Before 'I Do': Why Pre-Marital Mental Health Assessments Matter

Before 'I Do': Why Pre-Marital Mental Health Assessments Matter








By
Miriam Ike 

Introduction

Dear Faithful Readers,
Somewhere in Enugu, Adaobi and Chike are planning their wedding. Like many Nigerian couples, they dream of a happy future together. However, Adaobi has secretly battled anxiety for years, fearing the societal stigma attached to mental health issues. As their wedding day approaches, her unspoken struggles begin to weigh on their relationship. Their story mirrors the reality of countless couples across Nigeria.

Adaobi’s anxiety affected their relationship in many ways. Whenever Chike tried to discuss wedding finances, she would shut down, feeling overwhelmed and fearing she wasn’t making the right decisions. She constantly worried that Chike would change his mind about the wedding, leading to frequent reassurance-seeking that frustrated him. Small disagreements triggered intense reactions because she was already carrying unspoken stress, making Chike feel like he was walking on eggshells. Her anxiety also led to physical symptoms like frequent headaches and insomnia, leaving her exhausted and disengaged from wedding planning, which made Chike feel unsupported.

Mental health is a cornerstone of a healthy marriage and family life. Yet, while pre-marital medical screenings for conditions like sickle cell, HIV, and fertility are becoming standard, mental health assessments are often overlooked. Should we make pre-marital mental health screenings a necessity to ensure stronger, healthier families in Nigeria?

The Link between Mental Health and Chronic Illness
Studies indicate a strong connection between mental health and chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. Stress, anxiety, and depression can weaken the immune system, increase inflammation, and contribute to long-term health problems. In Nigeria, 20-30% of the population struggles with mental health challenges, yet many suffer in silence due to stigma and lack of awareness.

For couples preparing for marriage and future parenthood, early mental health assessments can provide invaluable insights, allowing them to address potential issues before they escalate.
How Parental Mental Health Affects Children
A child’s development is deeply influenced by their parents' mental well-being. Research shows that maternal mental health conditions, such as postpartum depression and anxiety, can have lasting effects on a child’s emotional, social, and academic growth. When left untreated, these conditions can perpetuate a cycle of trauma across generations.

Benefits of Pre-Marital Mental Health Assessments

1. Stronger Emotional Bonds – Understanding each other's mental health needs fosters empathy, leading to better communication and a stronger marital foundation.
2. Informed Family Planning – Couples gain awareness of potential genetic predispositions to mental health conditions, allowing them to make informed decisions about parenthood.
3. Breaking the Stigma – Making mental health discussions a standard part of pre-marital preparation helps normalize these conversations in Nigerian society.
4. Better Parenting Preparation – Addressing mental health before marriage ensures couples are emotionally equipped to provide a stable and nurturing environment for their children.
How Nigeria Can Implement Pre-Marital Mental Health Assessments
1. Policy Development – Government and healthcare organizations should create guidelines integrating mental health screenings into pre-marital counseling.
2. Public Awareness Campaigns – Educating Nigerians about the significance of mental health in marriage through social media, radio, and TV campaigns.
3. Training Professionals – Equipping counselors and healthcare providers with the skills to conduct assessments and provide necessary support.
4. Affordable Access to Therapy – Subsidizing mental health services and making them accessible through public and private healthcare systems.
5. Community-Based Training – Training key figures in communities, such as religious leaders who conduct pre-marital counseling, to recognize and address mental health concerns. Many Nigerians look up to their religious leaders for guidance, making them vital in promoting mental health awareness and support.

Conclusion
Adaobi and Chike's story is a wake-up call. By prioritizing mental health before marriage, we lay the groundwork for healthier families and a stronger Nigeria. It’s time to consider pre-marital mental health assessments as a crucial step towards responsible parenting and emotional well-being.
Let’s start the conversation. What are your thoughts on making pre-marital mental health checks a requirement in Nigeria? Share your opinions in the comments below!
Stay Connected!
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