Reported by: Puis Althea | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with a deepening cost-of-living crisis, mental health professionals are raising urgent alarms about the silent epidemic of stress and its devastating impact on the nation's psychological wellbeing. Consultant Psychiatrists have warned that the socio-economic pressures of the current reality are turning many Nigerians into "moving time bombs," with accumulated stress leading to quick anger, irritability, and severe mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and even suicidal ideation. In separate interviews, two leading experts — Dr Stephen Oluwaniyi, Head of Clinical Services at the Federal Neuro-psychiatric Hospital Yaba, and Dr Taiwo Obindo, President of the Association of Psychiatrists of Nigeria — outlined the signs of stress and offered practical coping strategies for a population under immense strain.
Dr Stephen Oluwaniyi, speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, identified stress as a major risk factor for developing mental health conditions. He stated that the first step to relieving stress is to identify the stressors in one's life. "Everyone experiences stress at various times in their lives. It's a normal reaction that occurs when an individual encounters changes or challenges," he explained. "Stress management involves being able to identify the stressors and using techniques to improve how one responds to them." He emphasised that stress management has become imperative, particularly in light of the current economic challenges, which he described as stressors that could trigger mental health conditions.
Echoing these sentiments, Dr Taiwo Obindo, who also serves as the President of the Association of Psychiatrists of Nigeria, decried the rate at which people easily get angry, attributing this behavioural change to piled-up socio-economic stressors. "I described quite a number of people as 'moving time bombs' as they are easily angered," he said. "The statistics may not be there, but there is obvious anger in the lives of many presently; people get angry so easily at any slight provocation." He listed the stressors as a lack of jobs, inability to cater for family, frustrations, financial imbalance, inflation, marital issues, and the high cost of living. According to him, many Nigerians are stressed by the socio-economic challenges currently being experienced in the country, and some are even resorting to abusing psychoactive substances, which further exacerbates the problem.
The experts have outlined several key warning signs that indicate an individual is suffering from excessive stress. These include persistent fatigue, irritability, mood swings, sleep disorders (such as insomnia or excessive sleeping), social withdrawal, poor concentration, loss of motivation, and physical symptoms like headaches, chest pain, and digestion problems. Dr Obindo stressed that prolonged days of sleeplessness can be an indicator of a mental health problem that needs to be checked, describing poor sleep and stress as gateways to mental illness. He stated that depression, lack of happiness, sudden loss of interest, and anxiety disorders are other factors that could trigger mental illness.
To manage and reduce stress, the psychiatrists have recommended several practical measures. Dr Oluwaniyi advised that people should learn to manage what they have and be innovative to overcome the current situation. "Prioritising our mental health during these difficult times is just as important as our physical health," he said. "Try to be more innovative and contented with what you have." He urged Nigerians to always share their thoughts with positive people, stating that "constantly surrounding yourself with positive people will help manage stress and depression." He noted that buying expensive clothes or jewellery will not bring permanent happiness; rather, people need to create time for relaxation and look beyond the economic situation of the country, focusing on the positive in every bad situation.
Dr Obindo emphasised that making time each day to take care of mental health is crucial. "Scheduling time for enjoyable activities and relaxation techniques can offer encouragement in the face of uncertainty," he stated. He stressed that setting achievable goals and time management are key to coping with stress and depression because unrealistic expectations put individuals under a lot of pressure. "Pay attention to your health. Prioritise sleep and rest, because they are fundamental to mental health," he warned. He lamented that many people had suddenly slumped and died due to accumulated stress. "If you work and die today, someone will replace you at the workplace, but no one replaces you in the family," he said, urging people not to work continuously without making time to rest. "Even during the working hours, there should be a 'timeout session' for a short break because work can be overwhelming sometimes."
Furthermore, Dr Obindo explained the importance of sleep, noting that every human being is expected to spend one-third of their lifetime sleeping. He said that the nerves of the brain repair and position themselves for better functioning during sleep. Sleep deprivation, he added, impacts one's level of productivity at the workplace and can lower alertness and concentration. "Getting a good sleep is extremely important for mental health. It is just as important as eating a balanced diet and exercising," he said. "Sleep deficiency has been linked to depression, anxiety and mental distress." Both experts agreed that regular physical activity, engaging in positive activities that bring happiness, and avoiding anger could help prevent stress and depression. Dr Obindo also advised people to go for holidays, vacations, and socialise with positive people.
The psychiatrists also addressed the specific issue of quick anger. On measures for managing this behaviour, Dr Obindo recommended that the socio-economic stressors should be identified and addressed. He suggested that people should be educated on stress management tips, advising that "one may have to count up to ten or 20 angry incidents before reacting." He also recommended engaging in regular exercise to release stress and avoiding any food or substance that may increase stress levels. Dr Salawu Abiola, a Mental Health Advocate and Immediate Past President of the Association of Resident Doctors at the Federal Neuro-psychiatric Hospital Yaba, urged Nigerians to keep hope alive, speak out, and always seek help even in the face of biting economic hardships. "People should not give up hope of a better tomorrow; they should keep hope alive for a better Nigeria because nothing lasts forever," he said.
As the economic crisis continues to tighten its grip, the message from Nigeria's leading psychiatrists is clear: the nation's mental health is at a tipping point. While the stressors may be unavoidable, the experts insist that how Nigerians respond to them can make the difference between coping and collapsing. The call is for a deliberate shift towards self-care, community support, and a collective effort to identify and address the root causes of the nation's psychological distress.
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