The Nigeria national depression report produced by Joy Inc. in partnership with NOI polls was released in commemoration of the 2018 World Mental Health Day.
According to the report, three in every 10 Nigerians experience depressive symptoms.
The report, which is the first nationwide study of happiness and depression, contains results of surveys conducted across the 36 states in the country including the federal capital territory (FCT).
The survey focused on gauging public perception of Nigerians regarding their happiness and experiences with some factors that may affect their state of happiness and depression.
The national poll also assessed the perception of Nigerians on how they feel about their lives five years ago, currently, and five years from now.
Glory Apantaku, one of the authors of the report, said: “This report is a product of our surveys as we seek to better understand the needs of the population we serve.
“Our results serve as an important reminder of the urgency of this work. Mental health issues are real and it is high time we paid attention.”
The report also recommended that new metrics for measuring human progress should move from the use of financial values like GDP and focus on happiness and flourishing of citizens.
Commenting on the report, Damola Morenikeji, a research associate at Joy Inc., said: “Human misery is real, the goal of every intervention should be to reduce misery while increasing the happiness of people.
“Investing in citizens’ happiness and well-being should not be a luxury, but a necessity. Only when people are sustainably happy can they truly flourish, innovate, and make the world a better place.
“The collective roles of governments, businesses, and other stakeholders have to transcend from creating an environment purely for wealth creation to creating environments that facilitate the genuine well-being and flourishing of people.”
