A non‑governmental organisation, Shades of Us, has sounded the alarm over the growing mental‑health challenges facing Nigerian youths.
Founder of the organisation, Ramatu Ochekliye, spoke to journalists shortly after the premiere of the group’s short film, _“The Dumps”_, in Jos, the Plateau State capital.
“The dumps is a short film on mental health that addresses depression and suicide; it follows the journey of a young woman confronting depression and reclaiming her voice,” Ochekliye said.
She explained that the film is part of Shades of Us’ broader strategy to use cinema as a catalyst for social change.
“In Shades of Us, we use film as a tool for social change and dialogue; this is why we are in Jos to provide ways where young people can unpack the stigma surrounding mental health and explore pathways for healing,” she added.
Highlighting the particular pressures on Jos’ youth, Ochekliye noted, “We know Jos to be a creative space, but with the decades of the security challenges, young people are sliding into depression and in some cases committing suicide.”
She continued, “So we have come to talk to the young people who are injured by the series of conflicts, to change their perspectives and become better people for ourselves, families, communities and the country in general,” she said.
The founder urged young Nigerians not to be discouraged by the harsh economic climate.
“We realise that in Nigeria, especially when you see that inflation has gone up and many people are not getting opportunities. Things are difficult and when you cannot meet up to the things that you want, you might begin to think of ways to let go, and suicide is one,” she warned.
“Our aim is to reduce the rising incidences of depression and suicide among young people; we need them to keep their mental health intact for themselves and the country in general,” she concluded.