As the world marks International Adolescent Health Week 2025, a reproductive health advocate and Ondo State Family Planning Coordinator, Opeyemi Elizabeth Agunbiade, called for urgent and holistic mental health interventions for adolescents across Nigeria.
The week runs from October 13 to 19, with the theme: “Thriving Inside and Out: Strengthening Adolescent Physical and Mental Health.”
Agunbiade made the call in an exclusive interview with Rooted Scope Media, stressing that mental health issues among adolescents are on the rise but remain poorly addressed.
“Adolescents navigate complex pressures — from academics to social media influences. We must support them at home, in schools, communities, and through the health system,” she said.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about one in seven adolescents worldwide — approximately 166 million young people — live with a mental disorder.
Globally, 4.1% of children aged 10–14 and 5.3% of those aged 15–19 experience anxiety disorders. Depression affects 1.3% of adolescents aged 10–14, rising to 3.4% among those aged 15–19.
A meta-analysis from sub-Saharan Africa revealed pooled prevalence rates of 15.27% for depression and 11.78% for anxiety, while a separate study found that over 27% of adolescents experience psychological distress.
In Nigeria, WHO data show that mental health spending per person is as low as ₦89, with suicide mortality at 6.87 per 100,000 population. Mental health literacy among adolescents is also “abysmally low,” with many unable to identify symptoms or access help.
Agunbiade urged families, schools, and communities to create safe, stigma-free spaces that encourage young people to speak up and seek help.
“Support doesn’t mean surveillance. It means care, listening, and acceptance,” she noted.
She also called on government and stakeholders to prioritise adolescent mental health, allocate dedicated funding, and integrate mental health services at the primary health care level.
Quoting the WHO World Mental Health Report, she added:
“Across the world, mental health needs are high but responses are insufficient. We must reshape environments, strengthen systems, and deepen commitment to mental health.”
Agunbiade encouraged adolescents to prioritise their mental well-being and seek help when needed.
“Your mental health matters. It’s okay not to be okay, but don’t stay silent. Reach out to someone you trust — you’re not alone,” she advised.
The 2025 International Adolescent Health Week theme underscores the connection between physical and mental health, urging coordinated action to support young people to thrive both inside and out.
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