Is poverty fueling mental health breakdowns?

Poverty is a global menace distressing millions of people, depriving them the essentials of living and increasing the risk of suicidal thoughts.

It is not merely a lack of income; it is a deep, suffocating force affecting mental health, dignity, and life itself.

For millions, it creates a silent path towards despair.

In Nigeria, the Federal Government, among other measures, recently unveiled a programme to directly support a minimum of 1,000 economically active people in each ward across Nigeria in order to reduce poverty at the grassroots level.

Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, provided some insights.

“Having stabilised the macro-economy, the next step is to drill development down to the lowest levels so that, in all 8,809 wards, we can stimulate economic activity that will generate employment, reduce poverty, enhance food security, and strengthen social protection,” Bagudu said.

Nonetheless, Andrew Mamedu, Country Director at ActionAid Nigeria, said poverty stretched beyond empty wallets.

“It affects access to health, education, and mental well-being, leaving people emotionally and physically drained in ways that are not always visible.”

As of 2023, the World Bank reported nearly 104 million Nigerians living in poverty—that is almost half of the population, up from 40 per cent in 2018, an alarming 24 million increase.

Urban poverty rose from 13 to 20 million people, while rural poverty surged from 67 million to 84 million.

But income tells only part of the story; UNICEF’s 2023 report revealed that 18 per cent of Nigerians live in severe poverty, while 33 per cent are multidimensionally poor, facing multiple deprivations like housing, healthcare, and education.

“Poverty in Nigeria is thus about more than money, it is about opportunity, dignity, and the mental scars left on those with limited options.

“These are the realities ActionAid sees daily.”

In Aug. 2024, ActionAid Nigeria unveiled a 10-year strategy: “Citizens’ Action to End Poverty and Injustice.”

It targets structural inequality and aims to empower women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

More so, ActionAid leads the End Austerity Campaign, bringing together youth, civil society, and rights groups to resist economic policies that cripple essential public services and deepen mental and financial hardship.

“These efforts are crucial, because behind the numbers is a worsening crisis.

“We are seeing the emotional toll of poverty become a public health issue, especially with rising suicide rates.”

Nigeria faces rising suicide numbers, with the WHO estimating that around 15,000 people die by suicide every year; this is likely an underestimate due to stigma and poor reporting mechanisms.

Conversations about mental health remain taboo in many communities.

As a result, many Nigerians, especially young people, suffer in silence and isolation, unable to find outlets for their distress.

A 2021 study found those aged 25 to 34 were the largest group of reported suicides; their struggles were both financial and emotional, rooted in hopelessness, pressure, and unmet societal expectations.

Common triggers for suicidal thoughts include unemployment, debt, and the inability to meet family needs.

For many, the mental burden of survival in today’s Nigeria is relentless and crushing.

Mental health professionals report that more people now express despair linked to finances; many admit they feel life is not worth living, as economic instability suffocates their ambitions and confidence.

Reports show that only 10 per cent of Nigerians who need mental health care can access it.

Nigeria has one of the lowest levels of mental health coverage globally, leaving millions without the support they urgently need.

Smaller African nations like Lesotho allocate more to mental health; Lesotho dedicates about five per cent of its health budget to mental health services.

Nigeria, in spite of being Africa’s largest economy, spends far less.

“This is not just about money, it is about value; if we continue to sideline mental health, we are telling Nigerians their lives don’t matter; that has to change.”

Experts say for some young people, suicide becomes a tragic response to economic suffering.

Poverty, in this sense, is not just a condition; it becomes a mental and emotional death sentence carried quietly by millions.

Mamedu said that ActionAid worked in marginalised communities where exclusion was greatest.

“We see the human face of poverty, families with no support, youths with no prospects; yet, we also see incredible resilience.

“By working directly with such communities, we make sure that the national conversation on poverty is grounded in real-life struggles, not just in boardroom statistics.”

To tackle this crisis, Mamedu believes Nigeria must adopt a two-pronged approach.

“We need inclusive economic policies and investment in mental health. It’s the only way forward, Mamedu said.”

Ephraim Audu, a development economist, cannot agree more.

“Between 20 to 30 per cent of Nigerians now face mental health challenges linked to economic hardship.

“This is a national emergency.”

According to a 2025 World Bank report, more than 106 million Nigerians now live below the extreme poverty line.

Afrobarometer also found that 79 per cent of Nigerians experienced high levels of lived poverty in 2024.

“Inflation, weak currency, low wages, and joblessness have eroded household stability. Many people can no longer meet basic needs, and that takes a huge psychological toll.

“This is not just financial strain, it is emotional warfare.

“People are being crushed under the weight of unmet needs and mounting obligations they cannot fulfill.’’

Economically, Audu said individuals were rational agents trying to maximise well-being.

“But when income collapses, stress and despair take over; people begin to feel worthless and stuck.

“Poverty erodes more than income, it destroys dignity.

“Business failure, job loss, and mounting debt produce a dual burden, economic stress and mental trauma.”

Audu also highlighted what economists call the frustrated expectations gap.

“Young people are told education and hard work pay off; but the system is broken, so they feel betrayed and lost.

“Many youths seek escape through migration, popularly known as ‘Japa’; however, high visa costs and bureaucratic blocks create new frustration, deepening their sense of helplessness and failure.

“Suicide becomes, for some, a perceived way out; we see this globally, suicide rates tend to rise during economic downturns, and Nigeria is no exception.”

Audu called for integrated policy action.

“We need economic stabilisation, job creation, and robust mental health systems. Piecemeal solutions won’t work in this kind of multidimensional crisis.”

Specific steps Audu recommends include: Macroeconomic Stabilisation: Tackle inflation, stabilise the naira, and create decent jobs to reduce household financial pressure and restore confidence in the economy.

“Social Protection–Expand welfare programmes, including targeted food subsidies and unemployment benefits, to provide a safety net for the most vulnerable.

“Mental Health Integration–we must embed mental health services in primary healthcare and train frontline workers to spot distress early.

“Youth Employment–Public-private partnerships can help create digital and vocational opportunities to keep youths engaged and hopeful,” Audu said.

Dr Adedotun Ajiboye, Chief Clinical Psychologist at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, said suicide had become a major public health concern.

“We are seeing the consequences of ignoring mental health.”

According to WHO, Nigeria’s suicide rate stands at 17.3 per 100,000 people.

“That is one of the highest rates in Africa; the numbers are alarming.”

Ajiboye said that studies showed 21.6 per cent of undergraduates in Lagos had suicidal thoughts.

“Among those diagnosed with depression, over half reported contemplating suicide; that is terrifying.”

In another study in Southwest Nigeria, Ajiboye found 20 per cent of youths had suicidal ideation, and about 12 per cent had attempted suicide in the previous year.

“The trends are consistent and very worrying.”

“The more severe the depressive symptoms, the more likely suicidal thoughts become.

“Among those with severe depression, the rate of suicidal ideation jumps to 83.3 per cent.”

Ajiboye cited multiple risk factors: “Low self-esteem, anxiety, trauma, drug abuse, poor academic performance, and of course financial pressure–these are all red flags we see every day.”

He said that hanging and poisoning accounted for more than 80 per cent of suicide methods in Nigeria.

“These deaths are preventable. But only if people have access to help, and feel safe seeking it.”

Ajiboye is also the founder of the Hope Initiative for Mental Wellness and Anti-Drug Society, an NGO focusing on awareness.

He said mental health education must start from schools and communities.

“Awareness is key; we must reduce stigma and normalise conversations about mental illness; people must know it is okay to ask for help,” Ajiboye said.

As Mamedu, Audu, and Ajiboye all stressed, poverty damages both body and mind, often with irreversible consequences.

Experts say only a holistic approach, economic stabilisation, social protection, and mental health investment, can bring meaningful change.(NANFeatures)