The Presidential and National Assembly elections were held on Saturday, February 25th, and there has been palpable tension across the country following the collation of the election results and stakeholders raising issues bordering on irregularities in the process.
Speaking in an interview with The PUNCH, the President of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, Taiwo Obindo, said there were chances of increased blood pressure, heart disease, and depression as an unintended consequence of these elections, especially if one’s expectations were high.
Combine that with reports of some individuals taking their own lives as a direct result of these elections and the anxiety building around this Saturday’s governorship and state assembly elections and what you have is the perfect storm, a recipe for disaster.
While depression and anxiety are two of the most common mental health conditions that can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life and seeking professional help from a mental health expert is important, there are other ways to overcome them and improve your mental health.
Seek Professional Help
The first step in overcoming depression and anxiety is to seek professional help. This could involve seeing a therapist, counselor, psychiatrist, or other mental health professionals. These professionals have the training and expertise to help you identify the underlying causes of your depression and anxiety, develop coping strategies, and provide support as you work through these conditions.
Practice Self-Care
Self-care is essential for maintaining good mental health. This can include getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in regular exercise. It is also important to set aside time for relaxation and hobbies that bring you joy. Taking care of your physical health can help to improve your mental health and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Develop Coping Strategies
Developing coping strategies is another important way to overcome depression and anxiety. This could involve practicing mindfulness and meditation, journaling, or talking to friends and family. These coping strategies can help you to manage stress and anxiety in healthy ways, and provide you with the tools to cope with difficult situations.
Connect with Others
Connecting with others is an important part of overcoming depression and anxiety. This could involve joining a support group or participating in social activities with friends and family. Connecting with others can provide you with a sense of belonging and support, which can be helpful in managing symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Challenge Negative Thoughts
Negative thoughts and self-talk can contribute to feelings of depression and anxiety. Challenging negative thoughts and replacing them with positive affirmations can be helpful in changing your mindset and improving your mental health. This could involve keeping a gratitude journal, practicing positive self-talk, or seeking out professional help to work through negative thought patterns.
Practice Acceptance
Accepting your feelings and emotions, rather than trying to suppress them, can be a helpful part of overcoming depression and anxiety. This could involve practicing self-compassion and acknowledging that it is normal to feel sad, anxious, or overwhelmed at times. Accepting your feelings can help you to move forward and develop healthy coping strategies.
Overcoming depression and anxiety is possible with the right tools and support. By seeking professional help, practicing self-care, developing coping strategies, connecting with others, challenging negative thoughts, and practicing acceptance, you can improve your mental health and live a more fulfilling life.
Remember, there is no shame in seeking help, and it is important to prioritize your mental health and well-being!
You are precious to us, so do take care of yourselves.
