DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY AMONG NIGERIAN YOUTHS

Hi guys let`s talk about something that has been killing people long before coronavirus.

Over the past few years , the number of suicides among youths have been alarming and it’s quite sad that in this country mental health is not prioritized nor is it taken seriously. No proper education on this issue whatsoever. 

We have heard of cases where depressed victims actually reach out to their friends, siblings or in some cases parents about how life is tiring, hard or unfair to them and they were never taken seriously.

Depression and anxiety are among the most common mental health conditions experienced by young people around the world. Research findings suggest that the number of youths who experience this each year is on the rise

Often times the symptoms are either not recognized or the signs are ignored, passed off as part of a ‘coming of age’ phase or dismissed as normal mood swings.

 Hence, these young kids do not get any help or medical attention until it is too late.
Youths in Nigeria are prone to suffer from depression and anxiety.

This is particularly true for those who are burdened with pressures from  school, dealing with financial issues , emotional trauma  from past relationships or past experiences, work related stress , or even the feeling of loneliness especially after moving away from home.

Most Nigerian youths especially the males do not speak up or seek help as a result of the toxic masculinity culture in the Nigerian society where vulnerability is perceived as weakness, leading to them suffering alone and  in silence. 

As a young girl in my early twenties about to graduate, trying to figure my life out, to pave a way for myself in this country, I sometimes find myself experiencing anxiety attacks or feeling unnecessarily anxious about life. 

What works for me each time I am in that space is talking to people not just any random person but trustworthy friends and confidants I know will not downplay my emotions and worries and  then I say prayers of peace and calm. 

I honestly feel like everyone should make a habit out of checking in on their loved ones and those around and any slight change in their behavior or attitude towards life should never be dismissed, always support and encourage them.

Most importantly be kind to people , especially on social media. We often hear stories of people who commit suicide or attempt to as a result of cyber bulling. Let’s do better, remember the tongue is a sharp-edged sword, in this context however, our hands . Use those fingers to type healing and peace to people, uplift people, don’t pull them down. Don’t be a troll, be compassionate. Don’t release words that even you can’t take. 

Lastly, if you`re the one experiencing depression or anxiety please seek help from a professional or talk to a trusted person about it . Above all Pray, Talk to God, his sessions are free❤.
I love you ❤️
Stay safe 💜