Mental health challenges of married women in Ilorin Metropolis: Insights from clinical experiences

Abstract

This qualitative study explored the mental health challenges faced by married women in Ilorin Metropolis, drawing insights from their experiences in a counselling clinic. The study employed a phenomenological approach to capture the essence of the participants' experiences. Ten participants were purposely selected from women who sought counselling services, based on their willingness to share their lived experiences. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted in a private setting within the counselling clinic. This ensured confidentiality, comfort for the participants and narrative-based understanding of the psychological issues they encountered within their marital lives. Thematic analysis was used to identify and interpret the key themes emerging from the data. The findings revealed that the mental health challenges of these women were deeply intertwined with sociocultural expectations, marital dynamics, and limited access to mental health resources. Many participants reported feelings of isolation, overwhelming responsibilities, and a lack of emotional support from their spouses, contributing to their psychological distress. Participants also expressed that counselling services offer great relief even though, there is a need for improved accessibility and personalized care to better address the diverse needs of married women. The study concluded that the mental health challenges of married women are enormous and they significantly impact their overall well-being. It was recommended among others that there is a strong need for targeted mental health interventions that address the unique needs of this group within clinical settings.