Nigeria, April 26 -- For many Nigerians, depression is still misunderstood and often mistaken for spiritual attacks, laziness, or overthinking. It is a silent burden that often goes undiagnosed, untreated, or dismissed due to stigma and misinformation.

But mental health experts say depression is real, common, and affecting people across all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life.

Speaking with PT Health Watch, Gbonjubola Abiri, a Consultant Psychiatrist and CEO of Redi-Med Consulting, a medical consultancy firm, said recognising early signs is key to preventing more serious consequences.

Ms Abiri, who is also an associate lecturer at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), explained that depression can present in different...