating information that incorrect. This provision is in line with article 34 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, promoting human dignity. People with mental health conditions can now participate actively in society and formulate treatment plans. Therefore, the enactment of the National Mental Health Law reflects the provisions of Chapter 2 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which sets up a bill of rights to meet the socio-economic rights of citizens and provide basic objectives and guiding principles. from state policy.

…implementing the Mental Health Act will enable the mental health conversation to become widespread in Nigeria, from employees speaking out about toxic work cultures to victims of abuse and trauma speaking out about their experiences. Sharing more life experiences will lead to better attitudes towards mental health and lead to better people, taking care of mental health, and promoting a healthier environment for everyone to thrive.

Furthermore, with the enforcement of this law, people with mental health conditions will now begin to participate as active members of society and enjoy their full rights, while promoting a positive attitude and ultimately changing the rules. The environment will also be inclusive for all, and the workplace will become less toxic due to increased awareness of mental health issues. In the future, more people will be happy to receive treatment from professionals for their mental health needs, which leads to an increase in human capital for the economy. As we continue to rejoice, we request that the necessary mechanisms be put in place to initiate the speedy enforcement of the provisions of the National Mental Health Act.

In conclusion, implementing the Mental Health Act will enable the mental health conversation to become widespread in Nigeria, from employees speaking out about toxic work cultures to victims of abuse and trauma speaking out about their experiences. Sharing more life experiences will lead to better attitudes towards mental health and lead to better people, taking care of mental health, and promoting a healthier environment for everyone to thrive. Nigeria will witness a rise in the appreciation of mental health advocacy from now on.

Queen Ekanem Essien is a human rights lawyer and mental health ambassador. Email: Queenekanem12@gmail.com