What is Psychosis?

Psychosis is a serious mental health condition that disrupts how a person understands and interprets reality. Someone experiencing psychosis may have hallucinations—hearing voices or seeing things others cannot, or delusions, which are strong beliefs that are not based in reality. Psychosis is not a condition on its own but a symptom that can appear in mental illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression.

Globally, about 3 in every 100 people will experience psychosis in their lifetime. In Nigeria, the situation is complicated by widespread misunderstanding and stigma, leaving families unsure about what to do when a loved one begins showing symptoms. Instead of receiving timely medical care, many families turn first to spiritual or traditional explanations, delaying effective treatment.

The Family’s Burden

When someone develops psychosis, the experience affects not only the individual but also the entire household. Parents, siblings, and spouses often step in as primary caregivers, taking on roles they were never trained for. This caregiving responsibility can bring about:

• Emotional distress: watching a loved one behave in ways that feel unfamiliar or frightening.
• Financial pressure: treatment costs, transportation to clinics, and medication expenses often fall on families.
• Social stigma: neighbors and communities may isolate or label the family, believing myths about mental illness.

For many Nigerian families, caregiving for someone with psychosis is a long and lonely journey.

Common Challenges Families Face

1. Stigma and Misconceptions

Psychosis is often linked to myths of witchcraft, curses, or spiritual possession. Families may spend years seeking help from prayer houses, traditional healers, or deliverance sessions before ever considering professional medical care. This delay in treatment worsens the illness and increases caregiver frustration.

2. Lack of Information

Because mental health literacy in Nigeria remains low, families often do not know how to recognize symptoms or where to seek help. Without clear guidance, they struggle to provide the right support or even to understand what their loved one is going through.

3. Limited Mental Health Services

Nigeria has fewer than 300 psychiatrists for a population of over 200 million people—that’s about one psychiatrist for every one million Nigerians. This shortage leaves many families without access to affordable or nearby services. In rural areas, access is nearly impossible.

4. Emotional Burnout

Caregiving is emotionally draining. Families may experience stress, frustration, anxiety, or even depression themselves. Over time, constant caregiving without support can lead to burnout, weakening the family’s ability to continue providing care.

Supporting Families: What Works

Even though challenges exist, there are evidence-based solutions that can lighten the family’s burden and improve outcomes for people with psychosis.

1. Psychoeducation and Awareness

Workshops, community sensitization, and public campaigns help families understand that psychosis is a medical condition—not a curse. Psychoeducation also equips them with practical coping skills, early warning signs to watch for, and strategies to support recovery.

2. Family Support Groups

Caregivers thrive when they realize they are not alone. Support groups provide safe spaces where families can share their experiences, reduce isolation, and encourage one another. Peer-to-peer learning also helps families discover new ways of coping.

3. Financial and Social Support

The financial cost of treatment can be overwhelming. Subsidized healthcare, mental health insurance, and social assistance programs can ease the burden on families. NGOs and community-based organizations also play a vital role in offering food aid, vocational support, or transportation stipends to families in crisis.

4. Policy and Advocacy

Long-term change requires strong government policies and increased funding for mental health services. Anti-stigma campaigns, mental health integration into primary care, and training of community health workers can create a more supportive system for families across Nigeria.

Building a Better Future

Caring for someone with psychosis is one of the most difficult challenges a family can face. But with knowledge, compassion, and community support, families can move from fear to resilience.

In Nigeria, breaking down myths, investing in services, and strengthening advocacy can transform the way we approach psychosis. Instead of leaving families isolated and overwhelmed, we can build a system that provides timely care, practical support, and hope for recovery.

The road ahead requires collaboration, between government, mental health professionals, NGOs, religious leaders, and communities. With the right support, families will no longer carry the burden alone.

👉 If you or someone you know is supporting a loved one with psychosis, remember: help is available, recovery is possible, and you are not alone.