Mental health: Psychiatrist canvasses adequate emotional management

A psychiatrist has urged Nigerians to adequately be in control and manage their emotions and feelings to avert the adverse effects of depression.

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Dr Stephen Oluwaniyi, a Consultant Psychiatrist, gave the advice in an interview in Lagos.

Depression had become rampant among the populace, especially youths, an average Nigerian battles with depression.

Oluwaniyi, who is the Head of Training and Research, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, explained that depression is a mental health condition marked by overwhelming feelings of sadness, isolation and despair that affects how a person thinks, feels and functions.

He said that the increase in depression cases has made it pertinent for more attention to be paid to the disorder to avert its adverse effects on the populace and economy.

“Depression is normal but becomes a problem when there is an underlying disease, or when feelings become excessive and interfere with daily living conditions,” Oluwaniyi added.

The psychiatrist listed causes of mental depression to include restless sleep, stress, anxiety, financial troubles, repeatedly going over thoughts, childhood trauma, job loss, financial imbalance or a divorce, among others.

He further said certain medical conditions may also trigger depression, including an underactive thyroid gland, cancer, heart disease, prolonged pain and other significant illnesses.

“Imbalance in the brain’s signalling chemicals most times, is responsible for mental depression in many patients. Depression can affect people of all ages and can strike at any time.

“People with depression may experience a variety of symptoms, but most common is a deep feeling of sadness or a marked loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities,” he added.

Oluwaniyi said engaging in positive activities that give happiness while avoiding anger could help to prevent depression.

According to him, anger elevates blood pressure, increases the threat of stroke, heart disease, cancer, depression, and anxiety and in general, depresses the immune system.

He said, “Anger produces a physiological crash. The angrier one gets, the more depressed he/she becomes. The inability to control emotions and feelings is the major cause of depression.

“If one is in a happy state, it means less trouble, stress and better well-being; if one is unhappy, there will be depression, suicide, anxiety and stress disorder.

“Depression is a significant problem that has affected some youths, forcing them into drugs.”