On Mental Health
Mulling over what was taught in church about Mental Health: Depression, Suicide & Anxiety — in accordance with Scripture, and the staggering statistics backing it.
I couldn't help but think about teachers, school leaders, parents and our children.
Because mental health in education is not a “teacher problem.”
It is not a “school problem.”
It is not a “parent problem.”
It is a collective responsibility.
Think about what everyone is carrying:
The expectations.
The mental workload.
The emotional workload.
The financial pressure.
The responsibility of raising and educating children.
The pressure to perform.
The pressure to provide.
And then we wonder why so many people are overwhelmed.
THE STATISTICS ARE CONCERNING
* 40–60 million Nigerians have been estimated to live with some form of mental health condition. — Lagos MiND, citing estimates available as of 2023.
* A 2025 report citing WHO data put the number of Nigerians living with mental health conditions at about 20 million, or 20% of the population. This shows why it is important to be careful with mental-health statistics because estimates vary by source, definition and methodology.
* Nigeria also has a significant treatment gap. Premium Times reported in 2025 that experts estimated 9 in 10 Nigerians who need mental health services cannot access them, with about 98% of mental health costs reportedly paid directly by patients.
And what about our teachers?
A Nigerian study published in 2016 among school teachers found:
• 72.2% experienced teacher stress
• 29.3% had depression
• 29.5% had generalized anxiety disorder
The researchers recommended incorporating teacher mental health programmes into school health programmes.
These are not necessarily current national prevalence rates, but they are important evidence that teacher wellbeing deserves serious attention.
Another study of Nigerian primary school teachers has also highlighted psychological distress and burnout as significant occupational concerns.
And in a 2024 discussion of mental and behavioural health in Lagos schools, 68% of participating teachers reported that their schools lacked professional mental health counsellors, while 61% identified stigma within families as a major barrier.
So the question becomes:
Who is caring for the people who care for everyone else?
Teachers can be struggling.
School leaders can be struggling.
Parents can be struggling.
Children can be struggling.
Sometimes, everyone is carrying something.
So rather than asking “Who is responsible?”, perhaps we should ask:
“What is my responsibility?”
For teachers, occupational stress, psychological strain and stigma are also significant concerns.
And when we consider that many schools have limited access to professional mental health support, the question becomes:
Who is caring for the people who care for everyone else?
Teachers can be struggling.
School leaders can be struggling.
Parents can be struggling.
Children can be struggling.
Sometimes, everyone is carrying something.
So rather than asking “Who is responsible?”, perhaps we should ask:
“What is my responsibility?”
DEAR PARENTS
Yes, the economy is hard. We understand.
But where possible:
• Pay school fees on time so schools can meet their obligations, including paying teachers properly.
• Communicate when payment will be delayed rather than leaving schools guessing.
• Raise concerns when necessary, but extend grace too.
• Remember that the teacher educating your child is also a human being with responsibilities and challenges of their own.
• Appreciate teachers. A simple “Thank you” can mean more than you realise.
And please don't outsource your child's entire emotional and behavioural development to the school.
Parents and schools must work together.
DEAR SCHOOL OWNERS & SCHOOL LEADERS
Yes, running a school is expensive.
Yes, enrolment may be challenging.
Yes, there are bills to pay.
But:
• Pay salaries on time where possible.
• If there will be a delay, communicate honestly and appropriately.
• Create a workplace where teachers can speak about challenges without being labelled lazy or difficult.
• Give teachers reasonable breaks.
• Watch workloads.
• Don't celebrate burnout as evidence of commitment.
• Invest in teacher development and wellbeing.
• Create access to professional mental health support where possible.
• Partner with qualified therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists or mental health organisations when the need goes beyond what a school can handle.
The wellbeing of the adults in a school matters too.
DEAR TEACHERS & SCHOOL LEADERS
Your school has a responsibility towards you.
But please don't completely outsource your wellbeing to your employer either.
You also have a responsibility to yourself.
• Pay attention to your mental and emotional state.
• Seek professional help when necessary.
• Talk to someone you trust.
• Take your breaks.
• Rest.
• Set healthy boundaries where possible.
• Learn to recognise when you are overwhelmed.
• Don't mistake exhaustion for productivity.
• Celebrate your wins.
• Check in on your colleagues.
• Ask for help before you reach breaking point.
Needing support does not make you weak.
DEAR STUDENTS / CHILDREN
Your feelings matter too.
Speak up when you're struggling.
Tell a trusted adult.
Ask for help.
And remember that struggling academically, emotionally or socially does not make you a failure.
AND THE BIGGER PICTURE…
Schools cannot solve this alone.
Parents cannot solve it alone.
Teachers cannot solve it alone.
We need supportive homes, healthier school environments, accessible professional care, responsible leadership and systems that take mental wellbeing seriously.
Everyone has a part to play.
The goal is simple:
To create environments where children can thrive, teachers can teach, leaders can lead, and people can seek help without shame.
Sha, note that I am a teacher, not a Therapist or Psychiatrist.
I'm simply raising a conversation I believe we need to have.
Ire ooo.
Happy Resumption.
Happy Mental Health Month.
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