CONCEPTION AND MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH IN GWAFAN COMMUNITY OF JOS NORTH NIGERIA

Abstract

Mental health difficulties faced by individuals all over the world have been on the increase since the outbreak of covid-19 pandemic. Some of these difficulties are easily identified while others are not because the challenges are internalized, yet many individuals in that state do not receive treatment. This paper framed from a social psychological perspective is an attempt to gauge the conception and misconception of mental health in Gwafan community, Jos North Plateau State, Nigeria. The aim is to ascertain which side of the scale the pendulum swings; whether authenticity, hearsay or speculations. This is necessary because there is no available data to show the perception of mental health in Gwafan community. In a broad sense, mental health education and awareness is necessary for a healthy community development. However, in a society such as Nigeria, that is not knowledge base, information thrives faster than its authenticity, people easily embrace hear-say, speculations, superstition and supernatural. This paper sets out to examine the level of awareness of the people on mental health, or the lack of it. Additionally, it seeks to ascertain their access to mental health services and good practices. Data collected through field study by the use of descriptive research design, sampling both literate and illiterate persons for an interview in Gwafan Community by a purposive sampling technique. The study found a high level of misconception about mental health in the community and recommends Psychoeducation, awareness raising and campaigns to raise the awareness level on mental wellbeing and triggers that serves as stressors to mental health challenges as well create psychological safe spaces where people can disclose and discuss issues that are related to their mental health.   Keywords: Concepts, Misconceptions, Mental Health, Mental health problems and illness