COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE LEGAL APPROACH TO MENTAL HEALTH IN NIGERIA AND NETHERLANDS

Awareness on mental health is gradually gaining prominence around the globe as many people are beginning to speak up about it in different places such as conferences, campaigns. It has also been found out that some persons suffering from these illnesses have reduced their encounters into books which have further been translated to movies and plays. It can be seen that attention for mental health is now on the rise as the environment is becoming more inclusive, Non-Governmental Organizations are springing up to support the cause, laws and policies are being put in place to promote mental wellbeing. The aim of this work was to bring about enlightenment of the legal approach to mental health in Nigeria and the Netherlands, to ensure that more people are better informed and made aware on how the wrong attitude to mental health can pose a great challenge to the cause, and to adopt a more advanced and working system for a better mental health approach in Nigeria and Netherlands. The paper adopted the doctrinal method of research, made use of primary and secondary sources of materials. From the information gathered, it was noted that the legal approach to mental health in Nigeria is developing slowly as there is a considerable distance in the level of awareness, response and treatment of mental health and wellbeing of most people in Nigeria. The paper concluded that there is the needf or mental health policies to be formulated in line with World Health Organization guidelines; the creation of mental health courts; adequate budgetary allocation for mental health facilities and service providers; implementation ofp olicies tackling quackery in the profession and replicating the Friendship Bench Programme in local communities, as the promotion, prevention and the treatment of mental disorders are fundamental to safeguarding and enhancing the quality of life, well­ being and productivity of individuals, families, workers, communities, and in increasing the strength and resilience of society as a whole to achieve the highest standard of both mental and physical wellbeing. It was recommended that for Nigeria to guarantee the highest standard of mental and physical well-being for its populace, the World Health Organizations * guidelines must be adhered to.