Over the weekend, the social media was agog with the story of a medical doctor that committed suicide by jumping off the Third Mainland bridge straight into the deep waters below, *people dey get mind sha. E no fear that wota!*
Anyway, there are many versions of stories as to why he took his own life but I wont select the one that suits me fine and say that that was what actually prompted him to take the decision he took. None is conclusive till investigations are over.
The fact is that many people, in this Nigeria, are walking time bombs. There are a lot of repressed emotions that are just clamouring for a way out, if no rational outlet is available then the irrational outlet becomes the rational one. To live a comfortable life on mother earth doesn't require magic or rocket science equations to figure out. The basic amenities needed for a meaningful life is just what the people need and if the government fails to make them available, life would just be hard. That is why, in Nigeria, almost everyone walks about with a permanent frown on the face.
Mr. A: Oga, good morning Sir.
Oga: Eheh and what is good about the morning?
And Mr. A starts wondering where the antagonism is coming from that early in the morning but little does he know that Oga is thinking about the kids' school fees, almost due house rent and other bills outstanding bills.
No electricity, no good roads, no meaningful income, no good education, no security.
Yes mass killings, yes robbery attacks, yes mosquitoes, yes harsh scorching sun.
These are just to mention but a few o, so tell me how a human being can live in these conditions and expect to be at his or her best. People are merely surviving from one day to the other, counting the days till they just log off and die. Compounded frustrating issues everywhere.
On the other hand, it is about time that mental health doctors, psychologists, guidance councillors, etc are appreciated more. Over here, mental doctors are seen as those doctors that treat stark naked mad people but that is not so. Mental disorders come in various degrees and forms, which makes it pertinent to seek the help of these professionals so that the issue will be managed on time and also managed properly.
Many good looking people out there have one form of craze or the other and nobody would know. Sometimes, they themselves may not even know till someone points it out to them. Trust Nigerians nau, tell a person that he has a mental disorder and see what will be pronounced upon you and your generation.
In essence, at the two sides, the government has to make life a bit more meaningful for its citizens while on the other side, a lot of awareness has to be made on the importance of professionals that deal with the mind. It is obtainable in other climes, so should also be available here.
