Stress occasioned by various challenges is a major trigger for mental and physical illnesses among Nigerians, said retired Brigadier-General Gbenga Okulate.

Mr Okulate, a psychiatrist with the Nigeria Military Hospital Yaba (NMHY), made this statement on Wednesday in Lagos during an interview.

He said that the country’s lingering socio-economic situation and insecurity have generally imposed massive stress on Nigerians.

“In the last few years, Nigerians have dealt with issues like kidnapping, attacks and socio-economic downturns, among others.

“The recent fuel scarcity, forcing an individual to stay in the queue for over three hours to buy fuel even at exorbitant prices, is a major stressor for Nigerians,” he said.

Also, the psychiatrist said traffic gridlock experienced in major cities, especially Lagos, translates to stress which predisposes to health challenges.

“In Lagos, people are so aggressive due to stress being faced with the challenges to meet up with the demands of life.”

He said that about 90 per cent of those who attempted to take their lives were known to have psychiatric problems.

Mr Okulate added that out of the figure, 80 per cent were due to stress, depression, and other socio-economic conditions in the country.

The psychiatrist called on the government to be more proactive in addressing the socio-economic challenges in the country to reduce the stressors faced by the citizens.

(NAN)