Stigma Toward Mental Health Intervention: The Effects of Urbanization, Social Media, and Culture in Africa

Abstract

Mental health illnesses such as depressive disorders, anxiety, mood disorders, and substance abuse have been seen to have a positive correlation with increased urbanization and excessive social media (SM) usage. Modern countries are currently combating the effects of urbanization and destructive SM usage. In Africa, urbanization is rapidly increasing the prevalence of SM as well as increasing the number of mental health illnesses found and their effects. All the while, there is a large shortage of trained mental healthcare workers as some aspects of African culture continue to propagate the idea of mental illnesses being spiritual rather than medical. This theoretical paper is a literature review that focuses on how SM, urbanization, and African culture impact stigma towards mental health and the minimal services available in Africa. The article concludes with a discussion on ways that we can ease the effects of SM, urbanization, and negative African cultural perspectives on mental health. There is a need for open and understanding conversations with one another and young people, reduction of destructive SM usage, and support for those who live under increased cultural and socioeconomic pressure in Africa.