Suddenly, our society is gradually witnessing a serious trend; depression among individuals in the society. It is not as if this development is alien completely, but the rate at which people, old and young are suffering from mood disorder and feelings of sadness is very alarming these days. Those whose cases are not discovered on time, and could not be managed effectively by the health professionals often times lead to unforeseen consequences on the affected person. Statistically, the numbers of those suffering from this kind of medical condition are not readily available but the crux of the matter, so to say is that many Nigerians today have either become recluse or suffering from advanced psychological problems, unknowingly. Unfortunately, this is happening at a time when greater percentage of the citizenry is not able to meet their daily needs, owing to poorly managed economy. Beyond the challenge of economic woes, numerous problems arising from unemployment, insecurity, and most recently starvation, which the society is seriously contending with, also has driven a large number of people to this state of health that was not pronounced in the past.
In short, the inability of many Nigerians to afford basic necessities of life which food and shelter are the chief priorities, would remain talk of the town for a very long time. For example, with the recent flood that swept across the country, where many died and millions displaced, and are currently living in makeshift accommodation, chances are that mental health conditions of those affected may be in decline if there is no serious intervention to resettle the displaced people by the government. Suffice to say that insufficient access to quality standard of living which is the hue and cry today in our clime surely is killing more people faster than the known dreaded diseases in the country; just that the number of the casualties are under reported. Today, the young ones in the society have developed the mindset of running away from the country which they refer to as “japa’, at all cost and against all odds. This is happening because there is this belief among the young people that there is nothing for them in the country, especially those that have remained unemployed many years after graduating from the university. By and large, the economic downturn really is having adverse effect, not only on the depressed people but also on everybody.
The difference is that some are suffering and smiling! Nigerians, as it stands are yet to see the expected economic transformation for many years now. It however appears as if the government has abandoned the people, seeing how things are, at the moment. In all these, what should be the role of the Church in a society like ours, where things are turning awry economically? In Acts of the Apostles Chapter 4 vs. 32, the Bible declared ”Now the multitude of those who believed was of one heart and one soul, neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common”. The Church is a spiritual place most importantly, and of succour and hope for the congregation. This time makes it more imperative for the Church to play her role of spiritual and material nourishment for all members, especially the vulnerable ones who do not have anywhere to run to. It is also a time to deliberately support members that are in need which the word of God approves.
Again, the family bonds which are gradually evaporating due to fear and distrust, arising from wickedness pervading everywhere deserves a second look if we all must survive at a time like this. There is absolute need for the government that controls all the resources available in the land to understand that it has a major role to play in the lives of all the citizenry in good health and otherwise. Government should broaden sources of improving health and economic requirements to meet the need of the people. Also, those who may find themselves in this state of mental health leading to depression should talk to family and friends. Above all, where there is aggravation, the help of mental health experts should be sought. In other words, let everyone concerned seek help from the right source!
