Flooding in Nigeria, towards prioritizing mental health and psychosocial support

Pan Afr Med J. 2022 Dec 22:43:199. doi: 10.11604/pamj.2022.43.199.38251. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

In the past decade, Nigeria has been experiencing worsening flooding. Beyond the physical injuries caused, it can impact the mental health of affected individuals. While new mental health disorders can emerge, exacerbation of preexisting mental conditions are common in the aftermath of flooding. Therefore, it is critical to integrate mental health and psychosocial support as part of the emergency response available to affected populations on both short-term and long-term basis.

Keywords: Flooding; Nigeria; mental health; psychosocial support; rehabilitation.

Publication types

  • Editorial

MeSH terms

  • Emergency Services, Psychiatric* / organization & administration
  • Floods*
  • Health Priorities* / organization & administration
  • Humans
  • Mental Disorders / epidemiology
  • Mental Disorders / prevention & control
  • Nigeria / epidemiology
  • Psychosocial Support Systems