Nigerian rapper Ycee says a shortage of mental health professionals in Nigeria made it hard for him to continue treatment for bipolar disorder after returning from the United Kingdom.

The rapper spoke about his experience during an interview with Arise TV on Saturday. In June, he revealed that he had battled bipolar disorder for six years after doctors diagnosed him with the condition in London in 2020.

Diagnosis and Awareness

Ycee recalled the period before doctors confirmed his condition.

“I was in and out of the hospital and went through different diagnoses before we arrived at that,” he said.

He also said mental health received little attention in Nigeria before his diagnosis.

“Before 2020, I don’t think I had ever heard the phrase ‘mental health’ in conversation, especially coming from Nigeria.”

The rapper said he noticed a different approach while living in London.

“One thing that really stood out while in London is that, as much as they were pushing conversations on COVID, they were also pushing conversations on mental health. There were helplines to call, too.”

Struggles With Treatment in Nigeria

Ycee said he planned to continue treatment after moving back to Lagos. However, he quickly faced challenges.

“I was supposed to continue treatment in Lagos, but that was where I saw how much of a challenge it is to deal with that kind of condition. There was a lack of personnel. I think that in 2024, I might be wrong, but there is, I think, very little staffing within mental health- psychiatrists, psychologists and people who are supposed to be servicing those fields.”

Concern Over Healthcare and Stigma

The rapper said the issue goes beyond mental health.

“On a broader scope, as much as we have a problem with mental health, there is a general health problem. You still have people who can instantly access not even premium healthcare, but reasonable healthcare.”

He also pointed to the stigma surrounding mental health conditions in Nigeria.

“Where a lot of people believe that if you are depressed, it is a big man’s disease. There is a lot of stigma around it. Recently, I have had people asking me why I am speaking so much on this.”