COPING IN DARK TIMES

Psychological distress from conflict is harmful to both children and adults regardless of racial, tribal, or cultural background. People tend to experience a sense of helplessness and despair and the most common mental health issue is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related symptoms of depression, anxiety, inattention, sleeping difficulties, nightmares, and survival guilt. This is because the wounds from conflicts are not confined to the battlefield.

The past weeks have been very dark and eventful in our country. Lives have been lost, many have been maimed or injured and some of us have been mentally scarred by the events of the Lekki Massacre that took place on the night of the 20th October 2020.

These are dark times and while it will not be easy to get past it, here are some recovery steps we should take to safeguard our mental health:

1. Control the kind of information you consume (e.g. Social media videos, pictures, television coverages, etc.) especially those with high blood pressure, weak hearts, chronic depression, our elderly, etc.
2. Speak to a therapist. These therapists/counselors are available if you need someone to talk to professionally.
3. Exercise regularly. This helps burn off adrenaline and release endorphins to improve your mood.
4. Don’t isolate yourself. Try as much as possible to connect with family and friends. You can also volunteer and help others in need.
5. Relax your body and support your body with a healthy diet. Get plenty of sleep and avoid alcohol and drugs.
6. Stop blaming yourself for the outcome of things. Let the fact that you were on a good cause console you. Even though it didn’t turn out okay, it will eventually.

7. Be patient and understanding to yourself. Feeling better takes time, so be patient with your pace of recovery. Little progress is still progress. I can assure you, you will be fine.