A PHENOMENON ON MENTAL HEALTH AS A CHALLENGE TO YOUTH DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA AND IT’S COUNSELLING IMPLICATIONS
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A PHENOMENON ON MENTAL HEALTH AS A CHALLENGE TO YOUTH DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA AND IT’S COUNSELLING IMPLICATIONS
Chapter one
INTRODUCTION
Background of the study
Mental health is a widely discussed subject, particularly among Nigerian youths. The information on abnormal behaviour has been identified as one of the most pressing concerns confronting every country, and Nigeria and its youth are no different in terms of both challenges and threats.
According to reports, mental health issues are becoming more widespread among young people, with one in every five suffering from some type of emotional disease.
Previous research has shown that 50% of all lifelong mental health disorders begin at the age of 14, and 75% by the age of 24. Regardless of the growing evidence of the importance of mental health in ensuring economic, social, and human capital, unfavourable perceptions continue to be associated with mental health illnesses and related mental health services and professions.
In our society, mentally ill persons are viewed as those who cannot be employed by any organisation, those who are unable to hold a job, those who must rely on themselves, and those who have no possibility of surviving.
This is a misunderstanding that can have an impact on those living with the diseases, resulting in poor follow-up care and recovery, as well as exacerbating the stigma and discrimination.
Early detection and treatment of mental health disorders has been shown to improve medical forecasting of doctor’s judgement. Discrimination and stigma must be addressed both formally and informally, particularly among children and young adults, some of whom will need such services in the future.
Okeke believes that orienting or informing young people in and out of secondary schools on mental health issues and prevention strategies has an impact not just on their understanding of mental health, but also on their family, friends, and neighbours.
Furthermore, projects introduced to increase young people’s knowledge of mental health through contact and education have had a significant impact on reducing unfavourable attitudes towards persons facing such issues.
Previous research has shown that unfavourable views towards mental health diseases or their victims are primarily the result of misinformation, and that people who are well-informed about such disorders are less likely to endorse negative attitudes.
Another study found that members of the public who interact with a victim of a mental condition are less likely to support stigmatising sentiments.
As a result, education is an effective technique for increasing and strengthening information while also reducing negative attitudes towards mental health problems and their victims. Research on juvenile perceptions of mental health issues indicates that exposure to educational programs results in beneficial changes.
Studies on mental health awareness and education in teenagers found that learning new information about such problems resulted in a considerable reduction in stigma. Another study on modifying high school students’ attitudes towards peers with mental health conditions found that prejudice and the tendency towards social restriction decreased six months after an attitudinal modification program was implemented.
Furthermore, short educational sessions resulted in a beneficial shift in teenage perspectives about mental health issues. As a result, there is a lack of research in some Nigerian regions focused on raising youth knowledge and attitudes regarding mental health illnesses. The purpose of this study is to determine the influence that mental health challenges have on youth development in Nigeria.
Statement of the General Problem
The nation is concerned about the inadequate physical, educational, social, and mental development of Nigerian youth, given that these kids will be tomorrow’s leaders.
The mental state of most youths has resulted in poor educational development and has also been identified as the primary barrier to youth development and advancement in other areas of life.
The primary impact of the problem on Nigerian kids is a proclivity to make bad judgements as a result of poor mental health, rendering counselling attempts by guardians and teachers ineffective.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The study’s primary goals are to investigate mental health as a challenge to youth development and its consequences for counselling. Other specific goals of the project include:
To investigate the situation of mental health among youth.
To determine the significance of youth development in nation building.
To examine the impact of counselling on youth development.
To investigate the elements influencing young people’s mental health in Nigeria.
To determine how mental health affects youth development and counselling.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS:
What is the current situation of mental health among youth?
What impact does youth development have on nation-building?
What are the benefits of counselling for youth development?
What variables affect the mental health of Nigerian youths?
How does mental health affect youth development and counselling?
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