Health

Nigerian Factor: How to handle depression and be happier

Published

2 years ago

2022/02/10

Depression, a mental or mood disorder, that could result in a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest can be triggered by the economic situation of a nation among other environmental issues.

The reason for this is not far-fetched since recession in the economy may result in high unemployment rates and increased poverty. A lot of studies have validated this.

The Coronavirus pandemic significantly affected Nigeria’s economy just like it is the case in most Western countries. Although Nigeria, more than expected exited recession in Q4 of 2020 after posting a 0.11% GDP growth, many Nigerians can still not decipher especially when the Naira power is flexed in the forex market.

Nigeria’s economy to a larger extent depends on the dollar considering the volume of importation.

Causes of Depression in Nigeria

While Nigerians may suffer depression due to the state of the economy and cost of living, there are other things that could trigger depression. It is however worthy to note that this complex disease has no typical cause.

Some of the factors that may cause depression include:

Abuse
Medications
Loss of loved one(s)
Gender (women are more prone)
Illness
Conflict/War

How to handle/treat depression

Depression is a state of the mind. If the mental health can appear depressed, it can also not be depressed. Any individual can manage depression, it only requires personal conviction and readiness of taking the leap.

Open Up

Visiting a psychologist in a nation like Nigeria is a move that is usually dissuaded as many people think such a visit confirms the patient is mad. Madness is without doubt a mental disorder, but not all mental disorders such as depression is madness.

If you cannot afford the price of a psychologies, talk to someone. Opening up about what is bothering you can help overcome the depressing feeling it triggers.

Mingle with friends and/or family

Go out more often. Mingle with friends, engage in discussions that may help you get your mind off what is getting you worried. You may also avoid sleeping alone and instead sleeping over at trusted friends place for instance.