Understanding Depression in Nigeria: Real Case Studies

Depression and mental illness are serious issues that affect millions of people around the world, and Nigeria is no exception. Despite being a country with a rich cultural heritage and vibrant community, mental health remains a largely misunderstood and stigmatized issue in Nigeria. According to the World Health Organization, one in four Nigerians will experience a mental health condition at some point in their lives, yet only a small fraction of them receive the necessary treatment.

One of the main reasons for the lack of proper treatment for mental illness in Nigeria is the cultural and societal stigma surrounding it. Many Nigerians believe that mental illness is a result of personal weakness or a spiritual problem, and as a result, those who suffer from it are often shunned and ostracized by their families and communities. This stigma can have devastating effects on individuals, leading them to suffer in silence and not seek help.

One such case is that of 23-year-old Aisha, who was diagnosed with clinical depression at the age of 19. Aisha's symptoms started during her final year of university when she struggled to keep up with her studies and maintain relationships. She would often feel sad, and hopeless, and experience intense feelings of guilt for no apparent reason. Her family and friends dismissed her struggles as a mere phase, and she was told to pray and have faith in God to make her better. However, Aisha's condition only worsened, and she eventually had to drop out of university.

After months of struggling alone, Aisha finally sought help and was diagnosed with clinical depression. She was prescribed medication and therapy, but she faced backlash from her family and community for seeking treatment for a 'spiritual problem.' Aisha's story is not unique in Nigeria, as many people with mental illness face similar challenges in seeking treatment due to the cultural stigma attached to it.

Another case study is that of 42-year-old Ibrahim, who has been living with schizophrenia for over 20 years. Ibrahim's symptoms began in his early twenties, and he was labeled as 'possessed' by his community. He was chained and abused by his family, who believed that he was a danger to himself and others. It was not until a local NGO intervened and provided him with proper treatment that Ibrahim's condition improved. However, he still faces discrimination and struggles to find employment due to his mental illness.

The stories of Aisha and Ibrahim are just two examples of the challenges faced by individuals with mental 0illness in Nigeria. Despite the passing of the Mental Health Act in 2013, which aims to promote and protect the rights of people with mental illness, there is still a lack of proper infrastructure and resources to support those in need.

However, there is hope for change. Organizations such as Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI) and She Writes Woman are working towards breaking the stigma surrounding mental illness in Nigeria. They provide support, education, and advocacy for individuals with mental health conditions, and have been instrumental in changing the narrative around mental health in the country.

Depression and mental illness are prevalent in Nigeria, and the stigma attached to it only makes it harder for those who suffer to seek the help they need. Nigerian society must educate themselves and break the stigma surrounding mental health. With health proper support and resources, individuals like Aisha and Ibrahim can live fulfilling lives and contribute positively to their communities.

Credit: World Health Organization (2006)

Depression and mental health

YOUR LOVED ONES, THEY MATTER!

 YOUR LOVED ONES, THEY MATTER!

As a child in an African home, I had little or no say. I was taught that respect for my elders was the ultimate and when being scolded, I was not allowed to speak except given permission, which was a rare thing. My father who was in the paramilitary ruled with a heavy hand. His word was law. Once I became older and went to the university, I rebelled and fought to be free. As soon as I was done with college and got a job, I moved out of the house to a distant location. Living alone was no fun; I had to pay bills that I never knew existed. I wanted to get away from my dad, so I toughed it out. 

I rarely went home to visit him. One time I went home, and all of a sudden, my dad had aged. He looked frail and tired. He was ill but I did not know. When I found out, he had a stroke. He landed in the hospital and I had to be away from my job for about three weeks to care for his needs. He was discharged from the hospital and we became friends. I would sit with him in silence. I came home every week to visit him, and I realized that he was just being a father in the best way he knew. A few months after he was discharged from the hospital, he passed away!

WHO ARE YOUR LOVED ONES?

Your loved ones are the people who care about you, the ones who have your back, the ones whose shoulder you cry on, the ones that hurt when you hurt and smile when you smile, the ones that you swear to lay down your life for; those are your loved ones. It is not just family. Anyone can be dear to you, even a stranger.

YOUR LOVED ONES AND YOU

You might say you need no one but if you lose your loved one because of pride, anger, distance, or death, you will hurt in ways you never knew existed. As the years go by, there will always be a wistful feeling of loss. You will yearn for them but it might be too late. You can keep your loved ones close by. Do not take them for granted. So go after them, call them, get on the next flight and appear at their doorstep just this one time. Treat them like they are worth your time and resources, and do not put them in impossible situations. Love unconditionally, be a friend in every circumstance, be humane, and have a conscience. Do not take their being around for granted; they could be taken from you at any point regardless of age. It is not always death; war, location, and arguments could create a wedge in your midst. We all need support from others.

WHAT IF IT IS TOO LATE?

For some, it is too late. Death may have swooped in like a vulture and snatched your loved one away. You constantly live with the guilt of the love lost before the permanent separation. You just have to forgive yourself and forge ahead. If there is the need to see a therapist, do it. There will always be a yearning, but the guilt will be gone and the pain will be less. Loved ones are like roses, they beautify your life. They matter! 

SAMPLE SCRIPT FOR ESL TEACHING INTRODUCTION VIDEO

Since the Covid epidemic began, a lot of job seekers have sought remote jobs. Adverts for different professions are all over the place. When applying for a teaching job, especially a remote one, you might be asked to make a short introduction video. It could seem quite daunting, especially, if you are not acquainted with such. It is not difficult. You do not have to be an orator to achieve this. You are not expected to create a script of 1000 words. The length of the video will depend on the number of words. The video is usually between 2 - 5mins, so 200 - 300 words would do. Remember to smile while shooting the video. Don’t be too serious. You do not need to memorise the script. It is supposed to guide you and streamline your script.

 

Here are a few tips to guide you in writing the script.

- Introduce yourself. You could begin with a greeting, your name, and what you do.

- Talk about your interests. Do not exaggerate or lie to make yourself look good. Your interest could be nature, photography, volunteer work, travel, tutoring etc. 

- Explain why you love teaching.

- What students should expect to get from your class.

- Convince the students or listener to choose you. 

 

Take a look at the example below.

 

Good day, my name is Sean. I reside in Lagos, Nigeria. I am a graduate of English Education. I teach language arts, and I have been a teacher for over six years. I have experience teaching students in elementary, middle and, high school. I enjoy reading novels and comics. Although I have access to many eBooks, I prefer to get the hard copy, especially the hardcover, which is usually more expensive than the paperback.

As an English Language teacher, I teach grammar, reading and comprehension, spelling and research skills, writing and its mechanics, and speech work. I love teaching because it gives me a chance to see how kids see the world. Through language arts and reading lessons, I can share the knowledge I have with students. Teaching is not tiresome. Every class, every class is different despite the routine. I create a conducive atmosphere where students can relate with me comfortably. I love to hear their feedback and questions, and I go out of my way to address their concerns.

I had an autistic pupil in my class for a year. It gave me great satisfaction to see him comprehend what was taught, interact with his peers and, become less dependent. 

I constantly learn from students because learning never stops. Join me on this learning journey. You will be glad to have me as your teacher. Thank you.

 

Take note of the following: 

 

- Remember to shoot the video in a bright environment. 

- Ensure that the camera is stable.

- Your background should not be dull but it should not be so colourful that it distracts the listener from you.

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WHOSE SAFE SPACE ARE YOU?

 When my friends go through stuff (ups and downs), and I mean, my friends, they come to me; I am their safe space. They tell me how they feel, we cry, we deflate the pain they go through and, try to fix the problem together. 

 

When I go through stuff, I get to go through it alone. I say nothing to no one because I need to remain the 'safe space.' I do not want my friends to think that I am no longer that 'safe space,' because I have no idea how they will cope. I am not the best of humans, but I am a good listener, I feel empathy, and I try my best not to judge. I have read so many novels that no life occurrence feels new to me. But I hurt when my friends hurt, I sob when they sob, and I feel good when things get sorted out. I may not take my problems to them but, it gives me satisfaction to know that I can be there for my friends.

 

When it comes to me, I feel happy knowing that I can help out. Is it difficult for me to heal when I go through stuff? Oh yes! It is a difficult, and slow healing process. But is it worth it? Every single moment is worth it.  I feel like I am the sounding board for my friends and knowing that they can come to me at any time is more than enough payment for me.

 

I know that my friends and I will be okay in the end because God has got them, and God has got me. 

💗💗💗