SE6/EP 59: When Faith, Traditions & Beliefs Meet Psychiatry - Rethinking Mental Health in Africa with Dr. Adegboyega Ogunwale and Dr. Oladayo Bifarin

An African proverb says, "You cannot uproot the baobab tree with one hand," meaning that people's hesitancy or trust towards modernization is sometimes ingrained in the traditional belief system. One must first explore the strength or depth of the belief system. I recently came across a research publication on Pubmed titled "Indigenous Mental Healthcare and Human Rights Abuses in Nigeria. Reading this report allows me to reflect on how these beliefs and the stigma of mental illness persist among African immigrants in the diaspora, affecting seeking appropriate care. I was eager to contact the researchers of the paper, Dr. Adegboyega Ogunwale and Dr. Oladayo Bifarin, to further discuss their findings. I wanted to further explore with both guests how traditional beliefs played a role in Africans' perception and management of mental illness. I wanted to further explore how the stigma hinders patients from seeking the appropriate mental health care. Bios:    Dr. Adegboyega Ogunwale is the Chief Consultant Psychiatrist at Neuropsychiatric Hospital Aro, Abeokuta, and Chair of the Emerging Forensic Systems Interest Group, International Association of Forensic Mental Health Services. Dr. Ogunwale's key areas of expertise include Forensic Psychiatry, General Adult Psychiatry, Mental Health Legislation, and Medical Law & Ethics. His research work focused on general adult psychiatry, abnormal homicide, mental health services in prison, and mental health legislation.  He was awarded the Rafaelsen Young Investigator's Award of the International College of Neuropsychopharmacology in 2011 and the UK Chevening Scholarship in 2017. Dr Adegboyega Ogunwale joined the Department of Forensic & Neurodevelopmental Sciences as an MPhil/PhD student in June 2022 and is looking forward to completing his studies in 2026. Dr. Ogunwale completed his MBBS (Medicine & Surgery) at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria, and his MSc in Forensic Mental Health Research at King's College, London. Dr Ogunwale is a member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (UK) and a fellowship with the West African College of Physicians.Dr. Oladayo Bifarin is a Clinical academic- Registered Nurse (Mental Health), Research & Effectiveness Lead at Mersey Care NHS FT, Liverpool, and a Sr. Lecturer (Mental Health Nursing). Dr. Bifarin teaches pre- and post-registration nursing. Dr. Bifarin holds PhD from the University of Bradford, United Kingdom; he earned his MSc from Edge Hill University, United Kingdom, and his BSc from Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria.TakeawaysCultural beliefs significantly impact mental health care in Nigeria.Stigma surrounding mental health leads to social isolation and delayed treatment.Indigenous mental health practices can offer valuable insights for care.Research is essential for understanding and improving mental health services.Gender dynamics play a crucial role in the treatment of mental health issues.Addiction often stems from a desire to numb emotional pain.Legal protections for mental health patients exist but are poorly implemented.Community engagement is vital for addressing mental health stigma.Culturally relevant approaches are necessary for effective treatment.Mental health is a critical human rights issue that requires urgent attention.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Panza Panza Forum01:19 Cultural Beliefs and Mental Health in Nigeria03:42 Guest Introductions and Backgrounds08:54 The Role of Research in Mental Health11:16 Personal Motivations for Psychiatry18:29 Human Rights and Mental Health Care21:19 Indigenous Mental Health Practices29:37 Cultural Narratives and Mental Health35:02 Stigma and Its Impact on Treatment39:45 Gender and Mental Health Abuse51:30 Addiction and Mental Health01:02:25 Legal Protections for Mental Health Patients01:11:34 Gender Dynamics in Mental Health TreatmentPhoto Time Magazine The Niger Delta, Nigeria. October 2012Journal Link:https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10327483/