As economic hardship takes a toll on Nigerians, clinical psychologist Adedotun Ajiboye has advised people to live within their means. He also urged Nigerians to be their brothers’ keepers to avoid mental health issues.

“As families and individuals, let us help ourselves not waiting for what the government will do for you. The government cannot do everything for you. Learn a skill so you can stand on your own,” said Mr Ajiboye of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, in an interview in Abuja on Monday.

He, however, stressed that “both leaders and followers can help our economy become good.”

The latest inflation data from the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics shows a continuous increase in the prices of food items in the country, leaving many Nigerians hungry and barely able to feed properly.

“When you are malnourished and getting sick, the person is sad and what is bringing about that sadness? It is because the person is sick in their body. You can see the spiral effect of the bad economy,” explained the psychologist. “Initially, it affects the biological status (the body) and it is now transferred to the psychological status.”

He added, “When you know your children are hungry and you cannot feed them, it will make you sad and because of that you may not be able to sleep and when your sleep is lost, it can lead to a toxic disorder.

“Someone may begin to hallucinate because of insomnia (disruptions in how you feel or function because you are not sleeping well or sleeping enough) because of negative emotions and worrying about tomorrow. You begin to have thoughts of hopelessness when you cannot sleep and this leads to depression and can lead to suicide.”

He said another effect of the bad economy on the psychological status of a person had to do with behaviour.

“So we see the effects of a bad economy. It has a spiral effect; homes, workplaces, and even churches have been affected. You hear people stealing money in church,” Mr Ajiboye stressed.

He said one of the ways to address the effects of a bad economy on mental health was for people to be their brother’s keepers and live within their means.

“If the government is not helping us, we can help ourselves. Let us reduce our extravagant lifestyle, like buying expensive aso ebi and exotic cars. Such money can be used to create organisations that will employ and empower people,” the psychologist stated.

Mr Ajiboye added, “I am not saying we should not socialise, but wisdom is profitable to direct. So what we followers are doing is also outrageous. There is what you call calculated risk that will lead to negative outcomes.

“For example, do not say because my friend put his kids in a private university, I must do the same. That would be a misplaced priority; cut your cloth according to your size. You may never have poor mental health if you can manage yourself and live within your means.”

(NAN)