mental illness

The growing visibility of mental health content across social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube has made discussions around mental illness more common; however, these portrayals are often presented in aesthetic or glorified ways. As a result, conditions such as depression and anxiety are sometimes misrepresented as marks of creativity, emotional depth, or identity rather than as serious psychological challenges requiring support and treatment. This study adopted a survey research design, with the data collected through a structured questionnaire consisting of 11 open ended questions. Respondants were selected using a convenient sampling technique, and the data was analysed using simple percentages and tabular presentations. The findings reveal that while most respondents believe the media has increased awareness of mental health, a significant proportion also acknowledge the spread of misleading portrayals that make mental illness appear desirable or fashionable. The results further indicate that many youths have casually used mental health terms online without medical diagnosis and frequently admire influencers who openly discuss or display mental health struggles. The study concludes that the media plays a dual role it both raises awareness and contributes to misconceptions about mental illness. It recommends that filmmakers, and journalists adopt more responsible and balanced approaches in representing mental health. The research also calls for increased mental health education, collaboration between media professionals and psychologists, and stricter content regulation on social platforms to prevent the glamorisation of psychological disorders among Nigerian youths.

Economic burden and quality of life of mental illness has helped defined the magnitude of their negative effects on the household, community and National economy. This study is aimed at assessing the economic burden and quality of life of mental illness among patients in low density ward, uselu Federal Neuro-psychiatric hospital, Benin-city. The Health Belief Model served as the theoretical study framework. The study used a descriptive cross sectional nonexperimental survey research design, the study was carried out among patients in low density ward in uselu Federal Neuro- psychiatric hospital, Benin-city. A sample size of 147 participants was determined using the Taro Yamane formula(N/1+N(e) ² which comprises of mentally ill patients receiving treatment in low density ward in uselu Federal Neuro-psychiatric hospital, Benin-city. Convenient sampling technique was used in selecting the respondents into the study. The instrument for data collection was well structured questionnaire developed by the researcher and validated by supervisor, a psychiatric nurse and other local experts. It consisted of 33 well structured questions, divided into four(4)sections; A contains socio-demographic information of the respondents contained direct medical cost of mental illness incurred by patients and household contained the indirect medical cost of mental illness and D contained the impact of mental illness on patients' quality of life. A 100% return rate was obtained. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 24.0 and descriptive statistics was used. A p value of p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Ethical approval was obtained from the institution and participants were given informed consent to apprehend their signature. No statistically significant association existed between health insurance scheme and quality of life
(p>0.478). This study assessed the economic burden and quality of life of mental illness among patients in low density ward in uselu Federal Neuro-psychiatric hospital, Benin-city. The result shows that majority of the respondents have a fair level of quality of life. Government and multinational agencies should take concerted efforts to ensure reduced cost of treatment of mentally ill patients.