According to statistics, 91 percent of Nigerian youth suffer from depression and anxiety, particularly social anxiety. Depression and anxiety are deeply rooted in societal and cultural values that attempt to avoid them. 14% of these young people go on to commit suicide. This is due to the lack of importance given to this subject.
Depression is a psychological condition that generates a chronic sense of sadness and is characterized by feelings of extreme despondency and dejection. Anxiety is a normal reaction to stressful situations and triggers, such as public speaking or other activities that require speaking to large groups of people.
According to a UNICEF study, children and young people in Nigeria experience the greatest pressure to succeed globally.
The survey results show that young people in Nigeria are facing a mental health crisis, with one in every six young Nigerians aged 15 to 24 reporting that they frequently feel depressed, have little interest in doing things, or are worried, nervous, or anxious.
As many as 85% say they feel more pressure to succeed than their elders. An estimated 1.4 million young people in Nigeria struggle with anxiety and depression, according to a Nigerian psychiatrist. He went on to suggest that statistics collected over time may have indicated that this has worsened.
Because early discovery of warning signals of drug usage could help combat any kind of depression, he urged parents to be extra cautious and notice any odd behavior in their children.
“One of the most prevalent mental illnesses in today’s culture is depression. Over 300 million individuals worldwide suffer from depression, according to data from 2015. There should be investigation of the 7 million people, or 43% of the country’s population, who suffer from depression and drug usage in Nigeria alone. Suicidal thoughts often result in guilt, so it is best to steer clear of guilt-inducing activities like religious guilt. As a result of rising rates of marijuana, cocaine, alcohol, and peer pressure, approximately 1.4 million young people now report having mental health issues.
