By Atlantic Reports

People who have experienced mental health challenges should have a stronger voice in designing policies, treatment services and awareness campaigns, the Vanguard Against Drug Abuse (VGADA) Specialist Rehabilitation Centre has said.

Its Executive Director, Dr Hope Omeiza, made the call during an awareness walk in Abuja on Saturday to mark the 2026 World Mental Health Day.

Omeiza said listening to people with lived experience could help institutions identify obstacles to care, understand treatment concerns and develop support that responds to people’s everyday needs.

The event highlighted the message, “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change”, with participants calling for affected persons to contribute meaningfully to decisions concerning their mental well-being.

Moving Beyond Awareness

Omeiza urged stakeholders to move beyond general awareness campaigns and create opportunities for people experiencing mental health difficulties to help shape services and interventions.

He said stigma, misinformation and discrimination continued to discourage open conversations and prevent some people from seeking professional assistance.

“Mental health is an essential component of overall well-being, influencing how individuals cope with stress, relate with others and manage everyday responsibilities,” he said.

According to him, a supportive environment should allow people to discuss their experiences without fear of judgement and receive appropriate care.

Such participation, he added, could help challenge stereotypes while drawing attention to practical difficulties associated with accessing mental health services.

Recovery Requires Continued Support

Omeiza also addressed the relationship between mental health conditions and substance use disorders, an area central to VGADA’s prevention and rehabilitation work.

He said the conditions could occur together, while harmful drug use could worsen psychological symptoms and create additional health and social difficulties.

He called for comprehensive responses encompassing prevention, early identification, professional assessment, counselling, treatment and rehabilitation.

People recovering from substance use disorders or mental health conditions, he said, might also need sustained support to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into their communities.

Omeiza urged federal, state and local governments, health professionals, civil society organisations and community leaders to collaborate on reducing stigma and improving support.

Community Voices and Professional Care

Mr Kenneth Anetor, founder of A New Thing International, emphasised community participation in mental health awareness and support.

He said involving people with lived experience could help organisations understand the challenges they face and develop more responsive community interventions.

Dr Jurbe Simon, Secretary of the National Association of Clinical Psychologists, highlighted the importance of early identification, professional support and appropriate intervention.

Simon said clinical psychologists had a role in assessing psychological difficulties and providing evidence-based interventions tailored to individual needs.

Listening to people receiving care, he added, could help professionals understand concerns about treatment and barriers to accessing services.

Responsible Storytelling

Ms Salma Aminu, Mayor of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Abuja chapter, called on the creative industry to promote understanding through film, theatre and other storytelling platforms.

She urged practitioners to portray people experiencing psychological difficulties with dignity and avoid representations that encourage ridicule or discrimination.

The walk brought together participants from rehabilitation, clinical psychology, community advocacy and the creative sector.

While speakers called for more inclusive services, the supplied account did not outline a specific mechanism or timetable for involving people with lived experience in policy and service decisions. Translating that call into meaningful participation remains the next practical step.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.